Artist Review – Jake Fletcher

Jake Fletcher; almost a household name in his hometown of Oldham has made leaps and bounds in the music industry over these past few years.

I was first introduced to the musical prodigy that is Fletcher when I was 14 through his first notable band ‘The Gramotones’. I will never forget the first time I listened to the tracks ‘Money, Girls and Life’ and ‘Victorian Town.’ It was as if a light bulb appeared in my head ( as a side note I was an avid hard metal fan before discovering The Gramotones) The harmonies that they produced were second to none along with Chintsy guitar hooks, Jake and the lads had produced a 60s vibe with a modern twist. I was like nothing I had heard before. Watching them perform live for the first time at Band on the Wall was almost a religious experience for myself and my then-boyfriend, I thank this gig for being the turning point in my music taste as it opened a whole genre of music for me to discover.

Fast track a few years and Jake is now in the music industry as a solo artist but he is far from on his own as he has a cult following of fans who are all equally in awe of this amazing bloke and his raw talent.

Fletcher’s first solo album was released in December of 2019 at Night People, Manchester and the venue was packed full of fans of all ages. The album consists of 9 songs each as beautiful as the last with my personal favourite being ‘Cover in a storm’ (the more devoted of Fletcher fans will know this song has been around for a while before it was officially released.) Jakes songwriting is unmatchable as the songs overflow with emotion and passion, he truly is musical boffin. It is as though Jake is always working on something bigger and better than his last venture and so far he hasn’t disappointed! everything he produces is like nothing I have heard before, It is truly refreshing to have a musician that has his own unique sound that breaks free from the current sad state that is the ‘solo male and guitar’ act.

I would recommend anyone who hasn’t seen Jake Fletcher live to go see him whether it be at one of his gigs with his band or at his solo residencies where he takes requests ( Wednesdays – The Swan Inn – Diggle, Thursdays- The Shoulder of Mutton- Slaithwaite.)