Asheville singer/songwriter MJ Lenderman—aka Jake Lenderman, the acclaimed guitarist in Wednesday—is back with his first new single since the release of his incredible 2022 album Boat Songs. “Rudolph” also signals the start of a new era for Lenderman, who has announced his signing with ANTI- Records. “‘Rudolph’ was the first song I wrote after the release of Boat Songs. I had been sitting on the guitar part for a long time and slowly worked out the song whenever I could in between tours in 2022. I finished the lyrics with my friend one late night after a Wednesday gig in Atlanta,” Lenderman notes.
“Rudolph” is pure Southern-rock and power-pop that have alchemized into one gigantic, unforgettable track laced with entrancing pedal-steel. Heavy riffs and full-bellied percussion roar alongside Lenderman’s waxing, hypnotic poetics. “Deleted scene of Lightning McQueen blacked out at full speed,” he sings. “How many roads must a man walk down ’til he learns he’s just a jerk who flirts with the clergy nurse ’til it burns?”
Watch the music video for “Rudolph” here.