Jon Allen is an English folk rock singer-songwriter born in Winchester, currently living in London.
Education
Allen attended an alternative progressive school called Sands in Devon and would be the first to admit that he spent most of his time jamming on his drumkit and teaching himself guitar, rather than attending lessons. Allen attended college completing a BTEC in performing arts and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA).
Career
His debut album Dead Manitoba"s Suit was released on 1 June 2009 on Monologue Records. He is best known for the songs "In Your Light" and "Going Home", the later of which featured in a worldwide advert for the Land Rover Freelander 2. His music is evocative of the folk-rock scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
This led to him featuring in a number of school bands, playing drums.
After unveiling his singing ability in public, Allen traded in his computer, bought an electric guitar and amplifier, and so his musical path began. He began laying down tracks and experimenting with the interaction of different instruments, exploring the multi-track recording process.
After graduating from LIPA, Allen moved to London, after one of his demos received a five-star review in the magazine Making Music. Management offers in London soon followed.
Milner introduced Allen to Tristan Longworth who went on to produce and record his debut album, Dead Manitoba"s Suit in his house in Balham.
Since moving to London, Allen has shared the stage with artists such as Emmylou Harris, Mark Knopfler, Knight of the Order ot the Thistle Tunstall, Seal and José González. Debut single "Going Home" championed by Jo Whiley at British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 1 (2008) "Going Home" was the Geoff Lloyd Record of the Week at Absolute Radio (2008) "In Your Light" was a A-list song at British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 2, Absolute Radio, Heart and Magic (2009) Janice Long session and interview, British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 2 on 26 March 2009 Appearance on Later.. with Jools Holland on British Broadcasting Corporation Two on 15 May 2009. Appearance on British Broadcasting Corporation London television on 26 May 2009 Bob Harris session on British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 2 on 30 May 2009, Arts and Culture show session on same channel on 5 June 2009 "Down By The River" added to Magic playlist week commencing 3 July 2009 "Last Orders" performed in British Broadcasting Corporation lounge at Glastonbury Festival on 26 June 2011.
Membership
lieutenant was on the London gig circuit that Allen met members of his future band including Hammond organ player Rich Milner, who Allen spotted at a gig at South London public