Introducing Pagan Folk Music

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you’ll want to check out pagan folk music. This unique genre of music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and themes.

What is Pagan Folk Music?

Pagan folk music is a modern musical genre that draws on the traditions of folk music and other genres, such as rock and jazz. It is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the acoustic guitar, and its focus on atmosphere and mood rather than traditional song structure.

Pagan folk music emerged in the early 1990s, with bands such as The Wyrd Sisters and The Dolmen developing a sound that was heavily influenced by traditional British and Irish folk music. This new style of music quickly gained popularity among fans of folk music, and Pagan folk bands began to emerge from all over Europe. Today, Pagan folk music is enjoyed by listeners all over the world, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

Origins of Pagan Folk Music

Pagan folk music is a type of music that has its roots in the pagan tradition. This type of music has been around for centuries and has been used by pagans all over the world. Pagan folk music is usually based on the folk music of Europe.

Early History

Pagan folk music has its roots in the ancient traditions of European peasant music. It is a genre of music that is characterized by its use of traditional instrumentation and its focus on celebrating the natural world and the cycle of the seasons. Pagan folk music often has a whimsical, festive quality to it, making it perfect for holiday celebrations and other special occasions.

Some of the most popular instruments used in pagan folk music include the hurdy-gurdy, accordion, mandolin, fiddle, penny whistle, and flute. This type of music is often performed by groups of musicians known as “gatherings” or “bands.” The earliest known examples of pagan folk music date back to the 12th century, when troubadours would sing songs about courtly love and chivalry.

Pagan folk music experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 20th century as part of the wider neo-pagan movement. Today, there are many popular pagan folk bands that perform at festivals and other events across Europe and North America.

The Renaissance

Pagan folk music has its origins in the music of the Renaissance period. This was a time when people were interested in exploring different cultures and religions, and many of them turned to paganism.They brought with them their own music, which was often very different from the Christian music of the time. This new music was often more emotional and expressive, and it quickly became popular among the pagans.

The Modern Era

Pagan folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with more and more people looking to connect with their heritage and explore their ancestral roots. This type of music is typically based on ancient folk traditions, and often features nature-based themes andReflects upon Pagan valuesstressed the importance of community, harmony, and respect for the natural world.

Pagan folk music can be traced back to the early days of the Celtic cultures. The Celts were a group of peoples who occupied lands in what is now Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and Brittany. They were known for their rich oral traditions, which included storytelling, poetry, and music. Many of these traditions were passed down through the generations via the bardic arts, which were traditionally practiced by professional storytellers and poets.

Bards played an important role in Celtic society, acting as both entertainers and keepers of history. They would often compose songs and poems that related the history of their people, as well as stories that recounted mythical tales and folklore. Celtic music was typically performed onstringed instruments such as the harp , & Refrain from using 1st personin addition to various types ofpercussion instruments. The modern Irish bandTwo Steps from HellFolk musicians sometimes play contemporary tunes on traditional instruments or write new songs that reflect upon Pagan values & Contemporary tunesonditionsstressed the importance of community , & Social commentaryharmony , & Respect for Naturerespect for the natural world .

During the Middle Ages , paganism was gradually replaced by Christianity as the predominant religion in Europe . However , many ancient pagan traditions continued to be practiced underground . In some areas , such as rural Ireland , these folk practices remained strong well into the twentieth century . It was not until recently that paganism began to regain popularity , thanks in part to a renewed interest in Celtic culture .

Today , there is a growing movement of people who identify as Pagans or Neo-Pagans . This relatively new spiritual belief system emphasizes a deep respect for nature , reverence for ancestors , & A focus on personal experience over dogma . While there is no one unified Pagan religion , many Neo-Pagans choose to explore their spirituality through music . In fact , Paganism is sometimes referred to as ” The Old Religion ” or ” The Craft ” in reference to its focus on Earth – based traditions & Nature worship respectively .

Whether you are drawn to Paganism because of your Celtic heritage or simply because you feel a deep connection with nature , there is a wealth of beautiful & Uplifting music to explore within this genre .

Characteristics of Pagan Folk Music

Pagan folk music is a subgenre of folk music that developed in the late 20th century. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and styles, as well as its focus on themes of nature and the environment.

Melodies

Pagan folk music tends to have simple, repetitive melodies. The tunes are usually quite short, and they are often in minor keys. Many of the songs are performed without accompaniment, or they may be accompanied by just a few instruments.

Lyrics

Pagan folk music often celebrates nature, the seasons, and the old ways. Many of the lyrics are based on ancient folklore and mythology. The songs often tell stories of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, magical creatures, and ancient battles.

The tunes are usually catchy and easy to sing along with. The instruments used in pagan folk music are often acoustic, such as guitars, fiddles, flutes, drums, and dulcimers. However, some pagans also enjoy playing electric instruments or using synthesizers to create a fuller sound.

Pagan folk music can be upbeat and lively or slow and reflective. It is often played at festivals and gatherings. Whether you are dancing around the Maypole or simply enjoying a leisurely meal with friends, pagan folk music sets the perfect atmosphere for celebrating the old ways.

Instruments

Pagan folk music often features a wide range of acoustic instruments. Common instrumentation includes the violin, flute, cello, guitar, hammered dulcimer, and penny whistle. Instrumentation can vary depending on the particular style of music being played. For example, some folk ensembles will feature only stringed instruments while others may include percussion instruments or wind instruments. The important thing is that the instrumentation is acoustic and relatively simple. This allows the music to be easily reproduced by anybody with access to the same instruments.

Notable Pagan Folk Musicians

Pagan folk music is a term used to describe a wide variety of music with pagan lyrical themes. It is a growing sub-genre within the folk music scene, and there are a number of notable pagan folk musicians making waves in the music world. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most notable pagan folk musicians making music today.

Joanna Newsom

Joanna Newsom is an accomplished harpist, singer, and songwriter from the United States. She is perhaps most well-known for her 2006 album Ys, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. Newsom’s musical style has been described as “childlike” and “innocent”, with her lyrics dealing with themes of love, nature, time, and mortality.

Steeleye Span

Steeleye Span is a British folk rock band formed in 1969. They are perhaps best known for their hit singles “All Around My Hat” and “Gaudete”, both of which entered the UK Singles Chart, “All Around My Hat” reaching No. 5 in 1975. The band had four Top 40 albums in the 1970s including Now We Are Six (1974), Commoners Crown (1975) and Stormforce 10 (1976). Since then, Steeleye Span has seen many personnel changes but have continued to tour throughout the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.

The group’s name comes from the 16th-century ballad “Horkstow Grange”, which they have recorded. It refers to a fight between two men who 88 years later were still alive and ready to continue the fight:

And that’s how it will be / When I’m eighty-eight / I’ll ‘ave me ‘orse, me sword an’ me shield / An’ I’ll charge once more… into battle! /
Yeomans an’ kitchen boys they’ll follow me still / For stout English yeomen they fear not ne’er man’s skill

The earliest manifestation of the band was a duo formed in late 1965 by singer Tim Hart and fiddler Maddy Prior, who performed under various names including Steeleye Span (taken from the above song), Maddy Prior & Tim Hart, The Maddy Prior Band and Later with… prior to 1977. They released one album of traditional songs called Folk Songs of Olde England Vols. 1 & 2 before adding acoustic guitarist Ashley Hutchings (ex-Fairport Convention) and electric bassist Martin Carthy to form what is generally regarded as the first official lineup of Steeleye Span. This lineup only recorded one album, Hark! The Village Wait (1970). A subsequent live album preceded their self-titled first official album as a quintet when Gay Woods joined on flute/tin whistle, earning them their first appearance on BBC Two’s Top Of The Pops performing “Gentle Jack”. Three more albums followed in quick succession: Please to See the King (1971), Ten Man Mop or Mr Reservoir Butler Rides Again (1972) and Parcel of Rogues (1973).

Pentangle

Pentangle was a British folk-rock band formed in 1967. The group was composed of Jacqui McShee (vocals, guitar), Bert Jansch (guitar), John Renbourn (guitar), Danny Thompson (double bass) and Terry Cox (drums).

Pentangle is often cited as one of the first groups to fuse traditional folk music with modern rock and jazz influences. They were particularly popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s and released a string of influential albums, including The Pentangle (1968), Sweet Child (1969) and Basket of Light (1969).

The band split up in 1972 but reunited briefly in 1979 and again in 2008. They have been cited as an influence by many other artists, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Jimmy Page, Bert Jansch has been called “one of the most influential British guitarists of the last fifty years.”

Where to Find Pagan Folk Music

Pagan folk music is a subgenre of folk music that developed in the late 20th century. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, its focus on nature and the supernatural, and its often polytheistic lyrics. While pagan folk music is not as popular as other genres of folk music, it has a dedicated following among those who are interested in alternative music.

Festivals

Music festivals are a great place to start if you’re looking for pagan folk music. Many of these festivals have pagan roots, and they typically feature a wide range of musical genres. Here are a few popular festivals that you may want to check out:

-The Faerieworlds Festival is held every year in Oregon, and it features a wide variety of pagan and folk music.
-The Starwood Festival is held in Ohio, and it features a mix of pagan, folk, and world music.
-The Winter Solstice Celebration is held annually in California, and it offers a variety of music as well as other festivities.

These are just a few of the many festivals that offer pagan folk music. There are also many smaller events and gatherings that may be worth checking out. You can often find information about these events by searching online or asking around at your local pagan or folk music shop.

Concerts

Folk fans rejoice – there are plenty of pagan folk music concerts to choose from all across the globe! While pagan folk music might not be as mainstream as other genres, there are still a number of talented musicians keeping the tradition alive.

Whether you’re looking for a lively Celtic band or a more mellow singer-songwriter, there’s bound to be a pagan folk concert that suits your taste. Check out some of the most popular pagan folk music concerts below.

Celtic Colours International Festival: This annual festival takes place in Cape Breton Island, Canada and features a range of traditional Celtic musicians. If you’re looking for a true taste of Celtic music, this is the concert for you!

pagantoday.com

Recordings

If you want to explore pagan folk music, there are many recordings available. You can find music by contemporary artists, as well as music inspired by traditional folk songs. You can also find recordings of traditional folk songs from around the world.

One of the best places to start your exploration is with the website Folk Songs for the 21st Century. This website is dedicated to promoting pagan folk music and includes a large number of recordings. You can also find a lot of information about the genre, as well as interviews with artists and reviews of recordings.

Another great resource for finding pagan folk music is bandcamp.com. This website allows you to search for music by genre, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. You can also buy recordings directly from the artists, which helps support their work.

YouTube is also a good place to look for pagan folk music. There are many independent artists who post their music on YouTube, and you can often find entire albums available for streaming. This is a great way to sample a variety of artists before you decide which ones you’d like to buy recordings from.

Finally, don’t forget that many local record stores will have a selection of pagan folk music. This is a great way to support your local scene and find some new favorite artists!