“Banjolectric rebrands the instrument as a modern pop machine” - PopMatters
“You’ll be absolutely mesmerized.” - Americana Highways
New “Roots Album” released on Bandcamp.com
FROM: USA / Rennes (FR)
GENRE: Alt-Folk / Global / Live Looping
ABOUT: Drawing from the deep well of “American Roots” folk traditions, Banjolectric injects dance-floor energy, pop hooks, global influences, and serious groove into a banjo-centric songwriter show, creating a virtuosic alt-folk spectacle unlike any other. Gregory Mulkern’s undeniable banjo chops and 100% live looping performance bring you an electrified folk party with one foot rooted in tradition and the other foot boldly seeking new ground.
FOR ALL INQUIRIES: gregmulkern@gmail.com
New “Roots Album” out now!
Music Video “Another Thing For Pain”
Praised in Pop Matters as a “Raw reflection on substance abuse” that “continues to push the envelope on what a banjo can do".” - Jonathan Frahm
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BIOGRAPHY
Banjolectric recasts traditional American banjo playing within the modern and globalized soundscape of America today. Banjolectric's Gregory Mulkern was born within the folk music culture of the Northeast/New England. His later migration between the city of Detroit (the city of Motown, Detroit Techno, Blues, and diverse established ethnic communities) and the Pacific Northwest (home to massive global folk music and world-electro DJ scenes) inspired the global electro-banjo project. Banjolectric uses 100% live-looping to mix the high-energy danceability of a global bass set with catchy hooks and open-hearted songwriting. Infectious grooves meet strong vocals, true showmanship, and lots of audience connection for a joyful and show breaking new creative ground.
Gregory Mulkern is an original international touring/recording musician recognized for forging new pathways for the iconic 5-string banjo through his electrifying solo act, Banjolectric. Banjolectric's debut album "So Below" was featured in PopMatter’s “The 20 Best Folk Albums of 2018” questioning the limits of what we call “Americana.” Banjolectric has toured through most of Europe and the US, including a six-week American tour in support of the band Dirtwire. Banjolectric’s base of operation moved from the US to Europe in 2023 to be closer to Mulkern’s alt-Western project 2Frontiers, but Gregory continues to play shows in both continents, bringing his Roots Funk sound wherever audiences will dance to his fresh new soundscape.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Banjolectric reinvents the banjo within the contemporary moment, updating the iconic American instrument for the modern America. By blending modern transcultural musical influences found across present-day America, and incorporating the technology behind modern dance music, Banjolectric celebrates the exciting and diverse musical possibilities of our modern era while envisioning a future free from rigid thoughts about our music and ourselves.
Press Quotes:
“The consummate musician and songwriter…continues to pedal forward with boundary-breaking, banjo-centric musical innovations.”
(Pop Matters)
“Banjolectric combines innovative technical skill with raw gritty vocals to achieve an enchanting effect. You’ll be absolutely mesmerized by the eclectic blend.”
(Americana Highways)
“Banjolectric Rebrands the Instrument As a Modern Pop Machine”
”Gregory Mulkern sets out to prove that the instrument is capable of much more than many of us are currently aware of—and, he succeeds.”
“A skilled musician, Mulkern is also an accomplished songwriter and vocalist. Banjolectric pays tribute to the instruments illustrious role in folk music history while using the contemporary moment to expand the banjo's sonic capacity.”
(Elisabeth Woronzoff, Pop Matters)
"So fresh! Banjolectric's originality leaves you wanting to hear more."“[Banjolectric] is essentially forging a new Americana that you can’t help but admire” - Take Effect
(Detroit Performers Expo)
“Fresh” “Original” “Innovative”
(Grateful Web)
"Banjolectric's blending of genres is great for summer festivals."
(Detroit Performers Expo)
"It's amazing what Banjolectric can do."
(Detroit Performers Expo)