Jake Morley is a London-based singer-songwriter and acoustic folk artist from London, United Kingdom, born in 1983. He works mainly in folk, and his music is associated with acoustic guitar performance and singer-songwriter material.

Career

Morley begins his creative career on the acoustic-folk scene, alongside a wave of British artists that includes Ben Howard and Lucy Rose. He builds a live following through sell-out headline shows and later supports acts including The Hoosiers and Nizlopi.

His debut EP, This City, is described as critically acclaimed. He follows it with his first full album, Many Fish To Fry, which is released in 2011 and launched with a sell-out performance at Bush Hall in London.

Style and playing

Morley is noted for an unusual acoustic guitar technique, playing the instrument on his lap and combining tapping and slapping methods to create layered rhythms and textures while singing. His songs are described as drawing on self-reflection and internal narrative, with his vocal writing forming a central part of his work rather than guitar technique alone.

Later material and reception

He continues to develop his sound beyond his early releases, with later material described as moving into new directions and deeper musical territory. His work is also associated with a fuller band sound on some performances, while still remaining rooted in his solo guitar-and-voice approach.

Critical comments on his music emphasise his guitar skill, strong vocals and distinctive live presence, and he is also noted for a significant following on YouTube.