Wilderthorn

Wilderthorn (pronounced 'will-der-thorn') is the name given to the artwork and music of singer-songwriter Jon Bilbrough. His music began in the unlikely setting of Asia, touring and performing his earliest gigs in Sri-Lanka, Malasia and Singapore and India, setting foot on the stages of concert halls regularly graced by the likes of Ravi Shankir. Immersed in the sounds and experiences of his travels he returned to Chennai, India to create demo recordings with local Carnatic musicians, famous for their work with award winning Indian composer, A.R. Rahman.

Out of this experience came the sounds and textures that would inform the debut Wilderthorn recordings. Driven by Jon's unique and powerful, emotive voice, tinged with dark operatic tones and 'sufi-style' flourishes and backed by a wave of primal rhythms, clanging dulcimers, electric guitar swells and haunting violin textures. The songs themselves were written out of improvised, 'underground', live 'Wilderthorn experiences', performing to audiences in secret disused or abandoned locations and house parties across the country. The recordings reflect this atmosphere, moving from enchanting one-to-one hymn-like moments of intimacy through to states of tribal and religious euphoria.

Jon is featured throughout Nitin Sawhney's recent critically acclaimed album, 'Last Days Of Meaning' along with actor John Hurt and Yolanda Quartey (Massive Attack). He is also featured on Max Cooper's album 'One Hundred Billion Sparks'.