Along with his touring band The Wind, MJ Lenderman will take the stage at Proud Larry’s on Sunday, Feb. 2.
Lenderman’s stop in Oxford is one of many on his tour, “MJ Lenderman and The Wind,” that continues through the beginning of March. The tour spans the United States, British Columbia and the United Kingdom.
After rock band opener Wild Pink, concert attendees can expect to hear Lenderman and The Wind play songs from their most recent album, “Manning Fireworks.” The band released their newest album, “Dulling the Horns,” in October 2024.
Kesler Smith, a junior psychology and Southern studies double major from Oxford, discovered Lenderman’s music through social media and is looking forward to hearing his blend of genres.
“I first heard about MJ Lenderman after someone posted his song ‘Someone Get the Grill out of the Rain’ on their Instagram story. I think I was drawn to his music because of his voice and the fact that he kinda genre bends,” Smith said.
According to The Bitter Southerner writer Jewly Hight, Lenderman adds a unique sound to the indie rock scene.
“The self-important idealism and ambition of the ’60s and grand glam and theatrical gestures of the ’70s and ’80s give him setups for knowing jokes,” Hight said. “The defiant unkemptness and ironic underpinnings of ’90s indie rock and alt-country are a frequent jumping-off point, and he’s been belatedly delighting in the galvanizing, economical classic rock riffing of Tom Petty.”
Smith is not the only one looking forward to hearing Lenderman’s music live on Saturday, as the concert is sold out across many ticket platforms.
“I want to see him in concert to experience his work live. Live music can change one’s perspective on an artist and open up new feelings towards certain pieces,” Smith said. “His voice is very distinct, and he has all of these interesting musical elements going on at the same time. They layer really well together.”
Ellis Farese, a senior creative writing major from Oxford, is a fan of Lenderman’s lyricism and authenticity.
“I love the folk-rock genre, and I found MJ Lenderman through similar artists. I find his lyricism witty and impactful,” Farese said. “I like what he writes and sings about. It feels real and authentic, not cliche, romanticized and overdone.”
Farese recommended his music to anyone who appreciates music with intricate storytelling.
“I would recommend his music to others, especially people who enjoy folk-rock and appreciate thoughtful storytelling in music,” Farese said. “His work feels genuine, and his word choice impresses me. I like how he sings about mundane, seemingly overlooked things. It feels human — putting regular, funny, depressing or invigorating anecdotes against music.”
