Jake Blount

Jake Blount, a Rhode Island-based, award-winning artist, brings an innovative Afrofuturist touch to Black folk music. Renowned for his mastery of string instruments, Blount employs a broad range of instruments, from banjos to synthesizers, to breathe life into traditional songs, blending them seamlessly with modern Black genres. This unique approach, dubbed “genrequeer”, has allowed his music to find its place in the very archives from which he draws inspiration. His performances and releases, like 'The New Faith', blur the lines between acoustic and electric, artist and medium, and ancestor and progeny, defying genre boundaries and revisionist histories.

In addition to his inventive musicianship, Blount has a commendable industry track record. His performances at prestigious venues and festivals, contributions to various recordings, and collaborations with skilled contemporaries speak volumes about his abilities. Furthermore, his advocacy for progressive causes within the music industry and his writings on social and environmental justice issues underline his commitment to making a positive impact. As an educator, Blount shares his knowledge about Black string band music history and his original research through lectures and presentations at esteemed institutions. He will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Musicology and Ethnomusicology from Brown University in 2023.