Labels

Jockstrap


Formed: 2017
Location: London, England
Genre: Art Pop, Glitch Pop
Years Active: 2017 -
Meaning of the Name: Is a secret the band have swore never to reveal.
Core Members: Georgia Ellery (vocals), Taylor Skye (synths, production)
Way of Working: Collaborative
Associated: Black Country New Road

Essential Releases

Jockstrap - Wicked City EP

Wicked City EP (2020)

Glitchy effort from a young band interested in everything.

Jockstrap - I Love You Jennifer B

I Love You
Jennifer B (2022)

An eclectic, unpredictable debut album from the experimental duo.


Classically trained violinist Georgia Ellery formed not one, but two critically acclaimed bands in the late 2010s: Black Country New Road and Jockstrap. She achieved this while studying at London's prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama, which ranked as the third-highest arts school for music in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Such pedigree bestowed both bands with an unusual style, stemming from breaking down existing genres into their constituent parts and reordering them in unconventional ways. For example, on 'Debra', Jockstrap begins with typical R&B, only to introduce harsh synths and even Bollywood strings. The effect is jarring, informing the listener to expect the unexpected in a music world too comfortable in the established confines of genre.

The more conventional, but still experimental music of Black Country New Road found mainstream success, Ants From Up There (2022) reached No. 3 in the UK charts, a level of prominence that has eluded Jockstrap, who, as an electronic act, is an altogether different beast.

The duo, comprised of Ellery and producer Taylor Skye, who also studied at Guildhall, has a more spacious, intimate sound that blends classical music, abrasive synths, and playful art school pretentiousness. This unique recipe is encapsulated in the music video for 'Concrete Over Water', a title that, in its abstraction, stands in stark contrast to what a less artful, or more plain-spoken person, would simply call a bridge.

Here, a clown-like Ellery gives a bizarre theatrical performance with what appear to be personifications of the sun and moon.

It's not for everyone, but if you embrace the silliness, it becomes a wistfully wonderful work of true originality, contrasting angelic vocals with brooding electronica. Having released only one album, there's clearly plenty more to come from Jockstrap. I, for one, can't wait to see what they do next.


Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?
75

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.
70

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.
85

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.
95

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?
55

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.
85

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.
80

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.
86

Singing

i Technical attributes.
85

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.
80

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?
45

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.
60

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.
70

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?
65

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.
50

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.
45


Commercial & Critical Success

Awards >>>

  • Mercury Prize Nominee 2023: I Love You Jennifer B

Certifications

Charts

Critics >>>

  • Clash: I Love You Jennifer B - Best Albums of 2022: #3
  • DIY Magazine: I Love You Jennifer B - Best Albums of 2022: #1
  • The Line of Best Fit: I Love You Jennifer B - Best Albums of 2022: #3

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