Today MJ Lenderman released “Knockin,” a beloved staple of his live sets, “Knockin” is a lightning-in-a-bottle distillation of what makes MJ Lenderman one of the most captivating songwriters in recent memory. First appearing on a self-recorded EP, “Knockin” was written between the recording and release of Lenderman’s 2022 breakthrough Boat Songs. Growing from tender beginnings to a full-blown scream-along chorus, the newly recorded rendition of “Knockin” was recorded at Drop of Sun Studios.

Of “Knockin,” Lenderman says “I was spending a lot of time watching John Daly videos and came across a rendition he does of Dylan’s ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.’ Daly’s version includes an extra verse about golfing. My ‘Knockin’ became a staple of the MJ Lenderman & The Wind live set and it felt like a good idea to re-record it professionally.”

Warped pedal steels and skuzzed out guitar; a voice reminiscent of the high-lonesome warble of a choirboy; the keen observations and reflections of a front stoop philosopher. MJ Lenderman’s songs snake their way from a lo-fi home recording to something glossier made with longtime friends at a hometown studio, but the recording setting doesn’t seem to matter much – at its core, a Lenderman song rings true.

Lenderman is currently underway on a U.S. tour, performing shows in Pioneertown and Los Angeles, as well as festival performances at Thing Fest and Woodsist Festival. A full list of Lenderman’s tour dates is below and tickets are on sale now.

MJ Lenderman Tour Dates

Tue. Aug. 8 – Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy + Harriet’s
Thu. Aug. 10 – Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
Fri. Aug. 25 – Port Townsend, WA @ Thing Fest
Sat. Sept. 23 – Sun. Sept. 24 – Accord, NY @ Woodsist Festival
Sat. Oct. 14 – Asheville, NC @ Burnpile Music + Beer Festival

Stream “Knockin” HERE