On January 1st, 2006, after a particularly unsuccesful New Year's Eve, Al Baker was sitting in his smoke-filled, mirrorless bedroom listening to Phil Ochs, Billy Bragg and Riot Folk records. It suddenly occured to him that, hell, this folk music lark didn't sound all that difficult, so he picked up his rusting, neglected 12-string guitar, played three chords, ranted for three minutes about Rupert Murdoch and, before he knew it, had written his first song.

A year later, Al recorded his first album, "On The Use of Jackboots" with one microphone in his bedroom and a handful of more talented friends backing him up as the first incarnation of The Dole Queue. The DIY recording and lack of any industry help notwithstanding, 'Jackboots' was extremely well received, and led to Al almost overnight becoming a fixture of the growing Folk Punk scene in the UK and accross the world. Al has to date played over 250 shows, including four UK tours, two tours of North America and one of mainland Europe. He has been featured on many radio stations, received airplay from many more, including the Mike Davis Punk Show on BBC Radio 1. He has played alongside monsters of Folk and Punk, including Sonic Boom Six, Frank Turner, Attila The Stockbroker, David Rovics, Mischief Brew, The World/Inferno Friendship Society, Robb Johnson and Suicide Bid. He has made appearences at the festivals Glastonbury and Wychwood among otheres, and will be closing 2010's Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival in Dorset.

For more information visit www.albaker.co.uk.