Discovering Electric Folk Music
Contents
Discovering Electric Folk Music- A blog about finding the best in electric and folk music.
Introducing Electric Folk Music
In recent years, a new wave of Folk musicians has been developing a sound that is fresh and exciting, yet still deeply rooted in the traditions of Folk music. This new sound is often referred to as “Electric Folk” or “New Folk”, and it is characterized by the use of electric instruments and a more modern approach to songwriting. If you’re looking for something new and different in the world of Folk music, then Electric Folk is definitely worth checking out.
What is electric folk music?
Electric folk music is a type of music that uses electric instruments and amplification to give the music a “bigger” sound. It was made popular in the 1960s by groups like The Byrds and The Electric Prunes.
Electric folk music is usually based on traditional folk songs, but with added electric instruments and sometimes with different lyrics. The electric instruments make the music louder and sometimes give it a different feel than traditional acoustic folk music.
If you’re interested in discovering electric folk music, there are a few ways to go about it. One option is to find a band or artist that you already like who also dabbles in electric folk music. Another option is to explore some of the many great compilations and anthologies that have been released over the years. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can dive right in and start exploring some of the seminal albums from the genre’s history. Whichever route you choose, electric folk music is an exciting and rewarding listening experience.
The history of electric folk music
Electric folk music is a type of folk music that uses electric instruments like guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers, and drums. It developed in the 1960s as a way to make folk music louder and more exciting.
Some people say that electric folk music started in 1965 with the British band The Electric Folk Group. They were influenced by American rock bands like The Byrds, who had just begun to experiment with using electric instruments in their own version of folk music.
The Electric Folk Group didn’t last long, but they inspired other British bands to experiment with electricity and folk music. Soon, there were dozens of electric folk bands in Britain, including Fairport Convention, Pentangle, Steeleye Span, and Jethro Tull.
Electric folk music quickly spread to other countries. In the 1970s, there was a burst of activity in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Many of these countries already had strong folk traditions of their own, so electric folk music often blended traditional songs and instruments with electric ones.
Today, electric folk music is enjoyed all over the world. It has even influenced other genres of music, like rock and pop. If you’re curious about this genre, start by listening to some of the classic bands listed above. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
The Sounds of Electric Folk Music
Electric folk music is a type of music that is created by using electric instruments. This can include electric guitars, electric basses, and even electronic keyboards. Electric folk music is often seen as a cross between traditional folk music and rock music. It is a popular style of music that has been around since the 1950s.
The instruments used in electric folk music
The electric folk music genre uses a variety of instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, drums, and bass. There is often a strong focus on the use of traditional folk instruments, such as the fiddle, banjo, and accordion. Electric folk music often incorporates elements of other genres, such as rock and roll, blues, country, and jazz.
The vocals in electric folk music
The most distinctive element of electric folk music is the use of electric instruments to create a sound that is both traditional and modern. Electric folk bands often use a mix of acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, fiddles, and drums to create a sound that is both familiar and new. The vocals in electric folk music are often high and clear, with harmonies that echo the sound of the instruments.
The Lyrics of Electric Folk Music
In the past decade, there has been a resurgence in popularity of electric folk music. This type of music is a mix of traditional folk music and elements of other genres, such as rock, jazz, and country. Because of its hybrid nature, electric folk music can be difficult to define. However, there are some common characteristics that are often found in this type of music.
The themes of electric folk music
Electric folk music is a genre of folk music that emerged in the late 1960s. It uses electric instruments and electronic effects to give the music a more modern sound.
The themes of electric folk music often reflect the concerns of the counterculture of the 1960s. Many songs protested against war, racism, and poverty. Others celebrated peace, love, and nature.
The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen are all artists who have been influenced by electric folk music.
The style of electric folk music
Electric folk is a style of folk music that originated in the late 1960s with the use of electric instruments and rock and roll influences. The term “electric folk” was first used by the British music magazine NME in 1968 to describe the new style of music created by bands such as Fairport Convention and Pentangle. Electric folk bands typically featured electric guitars, bass guitars, drums, and synthesizers, as well as traditional folk instruments such as acoustic guitars, banjos, and violins.
The sound of electric folk is generally mellower and more polished than that of traditional folk music, and it often includes elements of other genres such as rock, pop, and blues. Electric folk bands often use arrangement techniques borrowed from popular music, such as using a hook or chorus to make their songs more accessible to listeners.
Electric folk has its roots in the early days of the British folk revival when groups like Fairport Convention began incorporating electric instruments into their performances of traditional songs. In the 1970s, electrified bands like Steeleye Span and Pentangle helped to popularize the genre with their commercially successful albums. In recent years, electricfolk has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to bands like Mumford & Sons who have brought the sound to a new generation of listeners.
The Future of Electric Folk Music
In the past decade, electric folk music has evolved and grown in popularity. This type of music is a fusion of traditional folk music and modern electronic music. Electric folk music often has a more upbeat sound than traditional folk music and often features synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments.
The popularity of electric folk music
In recent years, electric folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity. This type of music combines traditional folk instruments with modern electric instruments and often has a more experimental or traditional sound.
Electric folk music first rose to prominence in the 1960s, when artists such as Bob Dylan and The Byrds began experimenting with electricity and amplification. This new sound quickly caught on, and by the 1970s, many folk musicians were using electric guitars, drums, and other electronic instruments.
Today, there are many different types of electric folk music being made by a variety of artists. Some musicians have even begun to experiment with synthesizers and other electronic devices to create unique sounds.
The popularity of electric folk music shows no signs of slowing down. As more and more people become interested in this genre, it is likely that we will see even more innovative and exciting sounds in the years to come.
The influence of electric folk music
The influence of electric folk music can be seen in many different genres today. From indie-rock to pop music, electric folk has had a profound impact on the sound and style of modern music.
Electric folk began in the late 1960s, when a group of British musicians started experimenting with traditional folk songs and instruments, adding elements of rock and pop. This new style of folk music quickly gained popularity, and soon electric folk bands were appearing all over the world.
Today, electric folk is still hugely popular, with new bands appearing all the time. If you’re interested in discovering this fascinating genre of music, there are plenty of great albums to explore. Here are just a few of the best electric folk albums out there.
