Jake Bugg

Jake Bugg (born Jake Edwin Charles Kennedy on 28 February 1994) is an English singer-songwriter from Nottingham, England, whose music is commonly associated with indie rock and folk-influenced songwriting. He is notable for achieving a UK number one debut album as a teenager and for helping renew mainstream attention on guitar-based solo artists in the early 2010s. 

Bugg began writing songs in his youth and gained early attention through UK live circuits and broadcast exposure before signing to a major label. His self-titled debut album Jake Bugg was released in 2012 and reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, featuring songs that introduced his observational, story-led writing style to a wide audience. 

His peak period in public prominence extended through the early-to-mid 2010s, with continued chart visibility and a rapid succession of releases. He followed his debut with Shangri La (2013), produced by Rick Rubin, and later issued On My One (2016), maintaining a profile built on touring and consistent radio and festival appearances. 

In later years, Bugg’s output reflected stylistic shifts and longer gaps between albums. He released Hearts That Strain (2017), recorded with producer Dan Auerbach, and returned with Saturday Night, Sunday Morning (2021), before issuing A Modern Day Distraction (2024), continuing a career that balances mainstream releases with changing critical reception. 

Bugg’s legacy is shaped by the impact of his early success, particularly the achievement of a UK number one debut album at 18 and the way his first records positioned him within a wider revival of British singer-songwriters in the 2010s. His discography has continued to expand across the 2020s, reinforcing his long-term presence in UK guitar-based popular music.