The Best Folk Music Magazines to Check Out
Contents
Looking for the best folk music magazines to check out? Here are our top picks!
What is Folk Music?
Folk music is a genre of music that is passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music is usually unique to a certain culture or region. Folk music often tells stories of the people in that culture. Folk music can be a great way to learn about other cultures. It can also be a great way to relax and enjoy the music.
Defining Folk Music
Though often described as “roots music” or “traditional music,” folk music is tough to define. It can be old or new, solo or group-based, sung in English or another language. It can originate from a specific region or tell a universal story.
One way to think of folk music is as the music of the people — music passed down through generations, created in communities and meant to be shared. This is opposed to commercial music, which is typically written by professional songwriters and performers and produced for profit.
Folk songs often deal with topics like love, loss, work and play. They can be serious or funny, happy or sad. Some are based on real events, while others are complete fiction. Many have been around for centuries, while others are brand new.
One of the most classic examples of folk music is the ballad “Barbara Allen,” which dates back to the 17th century. In more recent years, artists like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan have taken folk songs and made them their own.
The History of Folk Music
Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and emphasizes both traditional and contemporary folk music. It grew out of the folk ballads and songs of the British Isles in the late medieval period. As early as the 16th century, there was a tradition of ballads and songs being passed down from generation to generation. In the 18th century, these songs began to be collected and published, which led to a revival of interest in folk music in the 19th century.
Folk music has always been an important part of American culture. In the early 20th century, folk musicians such as Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly were hugely influential in shaping the sound of American music. Folk music saw a resurgence in popularity in the 1960s, when artists such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez emerged on the scene. Today, there are many different subgenres of folk music, from traditional folk to contemporary folk.
Best Folk Music Magazines
If you’re looking for the best folk music magazines to check out, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the top folk music magazines. We’ll also provide a brief overview of each magazine so you can decide which one is right for you.
Acoustic Guitar
If you’re looking for a magazine about folk music, then you can’t go wrong with Acoustic Guitar. This magazine is perfect for both beginners and experienced players, as it features articles on a wide range of topics, from technique and gear reviews to artist profiles and interviews. In addition to being an informative read, Acoustic Guitar is also a great source of inspiration, with its beautiful photography and in-depth features.
Folk Alley
Folk Alley is a magazine devoted to everything folk music. If you’re looking for news, reviews, interviews, and features on folk music, then Folk Alley is the place for you.
Folk Alley is published four times a year (in January, April, July, and October), and each issue includes articles on both traditional and contemporary folk music. In addition to news and reviews, Folk Alley also features interviews with some of the biggest names in folk music.
No Depression
No Depression is a semi-monthly roots music magazine with a focus on Americana, alternative country, bluegrass, blues, folk, and rock. It was founded in 1995 by Grant Alden and Peter Blackstock, two music fans who wanted to shine a light on what they saw as a growing movement of interesting new bands blending traditional and contemporary influences. The magazine quickly became required reading for roots music fans, passing the 100,000 circulation mark in 2001. No Depression covers both up-and-coming and established artists in the roots music world, with an eye towards stories that go beyond simply promoting a new album or tour. In addition to features and artist profiles, the magazine includes regular columns on everything from songwriting to instrument care, as well as an extensive reviews section.
The Old-Time Herald
First published in 1985, The Old-Time Herald is the world’s leading magazine dedicated to old-time music, a style of American traditional music that developed around the end of the 19th century. In addition to offering artist profiles, CD and book reviews, and articles on various aspects of old-time music culture, The Old-Time Herald also publishes transcripts of old-time songs and tunes.
