Jon Wilks in the Press

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to have my music featured in a variety of places—newspapers, magazines, blogs, radio shows, and podcasts. This page brings together a selection of those cuttings, clippings, and kind words. Some are just screenshots, some are full articles, and others are audio or video interviews. I’m grateful for all of it.

Over the years I have, a number of times, been a delighted interviewee on Mark Radcliffe’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Show, including a session of my own in May, 2023.

“Jon Wilks is someone who pulls off that niftiest of tricks – paying due homage to the traditions whilst sounding original and contemporary”

Mark Radcliffe

Double-page spread and interview in Guitarist Magazine, July 2022

“Jon’s a badman fingerpicking guitarist and leading exponent of the songs of old Albion.”

Carl Barât, The Libertines

“Wilks is at his best when he’s keeping things simple, singing Roud Ballads such as Erin, Sad Erin or another one of his originals, Greek Street, about teenage love and Swedish packing beds, against gentle accompaniments. Here, his sincerity glows.”

Jude Rogers, The Guardian

“Jon’s the real deal”

Martin Simpson

“Characters are the currency that Wilks deals in. Whether they are murderous wives, cheating tailors, thoughtful down-and-outs or strolling dandies, his songs are a parade of real life.”

Gavin McNamara, Bristol 24/7

“Very much part of the UK’s living folk tradition, Wilks excels at reanimating broadside ballads and antique pieces with a scholar’s ear for vernacular and a dashing sense of verve on fingerpicked guitar. He’s at his eloquent best on poetic Soho encounter, ‘Greek Street’.”

Rob Hughes, Uncut Magazine

“A wonderfully adept and admired recording, a beginning which shows that the winner is always life; should we wish to embrace it fully.”

Ian D. Hall, Liverpool Sound and Vision

“Sublime songwriting… Wilks is a rather special performer with an authentic and abiding love of traditional song. His enthusiasm for its history, and sheer joy at new discoveries, is palpably irresistible. Above all, it’s a bloody good listen.”

Billy Rough, KLOF Magazine

“I’ve now added Jon Wilks’ back catalogue to my wants list and cannot believe such a strong set of albums has passed me by. If you had already come across Jon then this amazing album will confirm his power and sure touch as a singer and musician. If like me you got some catching up to do, then this is a strong set to start with.”

Marc Higgins, FATEA Magazine

“Takes folk to another level”

Bev Harris, Mainly Folk Radio

‘Wilks is the sort of performer folk circles mean when they talk of the living tradition’

Mike Davies, Folking.com

“At the centre of the current scene”

Patrick Clarke, The Quietus

“Wilks proves once again what a stand-out talent he really is. There is an honesty and compassion in Wilks’ writing and performance, which is entirely charming”

Billy Rough, Folk Radio