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Set Checklist
- “Manning Fireworks”
- “She’s Leaving You”
- “Wristwatch”
- “On My Knees”
In a world filled with distractions, MJ Lenderman is paying consideration. You’ll be able to hear it his lyrics: Photos, references and issues that may merely be within the background to most individuals turn into nearly profound in his songwriting.
It is a form of storytelling Lenderman, who additionally performs within the band Wednesday, began gaining recognition for when he launched his final album, 2022’s Boat Songs — and he is mastering that storytelling on his newest document, Manning Fireworks.
Now, the singer-songwriter from Asheville, N.C., is being profiled by the likes of GQ and The New York Occasions. However that heightened profile additionally brings new challenges, particularly as a songwriter.
“It is simply complicated, at occasions, to see what folks connect to you,” he says. “I do not wish to write in the direction of that, now that this model of myself has been created by bands or the web or whoever. I wish to keep as true to myself as attainable.”
In in the present day’s session, Lenderman joins us to speak about creativity, songwriting, staying true to himself and what helps him try this, like studying the work of Southern authors like Harry Crews.
“One factor that I did study from them is writing from your individual perspective and writing in regards to the stuff you do learn about. That is a great way to be a convincing author,” Lenderman says.
Plus, Lenderman performs dwell within the World Cafe studio.
This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Miguel Perez. Our senior producer is Kimberly Junod and our engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and reserving coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.