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Run For Cover Records has announced a new tribute album, I Will Swim to You: A Tribute to Jason Molina, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of the most impactful songwriters of the past thirty years. The compilation is set for release on September 5th and will feature twelve loving covers by some of the brightest modern indie stars.
To mark the announcement, the label has shared two tracks from the upcoming release: MJ Lenderman‘s powerful take on the Songs: Ohia classic “Just Be Simple” (from 2003’s iconic Magnolia Electric Co.):
and Sun June‘s atmospheric version of “Leave The City” by Magnolia Electric Co. (from 2005’s What Comes After The Blues).
Jason Molina’s vast and influential catalog, spanning his work with Songs: Ohia, The Magnolia Electric Co., and under his own name, continues to resonate deeply within the musical landscape of 2025. His distinctive voice and poignant lyricism are a clear touchstone in the resurgence of alt-country and Americana, as well as in indie rock, lofi, and slowcore. I Will Swim to You captures this influence with a host of contemporary artists including Horse Jumper of Love, Hand Habits, Sadurn, Advance Base, Friendship, and Runnner, all offering their unique interpretations of his work (see track listing below).
In a fitting tribute, 10% of the profits from the album will be donated to MusiCares®, a nonprofit that provided support to Molina during his struggles with addiction.
The album features beautifully painted cover art by William Schaff, the artist responsible for the iconic owl on Molina’s Magnolia Electric Co. sleeve. In addition to the full digital and physical release, Run For Cover will issue a physical-only split 7″ featuring a previously unreleased demo of “The Last 3 Human Words” by Molina, backed with Lenderman’s cover of “Just Be Simple.” This collection serves as a poignant acknowledgment of Molina’s genius, carrying his flame forward for a new generation.
I Will Swim to You: A Tribute to Jason Molina track list:
- Just Be Simple (MJ Lenderman)
- Blue Factory Flame (Horse Jumper of Love)
- The Dark Don’t Hide It (Trace Mountains)
- Leave The City (Sun June)
- When Your Love Has Gone (Runnner)
- The Old Black Hen (Sadurn)
- Everything Should Try Again (Advance Base)
- Lioness (Hand Habits)
- Whip Poor Will (Teen Suicide)
- Hard To Love A Man (Friendship)
- Shadow Answers The Wall (Lutalo)
- Farewell Transmission (Another Michael)
Preorder I Will Swim to You: A Tribute to Jason Molina (September 5th via Run For Cover Records): https://runforcoverrecords.lnk.to/iwillswimtoyou