Jason Williamson (born 10 November 1970) is an English vocalist, lyricist, author, and actor. He is the vocalist and lyricist for the post-punk duo Sleaford Mods, known for its stripped-back production and Williamson’s blunt, spoken delivery.
Early life and education
Williamson was born on 10 November 1970 in
Grantham,
Lincolnshire, England.
As a teenager he held a series of low-paid jobs, including work in a chicken-processing plant for a year. He has described that job as difficult but important to his understanding of working-class life.
Career
Early musical work
Before forming Sleaford Mods, Williamson spent many years in
Nottingham playing in different bands.
After moving there in 1995, he briefly worked with bands such as
Spiritualized and Bent.
Sleaford Mods
In 2007, Sleaford Mods released their self-titled debut album.
The duo rose to wider attention with the albums
Austerity Dogs (2013) and
Divide and Exit (2014). Their later releases on Rough Trade, including
English Tapas (2017), helped to establish the band internationally. Their most recent album
UK Grim (2023) reached no. 3 on the UK Albums Chart.
Acting and writing
Williamson made his film debut in
uk18 (2017). He later appeared in
Peaky Blinders (2022). In 2025 he starred in the feature film
Game, directed by John Minton and produced by Geoff Barrow.
He has published two collections of lyrics: Grammar Wanker (2014)
Political views
Williamson has been openly critical of UK austerity policies and political leadership, both in interviews and in his lyrics.
He supported elements of
Jeremy Corbyn's Labour platform but later expressed frustration with party politics and the direction of "centrist" Labour under
Keir Starmer.
Personal life
Williamson has spoken openly about his recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.
Discography
With Sleaford Mods
-
Sleaford Mods (2007)
-
The Mekon (2007)
-
The Originator (2009)
-
S.P.E.C.T.R.E. (2011)
-
Wank (2012)
-
Austerity Dogs (2013)
-
Divide and Exit (2014)
-
Key Markets (2015)
-
English Tapas (2017)
-
Eton Alive (2019)
-
Spare Ribs (2021)
-
UK Grim (2023)
-
The Demise of Planet X (2026)
As featured artist
-
The Bug – "Treetop" / "Stoat" (2021)
Filmography
-
uk18 (2017)
-
Peaky Blinders (2022)
-
Game (2025)
External links
