MJ Lenderman Debuts New Songs at HeAthens Homecoming with a Stellar Live Set

MJ Lenderman turned heads and warmed hearts with fresh tracks at HeAthens Homecoming, showing why he's Americana's golden boy.

When MJ Lenderman stepped onto the stage at HeAthens Homecoming, something special was in the air. If you’ve followed him for a while, you know that each live gig is a little window into his poetic Americana soul—but this time, he brought along new, unreleased tunes that had fans buzzing like a live wire. The annual festival, hosted by the legendary Drive-By Truckers in Athens, Georgia, is known for its rich musical heritage, and Lenderman’s February 11th appearance was nothing short of unforgettable.

MJ Lenderman electrified the crowd at HeAthens Homecoming. Photo credit: Erika Goldring/WireImage

A Night to Remember: MJ Lenderman’s Surprise Debut

What made this night even more intriguing was who Lenderman shared the stage with. Rather than his usual band, the Wind, he was backed by Snocaps’ bassist Brad Cook and Twin Peaks’ Colin Croom on drums. This stripped-down yet powerhouse trio gave the new songs a fresh, raw energy that fans couldn’t get enough of.

The chemistry was palpable as they rolled through two brand-new, unreleased tracks that left the crowd wanting more. Lucky for us, you can catch these debut performances right here:

Covering Classics with Heart and Soul

The set was not just about new material. MJ also paid homage to some of his musical heroes with covers that felt like a master class in Americana and rock heritage.

Highlights included Vic Chesnutt’s mournful ‘Gravity of the Situation’, Neil Young’s wistful ‘Separate Ways’, and Warren Zevon’s haunting ‘Hasten Down the Wind’. Pink Floyd’s iconic ‘Wish You Were Here’ also made an appearance, bringing a surreal, nostalgic moment to the evening.

As if that wasn’t enough, Drive-By Truckers’ frontman Patterson Hood surprised the crowd with a guest appearance. Together, they performed Hood’s solo track ‘Uncle Disney’ and the Truckers’ classic ‘Bob’ — a collaborative moment that perfectly bridged generations of Athens’ musical legacy.

Here’s more footage from the night, capturing the magic live at The Fabulous 40 Watt:

The Full Setlist: A Blend of New, Classic, and Personal

For those keeping tabs, here’s the full setlist MJ Lenderman and company delivered that night:

• ‘Gravity of the Situation’ (Vic Chesnutt cover)
• ‘Separate Ways’ (Neil Young cover)
• ‘Hasten Down the Wind’ (Warren Zevon cover)
• Unreleased song
• ‘Uncle Disney’ (Patterson Hood cover, with Patterson Hood)
• ‘Bob’ (Drive‐By Truckers cover, with Patterson Hood)
• ‘Catholic Priest’
• ‘Pick Up The Pieces’
• Unreleased song
• ‘Wish You Were Here’ (Pink Floyd cover)
• ‘Knockin’

Fans are already speculating whether those new songs are the first taste of an upcoming album, following on the heels of Lenderman’s critically acclaimed 2024 release, Manning Fireworks.

What’s Next for MJ Lenderman?

If Manning Fireworks was any indication, the future looks bright. That album not only landed on top “best of 2024” lists but also featured the standout track ‘She’s Leaving You’, which earned spots on year-end song rankings for its raw lyrical brilliance.

“Manning Fireworks is an album that aches for its cast of freaks and losers, and its success in walking that line is a sign of MJ Lenderman’s richly developing voice.”

Critics praised Manning Fireworks for its poetic depth and poignant storytelling, crowning Lenderman as “Americana’s golden boy.” The album felt like a heartfelt tribute to outsiders and misfits, a theme that resonates deeply with his devoted fanbase.

But MJ has been far from idle since. He joined forces with other artists for a benefit album aiding Hurricane Helene victims, collaborated with Nate Amos from This Is Lorelei on the track ‘Dancing In The Club’, and lent his talents to the new Snocaps album alongside Brad Cook.

Plus, the news that many have been waiting for: a 2026 co-headlining North American tour with Waxahatchee is on the horizon, kicking off this April. If you’re a fan of rich storytelling and stirring melodies, this is a tour you won’t want to miss.

A Fan’s Perspective: More Than Just Music

Seeing MJ Lenderman live is like sitting in with your favorite storyteller at a smoky bar, where every song is a chapter and every note a heartbeat. His ability to blend literary lyricism with Americana grit creates an atmosphere both intimate and electrifying.

The HeAthens Homecoming performance was a reminder of the power of live music—to surprise, to connect, and to carve out moments of shared joy. Those two new songs hinted at exciting chapters ahead, and with the blend of covers and originals, Lenderman reminded us why his place in the Americana scene feels both earned and essential.

Keep the Music Alive: Dive Into MJ Lenderman’s World

Whether you caught the show or are just discovering his work, MJ Lenderman’s music invites you into a world where every song tells a story, and every story feels like home. Stay tuned—those unreleased songs are just the beginning of what promises to be another compelling chapter.

FAQ

• What new songs did MJ Lenderman debut at HeAthens Homecoming?
  MJ Lenderman performed two previously unreleased songs that have sparked speculation about an upcoming album.
• Who joined MJ Lenderman on stage during the performance?
  He was accompanied by Brad Cook of Snocaps on bass and Colin Croom of Twin Peaks on drums, with a special guest appearance by Patterson Hood.
• Which covers were included in the setlist?
  The set featured covers of Vic Chesnutt’s ‘Gravity of the Situation’, Neil Young’s ‘Separate Ways’, Warren Zevon’s ‘Hasten Down the Wind’, Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’, and songs by Patterson Hood and Drive-By Truckers.
• When is MJ Lenderman’s upcoming tour with Waxahatchee?
  The co-headlining North American tour is set to begin in April 2026.
• What album did MJ Lenderman release in 2024?
  He released Manning Fireworks, which received critical acclaim and was named one of the best albums of 2024.

If you love MJ Lenderman’s stories and music, why not bring a piece of that magic home? Shop your favorite album cover poster and decorate your space with the spirit of Americana at our store here.