History
Jane Weaver: A Sonic Alchemist of Folk, Psych-Rock, and Electronic Textures
Jane Weaver, born in Liverpool in 1972, is a celebrated English singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose career spans decades of sonic exploration. Residing in Marple, Greater Manchester, she is married to DJ and Twisted Nerve Records co-founder Andy Votel. Weaver has established herself as a distinctive voice in independent music, collaborating with notable artists such as Elbow, Doves, and Badly Drawn Boy.
Early Career and Indie Roots
Weaver's musical journey began in 1989 as the frontwoman for the indie rock band Kill Laura. The band signed with Polydor Records, releasing two EPs before a change in their A&R led them to Rob Gretton, manager of New Order and founder of the Hacienda club. Gretton signed Kill Laura to his new label, Manchester Records. After releasing three singles, the band disbanded. Weaver then embarked on a solo career, releasing singles and appearing on compilations like Grand Central Records' 'Central Heating Volume 2'. She also collaborated with label mates Doves and Andy Votel until Gretton's passing in 1999.
Solo Evolution and Artistic Projects
In 2002, Weaver released her debut solo album, Like An Aspen Leaf, on her own imprint Bird Records. The album featured contributions from Rick Tomlinson, Sam Yates, Naomi Hart, and members of Elbow. It garnered positive reviews, with The Guardian describing her songs as "music for..heartbroken lovers that twist and turn into fragile but sparkling lullabies."
Around this period, Weaver formed the art-pop project Misty Dixon with David Tyack, Anna Greenwood, and Sam Yates. Signed to Twisted Nerve Records, they released three EPs and the album Iced To Mode. Tragically, David Tyack disappeared during a holiday in Corsica and was later found deceased. The album, released in 2003, received critical praise, with Peter Paphides in Mojo Magazine calling it "exquisite sepia future pop."
Weaver returned to solo work with Seven Day Smile in 2006, an album comprised of demo recordings from the preceding decade. The title track featured the band Doves. She also performed alongside artists like Gruff Rhys, Badly Drawn Boy, and Josephine Foster.
Curatorial Work and Genre Blending
In 2007, Weaver released Cherlokalate, a collection of new songs dedicated to "absent friends." Alongside Andy Votel, she curated the 'femme freak folk' compilation Bearded Ladies, showcasing both contemporary and vintage female artists. This project stemmed from an invitation by Jarvis Cocker to perform at his Meltdown Festival, where Weaver participated in a set titled 'Lost Ladies of Folk,' performing with Wendy Flower.
Under the moniker Jane Weaver Septième Soeur, she released the album The Fallen By Watchbird in 2010, followed by the remix album The Watchbird Alluminate, featuring artists like Demdike Stare and The Focus Group.
The Silver Globe and Beyond
Weaver's 2014 album, The Silver Globe, marked a significant stylistic shift, blending elements of space rock and Krautrock with her signature folk sound, further cementing her reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist.
