The Best of Scottish Folk Music

A look at the best Scottish Folk music from across the country. From the Highlands to the lowlands, find out which artists are making the best music.

What is Scottish Folk Music?

Scottish folk music is a genre of folk music that developed in Scotland. It is influenced by many factors including the Celtic and English musical traditions, as well as the Scottish culture. The music is often characterised by its use of traditional instruments, such as the Highland bagpipes, fiddles and accordions. It also often has a strong vocal element, with singing being an important part of many Scottish folk songs. The lyrics of Scottish folk songs often deal with topics such as love, loss, work and history.

The Origins of Scottish Folk Music

Scottish folk music is a genre of its own, with a rich history dating back centuries. Unlike other types of music, Scottish folk music is not tied to any one region or country. Instead, it has its roots in the oral tradition, passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, there has been a renaissance of sorts, with a new wave of Scottish folk musicians taking the stage and bringing the genre to new audiences.

Some of the most famous Scottish folk songs include “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond,” “Wild Mountain Thyme,” and “The Skye Boat Song.” These and other traditional songs have been passed down through the years, often being adapted or updated as they are passed from one singer to the next. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Scottish folk music, with a new generation of musicians taking up the torch and carrying on the tradition.

The Instruments of Scottish Folk Music

The music of Scotland is as varied as its people and landscapes. From the heart-rending ballads of the Borders to the stirring anthems of the Highlands, Scottish folk music encompasses a wide range of styles and traditions. The common thread that binds these disparate genres together is the use of traditional Scottish instruments.

The most iconic of these instruments is the Great Highland bagpipe, which has been played in Scotland for centuries. A staple of Scottish folklore, the bagpipe is commonly associated with Highland dress and Celtic culture. Other popular Scottish instruments include the fiddle, accordion, penny whistle, flute, and bodhran (a type of hand-held drum).

These traditional instruments are often used in combination to create a unique sound that is distinctly Scottish. In recent years, however, a number of Scottish musicians have begun to experiment with incorporating electronic elements into their folk music. This trend has given rise to a new subgenre known as “folktronica,” which combines traditional folk sounds with modern electronic production techniques.

The Sounds of Scottish Folk Music

Scottish folk music has a rich history and is deeply entrenched in the country’s culture. For centuries, Scottish people have been playing traditional folk songs on instruments like the fiddle, accordion, and bagpipes.

In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Scottish folk music, with many younger people rediscovering the sounds of their heritage. There are now a number of great Scottish folk bands making music that is simultaneously traditional and contemporary.

If you’re looking to add some Scottish folk music to your collection, here are some of the best bands to check out.

The Popularity of Scottish Folk Music

Scottish folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with a new generation of musicians taking up the torch and carrying it forward. This has led to a renewed interest in the traditional music of Scotland, and its influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary artists.

Scottish folk music is characterised by its use of traditional instruments such as the bagpipes, fiddle, and accordion, as well as its focus on storytelling and folklore. Many of the songs are based around historical events or figure, and often make use of traditional ballad structures. This makes for a rich and varied musical landscape, which is both unique and immediately recognisable.

The popularity of Scottish folk music has led to it being performed all over the world, and there are now many festivals and events dedicated to this genre. If you’re interested in hearing some Scottish folk music for yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to do so – whether you’re attending a live performance or listening to recordings.

The Future of Scottish Folk Music

The Scottish folk music scene is as vibrant as ever, with a new generation of musicians carrying on the tradition while also modernizing it. Here are some of the most promising young talents keeping Scottish folk music alive and well.

Crowdie and Cream is a three-piece band from Glasgow that combines traditional Scottish folk instruments with modern pop sensibilities. The band has been gigging around Scotland for the past few years and has developed a devoted following.

The Futureheads are a five-piece band from Edinburgh that take traditional Scottish folk songs and reinterpret them with a punk rock energy. The band has released two albums to date, both of which have been very well received by critics.

Tidelines is a six-piece band from Aberdeen that blends traditional Scottish folk music with jazz and other genres. The band has released two albums to date and has been praised for its innovative approach to music.