Rising indie rock star MJ Lenderman will make his Opera House debut in March 2025 with his band The Wind, hot off a triumphant tour across the Northern Hemisphere. Lenderman will perform his latest critically acclaimed solo release, Manning Fireworks, described as “an instant classic” by The Sydney Morning Herald.
The follow-up to his 2022 breakout album Boat Songs, Manning Fireworks has appeared on countless best-of lists, further reinforcing Lenderman’s ballooning profile. Melding indie folk, roots rock and skronky guitars with songs that deal with random details of everyday lives, the album fizzes with Lenderman’s trademark grim-witted observation, 90s indie scrappiness, 70s rock and rust-wired country solos.
“Manning Fireworks would be my favorite album of most years, but in 2024 it feels like an especially precious commodity.” – Uproxx
“The Asheville singer-songwriter’s outstanding fourth album is loaded with zingers and losers. It’s witty and sincere, the mark of a songwriter finding his voice.” – Pitchfork
★★★★½ Firmly securing him in the pantheon of great singer-songwriters, this album is the sound of an artist at the peak of his powers.” – MusicOHM
“MJ Lenderman creates sounds that somehow cut into his listeners’ heads and hearts, even when the songs’ sonics resemble that of the garage band next door.” – PopMatters
Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, Ben Marshall says: “MJ Lenderman & The Wind’s debut in the Concert Hall next March promises to be a defining moment for indie rock at the House. As he’s risen the ranks, Lenderman’s magnetic stage presence and musical brilliance have caught the attention of music reviewers and fans alike. After playing a pivotal role on upcoming Concert Hall performer and alt-country icon Waxahatchee’s critically acclaimed Tigers Blood, Lenderman’s latest release has cemented his status as one of today’s most captivating singer-songwriters. Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight solo, poised to solidify his place as one of the next true heroes of the genre.”
Hailed by The New York Times as “southern rock’s tragicomic poet”, Lenderman threw himself into music after leaving his job at an Asheville ice creamery during the pandemic. He quickly rose through the North Carolina music scene while playing alongside Indigo de Souza, Waxahatchee and beloved indie rock outfit Wednesday. His solo work includes four cult albums that are testament to his multi-instrumental talent and profound storytelling.
EVENT DETAILS
WHO: MJ Lenderman & The Wind
WHEN: Tuesday 25 March 2025, 8pm
WHERE: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House
TICKETS: From $49.90 + booking fee // sydneyoperahouse.com // +61 2 9250 7777