Being a Swing Rioter

(Nimue)

The original Swing Rioters were working people in the 1800s, struggling with poverty pay and resisting mechanisation on the land. If you’re interested in radical politics and the history of protest, it’s well worth looking them up.

This lot of Swing Rioters have a similar relationship to the name that The Levellers have to The Levellers – more ancestors of radical history there for those who want them. This is an overtly socialist sort of band, with songs celebrating union membership, key workers, and making political points as we go. I’ve worked with front man Robin Burton on a number of projects – I wrote him a mumming play, we’ve worked as a duo and Robin sings with Carnival of Cryptids. I’ve sung backing vocals for Swing Rioters before, but this was the first time I’ve had the pleasure of playing electric violin for them.

I might see if I can talk them into a Levellers cover or two.