Month-Month 2024

In Focus: BROADSIDE HACKS

Festival Spotlight

Goblin Band’s EP launch at the Moth Club, London on May Day 2024 (promoted by Broadside Hacks)

Label. Band. Club. Archive. Promoter. Broadside Hacks are all these things and more; a dynamic cottage industry with a free-floating membership proselytising the folk music cause, taking traditional (and not-so traditional) sounds for a radical spin, while paying dues to their celebrated forebears.

Tracing their origins to the segregated malaise of lockdown and a desire among friends to engender a sense of community lost , the London-based collective took to championing the music so dear to their hearts, releasing sides on their own boutique imprint and promoting regular gigs at the MOTH in Hackney.

In March 2023, Hacks helmsman Campbell Baum launched the group’s very own folk club. “It’s something

I’m immensely proud of,” he explains with a palpable glee. “I’ve worked with some of my absolute heroes – Peggy Seeger, Bridget St John, Martin Carthy, Shirley Collins and The Pogues – as well as more recent names associated with our label – Milkweed, Goblin Band and The New Eves. I’ve documented some outstanding performances and conversations at these events, which are held on our online archive, so those who were unable to attend can enjoy them too.”

Baum is keen for others to join his fellowship of likeminded folkies, inviting collaborations or, in line with Hacks’ own DIY approach, encouraging artists and fans to take matters into their own hands. “Come to one of our shows, introduce yourself. It’s important to get a sense of what we do if you want to work with us,” Baum states, before adding. “But if you live somewhere that doesn’t have a folk club, where you can go and perform with people your own age, just start your own!”

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