Banjo Jen

Original Americana with Yorkshire personality Sheffield-based artist Banjo Jen is difficult to categorise but easy to fall for. Her unique brand of folky Americana, with insightful observations and an eclectic original repertoire, has seen her gain a growing reputation as one to watch on the UK singer-songwriter scene. Perhaps Jen’s unusual heritage of roots in both the tropical Bahamas and the gritty UK ex-mining town of Worksop has contributed to her fascination with juxtaposition; with contrasts and contradictions; of looking at life from different angles and alternative perspectives; of exploring light and shade. She’s still waiting for an acceptable explanation from her parents as to why they chose Worksop over the Bahamas! Jen also took a somewhat unusual path to becoming a musician. A metalsmith and Art teacher by training, she cut her teeth in workshops and classrooms, not bands and bar rooms. But a few questionable life choices later, and inspired by her icons Dolly Parton and Kermit the Frog, she’d bought a banjo and taught herself how to play it. Moving to Sheffield with little more than the banjo on her back, she was bestowed the nickname ‘Banjo Jen’ and encouraged to start performing her own original songs …finding herself on the compelling but cripplingly unprofitable journey to becoming a folk singer-songwriter. She’s been tipped by Maverick magazine for a ‘long musical career’ though, so she must be doing something right! Find out more at banjojen.com