We caught up with Michelle from fast rising stars of the folk scene Bonfire Radicals for a few questions ahead of their Sidmouth debut this August…

How did you first meet and all start playing together? What were your initial aims and ambitions for Bonfire Radicals?

Bonfire Radicals started because a few of us wanted to play music together. What mattered most was being surrounded by people who loved folk music, were lovely to spend time with and were up for trying new things.

We were all drawn to folk traditions from different parts of the world and wanted to explore those together without feeling tied to one particular style or rulebook. From the beginning we’ve loved taking traditional music as a starting point, and seeing where it can take us while keeping its heart intact.

Our sets have always been a mix of traditional tunes and our own music, inspired by the places we’ve travelled, the people we’ve met and the traditions we’ve been lucky enough to experience. We love bringing those different influences together, finding new ways for folk music to connect with people.

We love to make music that’s exciting to play, no matter how many times we’ve played it, and hopefully just as exciting to hear. If we’re enjoying ourselves, there’s a good chance the audience will too.

What have been some of your highlights over the last few years?

There have been so many highlights over the last few years, and they’ve all been quite different. A recent one was heading north of the border to Scotland for the first time and headlining a festival there. The tent was heaving with people dancing, and it was incredible to see people responding so instinctively, moving with the changes in our music. We also got to spend the day listening to music and playing tunes together.

Another recent highlight was our hometown show at the Hare & Hounds. It was a celebration of our upcoming album Spaghetti Junction, and it was wonderful to see so many people who have supported us over the years alongside new faces hearing our music for the first time.

The first day we were allowed to get back out and play live after lockdown is one that really sticks in our memory. We’d kept going with socially distanced rehearsals in Pete’s garden once meeting as a group of six was allowed, but that first chance to play for others again felt incredibly emotional. After so long of gathering through screens, being together with an audience again felt like a real reminder of what we’d all been missing: the chance to share music and be together.

The Kitchen Garden Cafe in Birmingham has played a really important part in our journey as a band, championing us as artists and giving us opportunities along the way. We’ve played some wonderfully intimate shows there over the years, although we’ve probably become a little too loud for it as a regular gig now! Last Christmas we went back and did something a little different, with stripped-back arrangements and smaller combinations of musicians, sharing some of the music that inspires us and the things we each bring into Bonfire Radicals. It was a really special way to share some of the ideas and sounds that sit behind the full band sound.

Supporting Sheelanagig on their UK tour in 2023 was another highlight. We played ten dates across the UK, getting to visit new places and meet new audiences along the way. It was exciting to find ourselves in new places and realise that the things we love about the band could connect with people well beyond our hometown.

Seeing our last album, The Space Between, reach number 13 in the folk charts in 2022 was a huge moment for us. As an independent band, it meant a lot to see people get behind the album and help it reach new listeners.

One of the things we love about Bonfire Radicals is that our music works in so many different settings. We’ve played big festival stages, tiny venues, seated concerts and everything in between. Every audience brings something different, and that’s what keeps playing live so exciting.

Will this be your first time performing at Sidmouth? What have you heard about the festival?

Yes, as Bonfire Radicals this will be our first time performing at Sidmouth, although some of us have been before and love the festival.

Michelle and Katie have brilliant memories from their time there together – from learning to play the bones in Louisa’s workshop, to Swedish dancing, watching amazing gigs and playing in welcoming sessions all day and late into the night.

We’ve always heard that Sidmouth is so much more than just a festival of music, with so many ways to get involved, and everyone seems to be part of it. We’re really looking forward to being there for the week and becoming part of it ourselves. And, coming from Birmingham, we’re also very excited about the sea, the coastal paths and (we’re told!) the excellent vegan ice cream.

You’re playing an evening show up at The Bulverton – what can people expect from your set?

Expect a succession of surprises. There’ll be original tunes, traditional tunes and songs, all mixed together with plenty of energy along the way.

Our live shows are creative, joyful and full of energy, with pounding grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and moments of real delicacy. The result is a big, exciting sound with plenty of detail underneath.

We love that everyone experiences the music in their own way – whether you’re swept up in the energy of it or enjoying all the twists and turns along the way. Most importantly, we want people to come along, have a brilliant time and leave with a smile.

After a recent gig, someone told us:

“You should be available on prescription to lift the nation’s spirits! I have smiled for 2 hours – uplifting, joyous and talented. Brilliant!”

Is there anyone else on the Sidmouth line-up you’d recommend checking out?

So many people! One of the best things about Sidmouth is the variety – there’s something for every musical taste. We love that the line-up brings together newer artists alongside people who have been at the heart of the folk scene for decades.

We’ve got a particular soft spot for Michael McGoldrick and Tim Edey. We met them a couple of summers ago when we played at Purbeck, and since then Katie has guested on one of their recordings, Michelle has joined Tim on a gig, and Tim has even taught Michelle some melodeon. They’re both phenomenal musicians, and we’d definitely recommend catching their set.

Will Pound is another amazing musician to look out for too – he’s also given Michelle some melodeon lessons, so there’s a bit of a theme developing!

What’s next for you after summer festivals?

After the summer there’s lots to look forward to. We’ll be officially releasing our next album Spaghetti Junction in September before heading out on tour, although we’ll have advance copies with us at Sidmouth for anyone who’d like to get their hands on one. We’re also excited to be working with Barney at Kick Arts as the band continues to grow, and we’ll be heading to Portugal for our first gigs outside the UK. Along the way, Bonfire Radicals will be entering a new chapter, with new tunes already bubbling away.

You can see Bonfire Radicals along with Suntou Susso and The Gambian Superstars live in concert on Thursday 6th August, from 7pm at The Bulverton. Tickets available here: https://tickets.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd?venue=Bulverton+Marquee+%28standing%29