“This song combines various stages of a strained relationship, likely on the brink of collapse,” explains New York-based (by way of New Orleans) singer/songwriter LENNY ZENITH about his gem of a single “One of Us Should Go” that is released today, September 17, 2024. Taken from his upcoming album He/Hymn (its title is a play on his transgender identity) which will be released on October 29, 2024 via XYYX Records, the lush indiepop anthem is a heartbreaking lament that details a relationship in tatters. Reflecting on the lyrics, he recalls, “I have occasionally had a whiskey bottle on the kitchen table in the morning, and sleepless nights on the couch.”
The accompanying video overlays images of the song’s narrative intermixed with images of Lenny and band in the studio. “The video captures the chaos that surrounds a failing relationship, and the rain echoes that, as well,” he says. “I asked James [Pertusi, bassist/background vocals] to be the focal actor, and he was able to catch the song’s tension and pain with his old sketchbook and melancholy demeanor… which is quite opposite of his actual persona,” Lenny laughs.
A vibrant tapestry of sound that defies easy classification, Lenny Zenith’s new album He/Hymn is a sonic exploration of the redemptive power of music. “I honestly think this album marks an evolution in my songwriting,” he confesses. “While I tried to retain my melodic sensibilities, He\Hymn delves into deeper, more mature themes, offering a reflective exploration of human connection, loss, and the search for authenticity. I’ve kind of traded the catchier powerpop hooks for a richer, more complex sonic experience and more introspective lyrics.”
Each of its nine tracks stands as a miniature masterpiece, contributing uniquely to the album’s overall narrative. From the nostalgic country of “Beards of Grey” to the tender ballads “Partly Cloudy Dog” and “Mask,” Zenith’s versatility as a songwriter and performer shines through. His lyrics, vibrant and often poetic, navigate universal themes of love, loss, and the human condition, while his musical prowess creates lush, cinematic soundscapes. Recorded during the pandemic lockdown, the album’s tracks were assembled in parts with none of the musicians playing together. “[Drummer] Rafael Gayol was sent a fairly barebones demo with the BPM and he played along with it as did the guitarist in Austin Andrew Solin,” he explains. “We were all joyously surprised with how well it came out, but the original demo had a lot of soul.”
A pioneering transgender artist, Zenith has captivated global audiences with his fearless exploration of music and unwavering genuine purity. Beginning his journey of self-discovery in New Orleans where he found refuge in compassionate doctors who helped him navigate the challenges of being a transgender adolescent, he emerged as a confident artist who fronted acclaimed bands such as Jenifer Convertible, Tenterhooks, Minor Planets, and Pop Combo. His collaborations with renowned producers James Murphy (pre-LCD Soundsystem) and Wharton Tiers (Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr.) and performances with legendary acts like U2, Iggy Pop, The Replacements, and X underscore his influential presence in the music world.
Now, as he prepares for the release of his new album with an even better grasp of his exceptionally powerful songwriting, Zenith hopes that audiences will spend more time immersing themselves In the richness of his music. “Sonically it feels so rich and diverse it may not be as easily digestible in one listen like some of my previous powerpop records,” he says. Always one to promote inclusivity, he concludes, “I’d like people to recognize the love and effort that was put into this record from all the players, the producer, the mastering engineer and even the pressing plant.”
He/Hymn includes guitar work from friends Jimmy Robinson (Woodenhead) and Andrew Solin (Parker Woodland) with assistance from Tommy Mandel (Bryan Adams, Dire Straits, Clash), Jeff Hermanson (trumpet), Ron Raymond (pedal steel), James Pertusi (bass, vocals) and Leonard Cohen’s longtime drummer, Rafael Gayol played on most of the tracks with Steven Fisher, Scott Campbell or Rohin Khemani filling on others. It was produced by James Pertusi and mastered by Emerson Mancini (Lizzo, Jon Batiste, Kendrick Lamar) at Demifuge Studios. The cover art is by Five Eight guitarist, Sean Dunn.
He/Hymn will be released on October 29, 2024 via XYYX Records and will be available digitally via Bandcamp and other DSPs here: https://li.sten.to/he-hymn. It will also be available in colored vinyl that echo the colors of the transgender flag.