Jacken Elswyth
Jacken Elswyth is a London-based folk musician, banjo player, and instrument maker who operates at the intersection of tradition and experimentation.
Rooted in the rich heritage of folk music, Elswyth explores and reinterprets old melodies and techniques. Her music moves freely between droning soundscapes, improvisation, and acoustic intimacy, creating a unique expression where historical depth meets modern sensibility. Through the cassette series Betwixt & Between, which she curates herself, she opens a space for exploring the more fluid boundaries of folk music—dwelling between the familiar and the unknown.
Elswyth performs both solo and in various collaborations, including with Shovel Dance Collective and Sullow. Her projects are marked by an open approach to sound and structure. Alongside her musical work, she is an instrument maker with a focus on craft and vernacular traditions – a practice that not only supports but also deeply informs her creative output.
Jacken Elswyth represents a new wave of folk musicians who honor tradition by venturing beyond its limits—using the banjo as a portal to both the past and the future.