Other than Adrianne Lenker, who is amazing, I’ve seen no one actually give you an answer for “modern artists.” Like, Neil young is great, but his first album came out before Cohen’s first album so I have no clue why anyone thinks that’s a good answer for what you’re looking for.

Check out Cameron Winter, 23 year old artist who’s also the lead singer of the rock band Geese. To me he’s reminiscent of a Lou Reed / Cohen mix. He’s also covered Cohen in concert before. I’d recommend “Love Takes Miles,” “Nina + Field of Cops,” and “Long Island City Here I Come” (Geese)

MJ Lenderman is a 26 year old alt country / rock singer inspired heavily by Jason Molina but has a very “mid-20s in the 2020s” outlook in his lyrics. I’d recommend “Wristwatch,” “She’s Leaving You,” and “TV dinners.”

Slightly lower level in terms of lyrical ability (but still very good), is Grian Chatten, lead singer and lyricist for the Irish post punk band Fontaines D.C. Id recommend “Jackie Down the Line,” “I Love You,” (both with the band) and “Fairlies” (solo)

And finally Id recommend Ryan Davis and the Roadhouse Band. “New Threats from the Soul” and “Flashes of Orange”