At the tender age of eighteen, Jake Bugg is already establishing himself as a force to reckoned with. A guitarist and singer since he was twelve and songwriter at fourteen, his real big break was performing on the BBC Introducing stage at Glastonbury last year. Bugg's distinctive voice and simple folk melodies imply talent beyond his years.
With influences ranging from real Folk classics like Donovan and Bob Dylan, he also cites The Beatles, Johnny Cash Don McLean and Jimi Hendrix as idols. It's very refreshing to see such a young musician still appreciating the classics and keeping the spirit of Dylan and Hendrix alive. It's something I think the industry is craving right now, and his songwriting is clear evidence of the maturity and presence gained from listening to these greats.
Nottingham born Bugg has often been compared to the gravelly-voiced sounds of The Tallest Man On Earth and those that have seen him live have described him as "In his element", with a mature manner and the "ability to command the stage with confidence and purpose". Initially appearing as shy or nervous, barely speaking between songs, it is later made obvious that Bugg is all about the music, believing it should speak for itself.
Jake Bugg's style is simplistic but hugely effective and passionate. Many songs feature gentle guitar-picking melodies and typically Folky lyrics portraying feelings of love and sorrow with beautiful imagery intertwined. Watch Country Song, below:
Trouble Town is Jake's debut single through his recent signing to major, Mercury Records. Released this year, the track was picked up by Radio One's Zane Lowe as his 'Single Of The Week' and features a Rock n' Roll, foot stomping, blues-tinged vibe that instantly transports you to another era. Jake's songwriting shines through on this track, with bittersweet lyrics like "Stuck in speed-bump city where the only thing that's pretty is the thought of getting out." - a real homage to Dylan's lyrical style as well as his vocal delivery.
Jake is currently on tour. Catch him at the following dates, as well as numerous festivals over the summer:
- 15th March - Lounge On The Farm Music Festival
- 16th March - The Ceilidh Place, Ullapool
- 24th March - Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
- 25th March - THe Head Of Steam, Newcastle
- 27th March - The Old Kings Head, London
- 29th March - The Castle, Manchester
- 30th March - Fibbers, York
- 31st May - 100 Club, London
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