Barackca

Barackca is a Hungarian punk band from Budapest. The group forms in 1993, when the singer and his brother begin looking for musicians who want to play punk; they meet three other players at school and form the band together, even though those musicians do not initially prefer punk.

Line-up changes and early years

After two years, two guitarists leave because they disagree with the band’s outlook and feel the lyrics are too political. The singer’s brother then learns guitar and takes over on that instrument. In 1996, the original bass guitarist leaves to focus on studying, and Andrew joins the band. He makes his debut at the band’s third birthday party and remains in the group afterwards.

Records and label work

Barackca chooses to release its albums independently, in part because the Hungarian record industry at the time issues punk, metal, alternative rock and Nazi-related material through the same labels. The band saves money, records in a studio, and presses tapes itself. In 2000, the singer and his brother found NEMART Records.

Touring and activity

From 1993 to 2001, the band plays extensively in Hungary. Its first performances abroad take place in 2001, mainly near the borders, including in areas of the former Yugoslavia. After playing a Hungarian festival, a member of the German band LAK invites the group to perform in Germany, and this leads to concerts across Europe.

In 2002, Barackca plays 58 concerts in seven countries and travels 21,340 kilometres. In 2003, it moves to Berlin for five months and lives in the Köpi squat, before returning to Hungary because it tours there frequently and wants to visit family. That year it plays 96 shows in twelve countries and travels 46,280 kilometres. By the end of 2003, it releases Open Your Mouth!, described as its latest and hardest album. The band continues touring in 2004, presenting the new record to audiences.

Later touring

In October 2004, a second guitarist from Germany with Hungarian and German roots joins the band. Later that year, Barackca tours South-East Asia, visiting Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Across that tour, it plays 108 concerts in 20 countries and travels 69,760 kilometres.