Jason Williamson


Jason Williamson 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 and Divide and Exit. Their later releases on Rough Trade, including English Tapas, helped to establish the band internationally. Their most recent album UK Grim reached no. 3 on the UK Albums Chart.

Acting and writing

Williamson made his film debut in uk18. He later appeared in Peaky Blinders. 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 and Jason Williamson's House Party.

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
  • The Mekon
  • The Originator
  • S.P.E.C.T.R.E.
  • Wank
  • Austerity Dogs
  • Divide and Exit
  • Key Markets
  • English Tapas
  • Eton Alive
  • Spare Ribs
  • UK Grim
  • ''The Demise of Planet X''

    As featured artist

  • The Bug – "Treetop" / "Stoat"

    Filmography

  • uk18
  • Peaky Blinders
  • ''Game''