Block (musician)

Jamie Block
Block performing in studio
Background information
Birth name	Jamie Block
Origin	Long Island, New York
Genres	Anti-folk, Rock, Indie rock, alternative rock
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, piano
Years active	1996–present
Labels	SonaBLAST! Records, Capitol Records, Java Records, Zensor

Jamie Block, also known by the alias Block, is a New York City-based musician, known for being a prominent member of New York's anti-folk movement.

Block has been considered one of the early participants in New York's anti-folk movement, a raw and subversive form of folk music that is inspired heavily by punk rock and indie rock. Block includes a multitude of instruments and sounds within each album, including elements of punk rock, electronica, jazz and hip hop. Lyrically, Block focuses heavily on personal experiences and observations living in New York City.

Block grew up on Long Island, New York. He went to college to study English in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but relocated to New York City, where he began his music career as a subway busker. In 1996, Block self-released his debut album, Lead Me Not Into Penn Station, which was well received by critics. In reviewing the album, Laurel Bowman of Alternative Press wrote that Block "practices the alchemy of melodious discord: pretty enough to draw you in, rough enough to keep you listening." The CD included CD-ROM content, including video clips, song lyrics, photos and a New York City guide. Block released a music video for the album song "Rhinoceros," which was broadcast on cable network MTV2.

The positive reception for Penn Station helped Block book tours opening for The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Bob Mould, and They Might Be Giants, garnering notice from producer Glen Ballard. In 1998, Ballard, (known for co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's album Jagged Little Pill) started the Capitol Records imprint Java, and chose Block to be the first signed artist. Java released Block's sophomore album, Timing is Everything, on October 6, 1998. The album was generally very well received by critics, with Karen Iris Tucker of Time Out New York calling the album "stellar" and Matthew S. Robinson of The Boston Globe stating that the album is "tight, important and definitely well-timed." Following the album's release, Block toured with a full band, including Mark Hutchins on drums and John Abbey on bass.