3 Types of Folk Music You Should Know About

Folk music is a genre that has many different subgenres. In this blog post, we will explore three of the most popular types of folk music so that you can become more familiar with the genre as a whole.

What is folk music?

Folk music covers a wide range of genres, from traditional ballads and dances to more modern styles. It is typically passed down from generation to generation, and each region has its own unique folk traditions. Here are three different types of folk music that you should know about:

1. Traditional Folk Music

This is the type of folk music that most people think of when they hear the term “folk music”. It includes songs and stories that have been passed down for generations, often with different versions existing in different regions. Traditional folk music is typically associated with a particular culture or ethnicity, and it often has a strong connection to the land and its history.

2. Contemporary Folk Music

This type of folk music includes more modern styles that have been influenced by other genres, such as pop, rock, and country. Contemporary folk musicians often use traditional folk techniques but put their own spin on them to create something new. This type of folk music is sometimes referred to as “Urban Folk” or “New Folk”.

3. World Folk Music

World folk music encompasses a wide range of musical styles from around the globe. It can include traditional folk songs from different cultures, as well as more modern pieces that have been influenced by world music traditions. This type of folk music is perfect for people who want to explore the vast array of musical traditions from all over the world.

The history of folk music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s a genre that encompasses a wide range of styles. Here are three of the most important types of folk music you should know about.

Celtic folk music is a genre that includes music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and other Celtic regions. Celtic folk music is known for its use of traditional instruments like the drone-like bagpipes, as well as its often upbeat and cheerful melodies.

Americana folk music is a type of folk music that originated in the United States. Americana folk music is known for its focus on storytelling, and it often includes elements of blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll.

English folk music is a type of folk music that originated in England. English folk music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the fiddle and the accordion, as well as its melancholy lyrics.

The different types of folk music

Folk music comes in many different forms, each with their own unique histories and traditions. Here are three of the most popular types of folk music that you should know about:

Celtic Folk Music
Celtic folk music is a genre that covers a wide range of different styles, all of which have their roots in the traditional music of the Celtic people. This includes countries like Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. Celtic folk music is often very haunting and melancholic, making use of traditional instruments like the Irish flute, the Scottish bagpipes, and the Welsh harp.

Anglo-American Folk Music
Anglo-American folk music is a type of folk music that developed in the United States and Britain. This genre includes everything from sea shanties and Appalachian ballads to more modern styles like bluegrass and country. Anglo-American folk music has been hugely influential, with many of its songs becoming popular hits around the world.

Eastern European Folk Music
Eastern European folk music comes from a region that is incredibly rich in history and culture. This area includes countries like Russia, Poland, Hungary, and Romania. Eastern European folk music often features fast-paced rhythms and catchy melodies. It also makes use of a wide range of different instruments, including the accordion, fiddle, and Bagpipes.

The benefits of listening to folk music

Listening to folk music can have many benefits. For one, it can help to promote creativity. Folk music often tells stories or paints pictures with its lyrics, and this can inspire listeners to do the same. Folk music can also be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. The simple melodies and harmonies of folk songs can help to soothe the mind and body.

Folk music can also be a great way to connect with other people. Because folk music is often passed down through generations, it can be a way to connect with your heritage. And because folk music is often about telling stories, it can be a way to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Listening to folk music can help you feel less alone in the world.

If you’re interested in exploring the world of folk music, there are many different styles to choose from. Here are three of the most popular types of folk music:

Celtic Folk Music: Celtic folk music comes from the countries of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany (a region in France). This type of folk music is often very upbeat and lively, featuring traditional instruments like the fiddle, bagpipes, and accordion. Celtic folk songs often tell stories of love, loss, drinking, and dancing.

Appalachian Folk Music: Appalachian folk music comes from the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States. This type of folk music is often slower and more relaxing than other types of folk music. It features instruments like the dulcimer and banjo, and songs often deal with topics like nature, religion, and family life.

Scandinavian Folk Music: Scandinavian folk music comes from the countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. This type of folk music is often very beautiful and melancholic. It features traditional instruments like the fiddle and accordion, and many Scandinavianfolk songs are about love, loss, nature, and death.

The popularity of folk music today

Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Here are three different types of folk music you should know about.

British folk music is often based on traditional folk songs from England, Scotland, and Wales. This type of folk music often has a Celtic influence and includes instruments like the fiddle, accordion, and bagpipes.

American folk music is a blend of various traditions, including British, African American, Irish, and Appalachian. This type of folk music often tells stories about the American experience and includes instruments like the banjo, guitar, and harmonica.

Canadian folk music is similar to American folk music, but it also has influences from French Canadian and Indigenous traditions. This type of folk music often has a focus on nature and includes instruments like the Native American flute and drum.

How to get started with listening to folk music

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. It is usually based on the music of the people who live in a particular country or region. Folk music often has a strong connection to the history and culture of its people.

There are many different types of folk music, and it can be hard to know where to start if you’re not familiar with the genre. Here are three popular types of folk music that you should check out:

1. Celtic Folk Music
Celtic folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and accordion. It often has a lively, upbeat sound and is popular in countries like Ireland and Scotland. Celtic folk music often tells stories about the history and culture of the Celtic people.

2. American Folk Music
American folk music is a broad genre that includes many different subgenres, such as bluegrass, country, gospel, and blues. American folk music is often based on the lives of working-class people and tells stories about topics such as love, loss, and triumph.

3. Scandinavian Folk Music
Scandinavian folk music includes the traditional music of countries like Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. This type of folk music often has a feeling of melancholy or sadness, which reflects the Scandinavian people’s historic relationship with nature. Scandinavian folk music sometimes includes elements of Nordic mythology in its lyrics or stories.

The top folk music artists to check out

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s no wonder why. This type of music is easy to listen to, and it tells a story that everyone can relate to. If you’re looking for some good folk music to listen to, here are three artists that you should check out.

1. Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is an American singer-songwriter who first gained popularity with his 2005 album, Illinois. Since then, he has released several other albums, including Carrie & Lowell and The Age of Adz. His music is influenced by folk, indie rock, and electronica, and he is known for his use of unconventional instruments.

2. Bon Iver
Bon Iver is an American indie folk band formed in 2006 by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. The band’s name comes from the French phrase bon hiver, which means “good winter.” Bon Iver’s music is often described as “haunting” and “atmospheric,” and their lyrics often deal with themes of loss and heartbreak.

3. The Decemberists
The Decemberists are an American indie rock band from Portland, Oregon. The band’s music is heavily influenced by folk and traditionalist rock, and their lyrics often deal with historical or literary topics. The Decemberists have released seven studio albums since 2002, including The Crane Wife and What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World.

The best folk music albums to listen to

Folk music has many different forms and can be found all over the world. It is a genre that is often passed down from generation to generation, and each region has its own unique style. If you’re interested in exploring this type of music, here are three of the best folk albums to check out.

The first album on our list is “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” by Bob Dylan. This album was released in 1963 and is considered to be one of the most influential records in folk music history. It features Dylan’s unique voice and songwriting style, and includes classics such as “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.”

If you’re looking for a more contemporary folk album, we recommend “The Lumineers” by The Lumineers. This album was released in 2012 and debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features 12 tracks, including the hit singles “Ho Hey” and “Stubborn Love.”

Our last pick is “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” by various artists. This album was released in 2000 and won 5 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. It is a compilation of traditional folk songs that were recorded by some of the most popular artists of the time, including Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, and John Hartford.

The most iconic folk music songs

Folk music is a genre of music that represents the traditions of a culture. It is often passed down orally, and it usually tells a story or expresses the emotions of the people in that culture. Folk music has been around for centuries, and it is still popular today. Here are three types of folk music you should know about.

Anglo-Celtic folk music is a type of folk music that originated in the British Isles. This type of folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, accordion, and penny whistle. Anglo-Celtic folk music is also known for its use of traditional ballads, which are songs that tell stories. Some of the most iconic Anglo-Celtic folk songs include “The Streets of Laredo” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

Scandinavian folk music is a type of folk music that originated in Scandinavia. This type of folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the nyckelharpa and fiddle. Scandinavian folk music is also known for its use of traditional ballads, which are songs that tell stories. Some of the most iconic Scandinavian folk songs include “Jägerbomben” and “Säkkijärvi polka.”

Appalachian folk music is a type of folk music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. This type of folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the banjo and fiddle. Appalachian folk music is also known for its use of traditional ballads, which are songs that tell stories. Some of the most iconic Appalachian folk songs include “Oh Susanna” and “Tom Dooley.”

Why folk music is worth your time

Folk music is often passed down through generations, holding important stories, traditions, and history. It can be found all over the world, deeply rooted in the cultures of various regions. While folk music has evolved over time, it has maintained its original purpose of being a way for people to express themselves and their heritage. Here are three different types of folk music you should know about:

American Folk Music
American folk music is a style that was born out of the cross-cultural exchange between British and Irish immigrants and Native Americans. This type of folk music is characterized by its use of Celtic instrumentation and harmony. Common instruments used in American folk music include the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Some well-known American folk songs include “Down in the Valley” and “Shenandoah.”

British Folk Music
British folk music is often traditional in nature, telling stories of love, loss, and hardship. This type of folk music is usually acoustic, with instruments like the violin, accordion, bagpipes, and penny whistle being commonly used. Some popular British folk songs are “The Leaving of Liverpool” and “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond.”

Irish Folk Music
Irish folk music is an upbeat and lively type of music that is often associated with drinking and partying. This genre is characterized by its use of traditional Irish instruments such as the tin whistle, banjo, fiddle, bodhrán (a type of drum),and accordion. Some well-known Irish folk songs are “Danny Boy” and “Whiskey in the Jar.”