ABOUT



  Wilderthorn (pronounced 'will-der-thorn') is the name given to the artwork and music of singer-songwriter Jon Bilbrough. Born the son of a travelling musician, Jon's 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/ Bollywood 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 has toured the UK with platinum selling indie rockers, Athlete and has opened for the likes of St Vincent, Guilemots and performed alongside Beth Rowley, Iain Archer and Foy Vance.
   Apart from his guise as Wilderthorn, Jon is a visual artist, graduating with a 1st Class Hons at The University Of Arts London. He is also involved in two musical side projects. One as the vocalist and co-writer for the electronic, 80's synth duo, known as 'L-I-N-E-S', with keyboardist Tim Wanstall from Athlete. The other, (pushing musically in the other direction), is a collection of stripped back vocal harmonies and high strung guitar songs with singer Tina Grace, going by the name, 'Of The Woods'.