Fast Folk Music: The New Americana

Looking for a new, exciting type of music to listen to? Check out Fast Folk Music: The New Americana. This genre is a blend of traditional folk music and modern pop, rock, and country influences.

What is Fast Folk Music?

Fast Folk Music is a style of music that is based on traditional American folk music, but with a faster tempo. This style of music began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and became popular in the 1990s. Fast Folk Music is often compared to Country Music, but it is a distinct genre. Fast Folk Music often uses elements of rock, pop, and blues.

The History of Fast Folk Music

Fast Folk music is a type of traditional folk music that originated in the United States in the late 1970s. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, its focus on storytelling, and its somewhat quicker tempo than other types of folk music.

The term “fast folk” was first used by Dave Van Ronk, a musician who was working in the Greenwich Village area of New York City in the late 1970s. He used the term to describe the type of music being made by a group of young musicians who were influenced by both traditional folk music and contemporary pop music.

Fast Folk became popular in the 1980s, particularly on college radio stations. The most well-known performers of Fast Folk were probably Nanci Griffith and Billy Bragg. Griffith’s album “Other Voices, Other Rooms” (1988) was particularly successful and helped to bring Fast Folk to a wider audience.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Fast Folk, thanks in part to streaming services such as Spotify and Pandora. If you’re interested in exploring this type of music further, we recommend checking out some of the artists mentioned above.

The Rise of Fast Folk Music

The early 1990s saw a resurgence in interest in folk music, particularly among younger audiences. This was spurred in part by the popularity of the musical dramedy series “Beverly Hills, 90210,” which featured a number of folk-style songs on its soundtrack. This new interest led to a boom in so-called “fast folk” music, which was characterized by simple, catchy melodies and accessible lyrics.

Many fast folk artists were signed to major labels and enjoyed significant commercial success. However, the genre was largely overshadowed by grunge and alternative rock in the late 1990s, and it has since faded from the spotlight. Nevertheless, fast folk remains an important part of American musical history, and its influence can still be heard in the work of contemporary artists such as Vampire Weekend and Hozier.

The Popularity of Fast Folk Music

In recent years, fast folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity. Often characterized by its simple melodies and lyrics that telling stories of American life, fast folk music is also known for its upbeat tempo. This type of music is often performed by solo artists or small groups and is typically played on acoustic instruments.

While fast folk music has its roots in the traditional folk music of the United States, it has also been influenced by other genres, including country, rock, and pop. As a result, fast folk music often contains elements of these other styles. This makes it appealing to a wide range of listeners.

If you’re interested in discovering more about fast folk music, there are a number of excellent resources available. The Fast Folk Musical Magazine was founded in 1982 and provides a wealth of information about the genre. The magazine publishes articles about both established and up-and-coming artists, as well as reviews of new albums. It also offers listings of upcoming events and festivals where you can see fast folk musicians in action.

The Future of Fast Folk Music

The future of fast folk music is uncertain. The genre has seen a decline in popularity in recent years, and many of the most popular fast folk artists have retired or moved on to other genres. However, there are still a few fast folk musicians keeping the genre alive. These musicians are committed to keeping the tradition of fast folk music alive and hope to see the genre make a comeback in the future.