Pagan Folk Against Fascism

In response to the the far right targeting folk traditions and celebrations, combined with a love of the evolving folk tradition within the UK pagan community, Mad Magdalen (the earthy folk group for earthy people!) have taken some action. Working with musicians and spoken word performers who represent some of the finest examples of how the pagan community celebrate the folk traditions of this sacred isle, a groovy compilation CD has been created. The CD features some names well known on the pagan scene. Damh The Bard has offered a previously unreleased live recording; Jim Faupel a bespoke version of "Wicker Man" just for this CD (courtesy of Rig Records). The Dolmen are here too. We are blessed by the return of Talis Kimberley. Gordon MacLellan offers two pieces, and Liv Torc offers a wondermentalist poem. There are perhaps more unfamiliar names that will entice listeners into the broader world of folk. Devil's Elbow offer a traditional song, as do Kate & Corwen. Mike O'Connor has given two songs from the very heart of the evolving English folk tradition. And there are more. Check out the 'Artists' section of this web site.

The aim is a simple one. By encouraging more pagans to engage with the world of folk music and poetry, by encouraging those who already enjoy some aspects of this tradition to explore other performers, we can help protect that tradition from the infiltration and misuse of the far right. There is no need to engage in political debate through this method; simply encouraging people to value the music and verse, to reflect upon its place in our own community and in the culture we share with others in this land, will help foster a greater love of our heritage. This will see pagans protecting their culture from misrepresentation. The political debates will happen elsewhere, within this project we aim only to foster a love and passion of folk music and traditions. There are many political songs within our folk traditions, and so it should always be. But let the political expression find its way into the tradition through proper means, not by the planned hijacking of the folk movement. By raising awareness that this infiltration of the folk scene is a planned political move we hope people can make an informed choice about whether they let it happen or not.

Working with Cerri Lee we have also created a small range of t-shirts that you can buy to show your support for the project and help to spread the word. Funding for this project has been swiftly forthcoming from various sources , and many have given their creative talents and time to help. It is a testament to the pagan community that such selfless giving can be gathered together so swiftly. Any profits from the sale of the CD and merchandise will be put back into the project, promoting folk traditions to all.

Gordon MacLellan - Hills

Druidicca - Homer & the Giant

Sunshine Paul Newman - Just a Matter of Time

Liv Torc - Shades of Green

Kate & Corwen - Sweet England*

Mike O'Connor - Singing in the May

The Dolmen - Willow Fae

Devil's Elbow - Cambric Shirt*

Damh the Bard - Merlin am I (Live)

Mad Magdalen - Alison Cross*

Anharmonic - No One Said It Would Be Easy

Jim Faupel - Wicker Man

Talis Kimberley - 1400 Hours

Paul Mitchell - Clarion Call

Gordon MacLellan - Kelpie

Mad Magdalen - Wassail**