Goin' Local

“I feel like I’m a new artist”, laughs Lenny Kaye, on the eve of the release of his debut solo album, "Goin’ Local".

“I think this album will surprise those who think they know me from what I’ve done previously. The songs are personal, written over a period of years, and I’ve kept them to myself. I believe a song exists because there is a need for it to be written, to explain the dynamics of the human relationship, to look at yourself as if in a mirror and get in touch with a deeper emotion, one that needs to be sung”.

In a career spanning more than half a century, one thing is certain, Lenny’s ability to be uncategorizable, to move through genres and settings, giving each their individual place in his musical evolution. Though best known for being a founding member of Patti Smith’s band, recently celebrating 50 years of their epochal "Horses" album, as well as curating the landmark "Nuggets" album of "Original Artyfacts Of The First Psychedelic Era", he has been a successful record producer for Suzanne Vega, Soul Asylum, James, Microdisney, Kristin Hersh, Jessi Colter, Allen Ginsberg, as well as time well spent as a member of Jim Carroll’s band, and playing pedal steel in a New York countrybilly combo, The Lonesome Prairie Dogs.

“It is a great blessing to be able to make music at this time in my life for the pure enjoyment and enlightenment it gifts me, the freedom of playing without expectation, to take on new challenges knowing that the work itself is its own reward. I’ve always loved the local, its intimacy and camaraderie, the 'you are there' and then 'taken somewhere'. It’s what 'Lightning Striking' is about, when a new moment in time and space reveals itself, figuring out its next trajectory. I’ve learned how to be myself, to be at one with my instrument, with my creative spirit, and I guess the truest 'Goin’ Local' is the privilege to go inside my own head, and hear how I sound to me”.

Yep Roc Records, July 17th, 2026.