PREMIERE: Lenny Zenith Reminisces On "Beards of Grey
Trans artist Lenny Zenith’s latest album, He/Hymn (October 29), is a vibrant tapestry of sound that defies easy classification. This eclecticism reflects both his New Orleans roots and the dynamic energy of his current home, New York City, resulting in a truly exhilarating listening experience. Zenith’s background is integral to the energy fueling this album. His life, straddling the cultural richness of New Orleans and the frenetic pace of New York City, has profoundly shaped his artistry.
Zenith’s new song “Beards of Grey” finds the rock’n’roll lifer reminiscing on the ups and downs of his chosen path — and the importance of lifelong friendship.
“Almost any musician you ask will tell you that the friendships formed in bands often last a lifetime,” Zenith explains. “Hours upon hours of working on original, often very personal songs, booking gigs, hauling equipment, performing live can be quite intense. Days, weeks, even years spent in the studio to put out music you really care about brings people together like almost nothing else and oftentimes bandmates become family.”
That family can mean a lot in hostile spaces. Zenith continues, “As a transgender musician, I can say that EVERY one of my bandmates, going as far back as the early 80s, have been (or became) fierce allies, defending and protecting me and if necessary my privacy. Several have watched the bathroom door for me at clubs that only offered urinals or troughs!”
Zenith is joined by James Pertusi, who played bass on the song and was a member of Zenith’s projects Jenifer Convertible (90s) and Tenterhooks (00s.) “with me and we’ve been playing/recording music for over 20 years now. “We lost two members of Jenifer Convertible in the last few years (much too soon) — drummers Eddie Siino and Andy Moore to whom this track and album are dedicated. They and their families are always in our thoughts and hearts.”
He/Hymn will be out on October 29th.
