Jack Peñate

Jack Peñate

Jack Peñate is a singer-songwriter from Blackheath in South London, born in 1984. He works in indie rock and is associated with indie and alternative pop and rock. He is the grandson of Mervyn Peake, the writer and illustrator of The Gormenghast Trilogy.

Early career

At 17, Peñate starts a band called Jack's Basement with his friend Felix White. The group later splits, with one half going on to form The Maccabees and the other becoming Peñate's band, with Joel Porter on bass and Alex Robins on drums. He begins a Classics degree at University College London, but leaves study for music after linking up with the London indie club and label Young Turks.

Style and influences

Peñate's music draws on a mixed set of influences, including rockabilly, folk, jazz and trip-hop. He names Prince, Jeff Buckley, Shuggie Otis, Todd Rundgren, JJ Cale, Harry Nilsson and Herbie Hancock among his influences. He is also associated with the group of UK artists often described as using an Estuary English accent in performance, alongside Lily Allen, Jamie T, Kate Nash and Adele.

Recording career

In autumn 2006, Peñate signs to XL Recordings. The label releases his debut album, Matinée, which brings him wider recognition. His second album, Everything is New, follows in 2009.

Live performance

Peñate is known for energetic live performances in which he plays guitar while dancing, with a style often described as individual and fluid.