Jake Xerxes Fussell | Jennifer Castle
EartH, London
15th February 2025
Photography by Zosia Kibalo
Zosia Kibalo
Photographer trying to capture all the colours of the world one gig at a time. I love experimenting with my photos, both digitally and old school arts and crafts style. I also find my voice through writing about art in any shape or form. Catch me hopping around grassroots venues bopping my head and camera to some good tunes!
Jake Xerxes Fussell brings his mystical folk down to EartH with support from Jennifer Castle
Last Saturday night I stepped into Earth Hackney, shaking off the buzz of a busy Dalston road and the cold breath of London’s winter. At that very moment, all I wished for was warmth and quiet, not expecting that the show I was about to experience from Jake Xerxes Fussell would make my dreams come true.
The evening felt particularly well curated. With my camera in hand, I marveled at the choice of venue. EartH’s dimly-lit stripped down walls, and a seating chart comprised majorly of wooden theatre steps provided a soothing feel, riddled with mysticism.
Support act Jennifer Castle was the first to enchant our scattered minds. Her performance had a celestial feeling to it, scattered with prayers to Mother Nature. In her songs, she led us into a waterfall of memories, cherishing moments in time long gone, but not easily forgotten. The lyrics “I did not want to look to find you gone” from her track ‘NYC’ capture the feel of a longing bliss that transpired throughout her performance.
It was touching to see Fussell’s deep and genuine appreciation for his support as he took a seat in the corner of the front row and chimed in with the crowd’s reactions. When it was his time to take to the stage, he welcomed the crowd like old friends. With very little words spoken in between, the set flowed through time and space, forming an elegant stream of storytelling through traditional folk tales.
His simple yet well constructed melodies brought the audience to an almost meditative state, with the trance only broken for Jake to check in on our experience, making sure everyone was having a good time or to give a little insight about the next tale.
I am an unapologetic homebody and by the time any show ends I am very much ready to head home. Saturday night was different: I felt as if I was already there. During ‘The River St. Johns’ I set my camera aside and curled up in a corner. I closed my eyes and let the drift of the river take me on a journey through Jake’s world of old, mystic folk songs.
The peace I experienced listening to his tasteful guitar (skillfully accompanied by Will Waghorn on drums) allowed me to dream. Being from Poland, folk culture is a big part of my identity, which made the experience all the more special. I am certain that, no matter where your roots are, Jake’s songs will take you someplace dreamlike and make you feel right at home.
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