Based in Sheffield, British singer-songwriter Banjo Jen is the “all-singin’, all-dancin’, badass banjo-pickin’ girl”. 

A relative newcomer to the UK Americana and folk scenes, she’s already making waves! Using banjo as the lead instrument for her songs, weaving clever lyrics with catchy melodies, and incorporating Appalachian step-dancing and no-nonsense Yorkshire charm and humour into her sets, she’s quickly gained a loyal local following which is now spreading beyond the Yorkshire border! Tipped by Maverick magazine for a 'long musical career', highlights so far have included playing in Austin TX during SXSW 2017 and being selected by the Americana Music Association UK to showcase at both Red Rooster festival and The Long Road festival in 2018.

Banjo Jen’s debut EP ‘Lost & Found’ was released in April 2018, offering a flavour of her distinctive songwriting. Playing the traditional ‘frailing’ style of banjo, and accompanied by punchy double bass, she is influenced by aspects of folk, country, blues and ‘old-time’ American music. Whilst bringing a contemporary edge to her roots-based sound, a strong sense of these traditional influences can be heard in Jen’s original songs; songs of sinning and straying, of characters and conflicts, of running from the law and of running from yourself. As Dolly Parton says, ‘We're all just a bunch of sinners, but we do the best we can’.

​There’s a lot more to come from this banjo-pickin’ girl, so grab yer cowboy boots and come along for the ride!

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