Contemporary UK folk collective Bellowhead was conceived as a side-project for respected British folk duo Spiers and Boden in 2004. The original duo began recruiting fellow folk musicians and ended up with an 11-piece group that played over 20 instruments. Bellowhead soon developed a characteristic sound that incorporated many styles of vintage folk, sea shanties and old-time music into a modern amalgamation of world-flavored folk. Since forming, the collective has been named "Best Live Act" at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards four years in a row, solidifying Bellowhead as a highly sought-after addition to prominent UK festivals and events.