Jen is an indie folk singer-songwriter with over 30 years of musical experience, weaving together a sound that is both nostalgic and timeless. Known for her soulful voice and poetic song writing, Jen’s music blends the rich storytelling tradition of folk with the emotional depth of indie rock, creating a unique and intimate listening experience.
A multi-instrumentalist, Jen brings an eclectic array of instruments to her music, including guitar, ukulele, keys, trumpet and voice. This versatility allows her to experiment with different textures and moods, from the delicate and haunting to the bold and playful.
Jen is a member of Tinker and played with local Melbourne band Khancoban, as well as performing as a guest with many other friends, where she honed her craft and developed her distinctive style. Her work in these groups was marked by a deep love for harmony, strong melodic lines, and the kind of raw, heartfelt lyrics that have come to define her solo work.
Her music is deeply influenced by icons like Gillian Welch, Patsy Cline, Neko Case, and Mazzy Star—artists whose emotive vocals and rich storytelling have shaped her own musical journey. With a knack for creating melodies that linger long after the song ends, Jen crafts songs that are both personal and universal, drawing listeners in with their honesty and heart.
Whether she’s playing solo or with a full band, Jen’s music resonates with fans who appreciate authenticity, rich lyrical content, and the power of simplicity. With a career spanning decades, she continues to evolve as an artist, creating songs that feel like timeless conversations between the artist and the listener.
Songs
HOMETOWN – 270125
Come and sit by the creek
In the shade of the vims
We can pretend that nothing is happening
In the world as we speak
Lie down in the cool grass
Let time slowly drift past
Wallow in nothingness soaking in eucalypt
Memorise so it will last
And in the distance is the hum
Of people traveling to and from
My hometown
Come and walk down the street
Even in your half sleep
Past the oval and over the station
And talk to people you meet
And in the distance is the hum
Of people traveling to and from
My hometown
Doo doos
And in the distance is the hum
Of people traveling to and from
My hometown
And there my heart has made a space
A kind of loving for a place
My hometown
ROSY COLOURS
She goes walking down the street
Two small dogs right by her feet
Any other day they might
Choose to go either left or right
Who comes closer do they know
Do they stop or do they go
In another direction today
As if they meant it anyway
Flittering bird in the air
This girl cannot help but stare
While all the others walk on by
In absent oblivion
Crunching gravel underfoot
Falling branches make her look
Did you see the platypus
Probably not you were in a rush
Twirling leaves drop in her hair
Wombat in the dark gives her a scare
Footsteps railing up behind
Thoughts start playing through her mind
Hightail up the darkened steps
Neighbour makes her catch her breath
Comes upon her craning at
A tightrope walker
In oblivion
Days roll on and months go by
Someone made an old tree die
A guy who kinda crashed his car
Is rarely seen now at the bar
A once new friend but now an old
Returning from his coffee scroll
From afar nods a knowing look
Carrying a borrowed free library book
Green as far a she can see
Summer breezes in her ear
Feeling lucky she might be
In absent oblivion
These days
We will remember these times
In rosy colours
DOWN BY THE CREEK
Some time ago in the cool month of May
We moved to a place that we thought far away
The lie of the land full of shale and so steep
The air was so quiet as we drifted to sleep
Oh my, oh my if we thought for a day
This was the place where we ended to stay
It could be the place where we live and we die
Down by the creek where the snakes lie
Retaining with rock and the natives to plant
The earth sucked the water as though dessicant
The trees and the shrubs and the flowers were lost
Reworking of soil always came at a cost
Oh my, oh my if we thought for a day
This was the place where we ended to stay
It could be the place where we live and we die
Down by the creek where the snakes lie
Changes are made like a glacial melt
Blood sweat and tears are always hard felt
Wins are far-fetched but the losses were more
So often it felt like the waging of war
Oh my, oh my if we thought for a day
This was the place where we ended to stay
It could be the place where we live and we die
Down by the creek where the snakes lie
Beautiful