The Best of Canadian Folk Music

A collection of the best Canadian Folk Music, from traditional songs to more modern tunes.

The Origins of Canadian Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that encompasses a wide variety of styles and influences. Folk music has its origins in the oral tradition, and was passed down from generation to generation. Canadian folk music is a blend of many different cultures and influences, and has been shaped by the country’s history.

The influence of Celtic and Acadian music

The Celtic music of Scotland, Ireland, and Cape Breton Island was brought to Canada by immigrants from those regions in the 1700s and 1800s. The Celtic music of these immigrants had a significant influence on the development of Canadian folk music.

Acadian music is a type of Celtic music that was brought to Canada by French immigrants from the Canadian province of Acadia in the 1600s and 1700s. Like other forms of Celtic music, Acadian music has had a significant influence on the development of Canadian folk music.

The influence of First Nations music

First Nations music has had a significant influence on the development of Canadian folk music. There are many similarities between the music of First Nations peoples and that of other North American indigenous peoples, but there are also some important differences.

First Nations music is typically characterized by a strong rhythmic component, with drums being the most important instrument. Vocal styles vary widely, but often include a high level of falsetto singing. Melodies are often repetitive and often make use of microtones (i.e., intervals smaller than those used in Western tuning).

First Nations music has been a major source of influence for many Canadian folk musicians, particularly in the Maritime provinces and in Québec. The best-known example is probably Cape Breton fiddler Buddy MacEachern, who was heavily influenced by Mi’kmaq music. Other prominent examples include fiddler Joe Peter MacLean, banjo player Wade Hemsworth, and accordion player Neil careen These musicians have all been instrumental in helping to create a uniquely Canadian folk music tradition.

The Development of Canadian Folk Music

The roots of Canadian folk music can be traced back to the 18th century. At that time, the music was largely influenced by the British and Irish traditions brought over by the settlers. Over the years, the music has evolved and been influenced by other traditions, resulting in a unique Canadian sound.

The rise of Maritime music

By the early 20th century, maritime music was well established in Canada. The most popular style was the Kitchen Party music of the Maritimes, which was a mix of Scottish, Irish, and English influences. This music was often played at community events like dances and square dances, and it quickly spread across the country.

Other popular folk styles of the time included Quebecois music, which was a mix of French and Celtic influences, and Aboriginal music, which incorporated traditional Aboriginal instruments and themes. Folk music in Canada continued to evolve throughout the 20th century, with new styles emerging as different cultures blended together.

The rise of Western music

Western music is a style of music that began in Europe in the late Middle Ages and has since spread around the world. It is generally characterized by its use of harmony, melody, and rhythm, as well as its focus on emotional expression.

Canadian folk music has its roots in the music of Europe, but it has also been influenced by the music of other cultures, including those of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Folk music is typically passed down from generation to generation, and it often reflects the traditions and values of a specific community.

Over the years, Canadian folk music has evolved to include a variety of different styles, from traditional songs and dances to more modern sounds. Some of the most popular Canadian folk artists include Buffy Sainte-Marie, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Cockburn, Joni Mitchell, and Stan Rogers.

The Popularity of Canadian Folk Music

The influence of radio and television

During the 1960s, Canadian folk music became popular in both Canada and the United States. This was due in part to the influence of radio and television. In Canada, the CBC began airing a folk music program called “Singalong Jubilee” in 1957. This show featured both professional and amateur musicians performing traditional and contemporary folk songs. The show was so popular that it sparked a revival of interest in Canadian folk music.

In the United States, the popularity of Canadian folk music was boosted by the success of The Kingston Trio. This American folk group had a hit song with their cover of “The Times They Are A-Changin’”, which was written by Canadian musician Bob Dylan. The Kingston Trio’s success helped to introduce American audiences to Canadian folk music.

Today, there are many popular Canadian Folk musicians such as Stan Rogers, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, and Joni Mitchell. Many of these artists have been influenced by the traditional folk music of their homeland.

The influence of the Canadian Folk Music Awards

The Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA) are presented annually to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement in Canadian folk music. Founded in 2003, the CFMAs are unique in Canada in that they offer a jury- selected, peer-reviewed process for nominations in 13 different categories. Awards are also given out for Lifetime Achievement, Special Achievement and the Unsung Hero Award.

Over the years, the CFMAs have become an important part of the Canadian music scene, helping to raise the profile of many artists and groups who might otherwise have gone largely unnoticed. In particular, the CFMAs have been instrumental in shining a spotlight on up-and-coming talent, giving them a chance to share the stage with some of Canada’s most respected folk musicians.

The CFMAs are also significant because they are one of the few major music awards ceremonies in Canada that focus primarily on folk music. This is an important distinction, as it helps to ensure that this often underrepresented genre receives the attention and recognition it deserves.

Looking at the list of past winners provides a good sense of the range and diversity of Canadian folk music. The CFMAs have awarded prizes to artists working in a wide variety of styles, from traditional folk to contemporary folk-rock and everything in between. This reflects the fact that Canadian folk music is constantly evolving, with new sounds and influences being added to the mix all the time.

There’s no doubt that the CFMAs have had a positive impact on Canadian folk music, both by raising its profile and by helping to foster new talent. As long as they continue to do so, they will remain an important part of Canada’s musical landscape.

The Future of Canadian Folk Music

The popularity of Canadian folk music has been on the rise in recent years. More and more people are beginning to appreciate the unique sound of this genre. Canadian folk music has the potential to become one of the most popular genres in the world. In this article, we will discuss the future of Canadian folk music.

The influence of digital technology

While digital technology has had a profound impact on the music industry as a whole, its effect on folk music has been somewhat more nuanced. On the one hand, the ability to easily share and distribute music online has helped to increase the visibility of Canadian folk musicians, both at home and abroad. On the other hand, the rise of streaming services and other digital platforms has made it more difficult for these artists to make a living from their music.

Looking to the future, it is unclear what exactly the role of digital technology will play in Canadian folk music. However, one thing is certain: the genre will continue to evolve and change in response to the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

The influence of globalization

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of globalization in the music industry. With the advent of the internet and digital media, musicians from all over the world are now able to connect with each other and share their music with a global audience. This has had a profound impact on the Canadian folk music scene, as more and more artists are incorporating elements of other cultures into their work.

This trend is largely being driven by younger musicians who are interested in experimenting with new sounds and styles. For many of them, folk music is the perfect vehicle for exploring their identity in a globalized world. By blending traditional folk sounds with elements from other cultures, they are creating something truly unique that reflects their own personal experiences.

The future of Canadian folk music is bright, as more and more artists continue to experiment with new genres and styles. With the help of technology, Canadian folk musicians will continue to connect with each other and reach new audiences all over the world.