Best Folk Music Artists to Check Out

Here are some of the best folk music artists to check out if you’re looking for something new to listen to!

Introduction

Folk music is a genre that typically refers to music that is passed down orally, often with little or no change to the original melody or lyrics. Folk music is usually associated with specific cultures and regions, and it often has historical significance.

There are many different folk music artists from all over the world, each with their own unique style. Here are just a few of the best folk music artists to check out:

The Dubliners: This Irish folk band was formed in 1962 and is comprised of Ron Kavana, Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke, Barney McKenna, and John Sheahan. The Dubliners are known for their signature blend of Irish traditional music and ballads.

The Clancy Brothers: Another well-known Irish folk band, the Clancy Brothers were formed in 1955 and consisted of brothers Tom, Pat, and Liam Clancy, as well as Tommy Makem. The Clancy Brothers were known for their highly influential recordings of traditional Irish songs.

Anna Madsen: A Danish singer-songwriter, Madsen’s music has been described as “folktronica” due to her use of electronics in addition to more traditional folk instrumentation. Madsen’s 2013 album Efflorescence was nominated for a Danish Music Award in the “Best Album” category.

Other excellent folk music artists to check out include Scottish singer-songwriter Kathryn Tickell, Swedish group Värttinä, Canadian duo The Wailin’ Jennys, and American musicians Bill Morrissey and Greg Brown.

The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers are an American folk rock band from Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. The group is made up of two brothers, Scott Avett and Seth Avett, who play the banjo and guitar respectively, along with Bob Crawford on the double bass and Joe Kwon on the cello. The band is known for their energetic live shows and their heartfelt lyrics. They have released nine studio albums, four of which have been nominated for Grammy Awards.

Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes are an indie folk band which formed in Seattle, Washington, United States in 2006. The band came to prominence in 2008 with the release of its self-titled debut album, Fleet Foxes. Critically acclaimed, the album earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. The group’s second album, Helplessness Blues, was released on 3 May 2011 to generally positive reviews and again garnered much critical acclaim.

Bon Iver

Bon Iver is an American indie folk band founded in 2006 by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. The band’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago (2007), was commercially successful and garnered critical acclaim. The album is certified platinum in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia.

Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons is a British rock band formed in London in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboard, piano), Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, electric guitar) and Ted Dwane (bass guitar, double bass, vocals). Mumford & Sons have released three studio albums: Sigh No More (2009), Babel (2012) and Wilder Mind (2015). The band has also released three live albums: Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire (2011), The Road to Red Rocks (2012) and Live from South Africa: Dust and thunder (2017).

Mumford & Sons’ music is characterised by their use of acoustic instruments and a pleasing folk-pop songwriting style. Their sound has been described as “banjo-infused indie folk-rock”. The band’s lyrics are generally optimistic and deal with topics such as love, loss, God, hope and perseverance.

If you’re a fan of folk music or are simply looking for something new to listen to, then Mumford & Sons is definitely an artist worth checking out!

The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart is an indie folk band formed in Seattle, Washington in 2009. The band is composed of Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Charity Rose Thielen (violin, viola, guitar, vocals), Chris Zasche (bass), Kenny Hensley (piano), and Tyler Williams (drums). The group’s self-titled debut album was released in 2011 on Sub Pop.

The Lumineers

The Lumineers are an American folk rock band based in Denver, Colorado. The band’s lineup consists of Wesley Schultz on lead vocals and guitar, Neyla Pekarek on cello and vocals, Jeremiah Fraites on drums and percussion, and Stelth Ulvang on piano. The Lumineers rose to prominence in 2012 with their hit single “Ho Hey”, which reached number one on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart and was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men is a six-piece indie folk-pop band from Iceland. The members met in high school and started making music together in 2010. The band released its debut album, “My Head Is an Animal,” in 2011. The album was a huge commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling more than 3 million copies worldwide. Of Monsters and Men’s music has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including “The Hunger Games,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Lord Huron

Lord Huron is an American indie folk band based in Los Angeles. The group’s debut album, Lonesome Dreams, was released in 2012 on I Am Sound Records. The album was written and recorded by band founder Ben Schneider. The band’s second album, Strange Trails, was released in 2015 on I Am Sound and Kobalt Label Services.

Lord Huron’s music has been featured in several films and TV shows, including The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Revenant, Stranger Things, and 13 Reasons Why. Lord Huron has also toured with Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters and Men, and Arcade Fire.

The Paper Kites

An indie folk band from Melbourne, Australia, The Paper Kites formed in early 2010 around the talents of songwriters Sam Bentley and Christina Lacy.with a sound that is often compared to Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons. The five-piece band is completed by Baker, David Powys, Kim Cheshire, and Sam Rasmussen.

The Paper Kites have released two albums to date, States (2014) and twelvefour (2015). They have also released several EPs including Woodland (2011), Young North (2012), and states: remixes (2014). The band has toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe, Canada, and the United States.