The Best British Folk Music Labels
Contents
Looking for the best British folk music labels? Look no further than our roundup of the top 5 labels in the genre! From traditional to contemporary, these labels have got you covered.
Introducing British Folk Music
Since the 1960s, British folk music has undergone something of a renaissance. New artists have taken inspiration from the traditional music of their homeland and created a sound that is both unique and accessible. As a result, British folk music has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity both at home and abroad.
What is British Folk Music?
British folk music is a tradition of music that originates in and is specific to the United Kingdom, or England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It often has strong ties to the music of the Celtic nations. It has distinctive characteristics and sometimes bears similarities to the music of neighbouring regions, such as Ireland and Brittany.
There is no one defining characteristic of British folk music, but it often has a strong violin or fiddle presence, as well as guitar and accordion. These days, it encompasses a wide range of styles, from traditional ballads to more modern singer-songwriter fare.
If you’re interested in exploring British folk music, there are many great labels that specialize in this genre. Below are some of our favorites.
The Origins of British Folk Music
The origins of British folk music are diverse and complex. Music has always been an important part of British culture, and folk music is no exception. The United Kingdom has a rich history of folk music that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Folk music encompasses a wide range of genres, from traditional ballads and sea shanties to more modern styles like Celtic rock and punk folk. While the term “folk music” can be loosely defined, there are certain characteristics that are common to most folk songs. These include using simple instruments like acoustic guitars and drums, as well as using traditional melodies and chord progressions.
Folk music has its roots in the oral tradition, meaning that many of the songs were never written down but were instead passed down through the generations by word of mouth. This oral tradition is still alive today, with many modern folk musicians learning their songs from older musicians or from recorded versions.
The popularity of folk music declined in the mid-20th century as other genres became more popular. However, in recent years there has been a revival of interest in folk music, with many young people rediscovering the genre and its rich heritage.
There are many great British folk music labels that specialize in releasing new and innovative folk music. These labels are helping to keep the genre alive and thriving by signing talented new artists and releasing exciting new albums. If you’re interested in discovering some great new British folk music, be sure to check out some of the best labels below.
The Best British Folk Music Labels
There are many great British folk music labels, but which ones are the best? In this article, we’ll take a look at the top five British folk music labels, based on quality of music, artist roster, and overall reputation.
Topic Records
Founded in 1951 by Tony Engle, Topic Records is one of the world’s leading folk and world music record labels. Topic’s catalogue includes classic and contemporary folk recordings, as well as a range of music from around the world. The label has released albums by some of the most iconic figures in British folk music, including Bert Jansch, Anne Briggs, Bill Leader, Davy Graham, Richard Thompson, Shirley Collins and Martin Carthy. Topic also offers a platform for new and emerging artists, with recent releases by Olivia Chaney, Marry Waterson, Sam Lee and The Transports.
Rivertones
Rivertones is a folk music label based in the UK that specialises in new and traditional folk music from Britain and Ireland. The label was founded in 2006 by musicians Chris Sullivan and Dianne Charlesworth, and has since released over 30 albums by artists such as June Tabor, Martyn Wyndham-Read, Tim Hart & Maddy Prior, The Young ‘Uns, and The Demon Barbers.
Fledg’ling Records
Founded in 1992, Fledg’ling Records is one of the UK’s most respected independent record labels, specialising in contemporary and traditional British acoustic music as well as reissues of classic recordings by some of the greatest names in British folk music.
The brainchild of treble-maker Steven Collins and his wife Sharon, the label was originally conceived as a vehicle for releasing their own music (Collins was a founding member of the highly acclaimed vocal group The Imagined Village) but has since grown to become one of the most respected names in British folk, with a roster that includes some of the finest performers in the genre.
Fledg’ling’s commitment to quality has seen them win numerous awards, including ‘Label Of The Year’ at the 2008 BBC Folk Awards and ‘Best Small Label’ at the 2009 MOJO Awards, and their releases have regularly been nominated for ‘Album Of The Year’ at both the BBC Folk Awards and the MOJO Awards.
Their release schedule is broadly divided into three areas: new albums by contemporary performers; reissues and compilations of classic recordings by some of Britain’s most important traditional musicians; and a series of archival releases drawn from the incredible wealth of traditional music recorded by ethnomusicologist Peter Kennedy during the 1950s.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our guide to the best British folk music labels. These ten labels are all worth exploring if you are a fan of folk music, and each one has something special to offer. Whether you are looking for traditional tunes or something a little more contemporary, there is sure to be a label on this list that can cater to your needs.
Folk music is an important part of Britain’s musical heritage, and these labels are helping to keep the tradition alive. If you are interested in supporting British folk music, then be sure to check out the websites of these labels and see what they have to offer. Thank you for reading!
