The Best of Ireland’s Folk Music

A blog dedicated to celebrating the best of Ireland’s folk music. From traditional songs to modern ballads, we’ll explore everything that this genre has to offer.

The Origins of Irish Folk Music

Irish folk music has its roots in the Celtic music of the Irish people. It is a genre that is steeped in history and tradition. Irish folk music has been passed down through the generations, from one generation to the next. It is a genre that is very close to the hearts of the Irish people.

The Celtic Influence

Celtic music is a broad grouping of music genres that have emerged from the native folk music traditions of the Celtic people. It can be traced back to ancient times, and has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries.

Irish folk music is particularly renowned for its rich tradition of ballads and laments, which tell stories of love, loss, migration, and war. These songs are often passed down from generation to generation, and have been adapted and re-interpreted by many different artists over the years.

Some of the most famous Irish folk songs include “The Wild Rover” (made popular by The Dubliners), “The Galway Shawl” (a traditional Irish air), “Danny Boy” (a ballad often associated with St. Patrick’s Day), and “Amazing Grace” (a Christian hymn with Celtic origins).

Irish folk music has also been blended with other genres to create new styles, such as Celtic rock and Celtic punk. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Irish folk music, with many young people rediscovering the rich heritage of their elders.

The English Influence

The English Influence
Folk music in Ireland has been influenced by many different cultures over the centuries. One of the most significant influences is from the music of England. This is not surprising when you consider that, for centuries, Ireland was ruled by England.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, there was a strong tradition of Irish people moving to England to find work. This led to a mixing of cultures and, eventually, to a sharing of music between the two countries. Many of the songs that are now considered to be Irish folk songs actually have their origins in England.

The American Influence

Ireland’s folk music scene has been shaped by many outside influences over the years, but perhaps none more so than America. In the early to mid-20th century, a number of Irish musicians made their way to America, where they were exposed to a variety of new musical styles, including blues, jazz, and country. These genres would eventually find their way back to Ireland and help to create the unique sound of Irish folk music.

One of the most famous Irish musicians to make his mark in America was Peadar O’Donnell, who emigrated to New York City in 1918. O’Donnell was quickly drawn into the city’s thriving music scene, and he soon began performing with some of the most popular local acts, including the Dixieland Jazz Band and the Dolly Sisters. He also became involved in the labor movement, which helped to politicize his music and make it more reflective of the struggles of working-class people.

O’Donnell would eventually return to Ireland, but he brought with him a new understanding of American music and its potential for political expression. This would have a profound impact on the development of Irish folk music in the decades that followed.

The Evolution of Irish Folk Music

Irish folk music has undergone a massive transformation since its early beginnings. What was once music that was only enjoyed by the rural Irish population has now become a global phenomenon. Thanks to the internet, Irish folk music has been able to reach a wider audience and has even spawned a new generation of Irish folk musicians.

The Traditionalists

The traditionalists are a group of older musicians who have devoted their lives to keeping alive the music of their youth. To them, the music is a vital part of their culture and heritage, and they see it as their duty to hand it down to the next generation. Many of these musicians came of age during the folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s, when Irish music was enjoying a surge in popularity both at home and abroad. Since then, they have continued to perform and record regularly, holding fast to the traditional repertoire and styles that they love.

One of the most prominent traditionalists is Liam O’Flynn, an accomplished uilleann piper and founding member of the legendary Irish folk group Planxty. O’Flynn has been credited with helping to revive interest in Irish traditional music during the 1970s Folk Revival, and he has remained an active performer and recording artist ever since. He has also been a teacher and mentor to many younger musicians, helping to keep the tradition alive for future generations.

Other notable traditionalists include fiddle player Paddy Glackin, singer Dolores Keane, accordion player Mairtin O’Connor, guitarist Kevin Burke, and flute player Matt Molloy. These musicians have all made major contributions to the world of Irish folk music, keeping alive the traditions that they cherish while also finding new ways to interpret them.

The Revivalists

The Revivalists are a New Orleans-based rock band formed in 2007. The band consists of eight members: David Shaw (lead vocals, guitar), Zack Feinberg (guitar), Andrew Campanelli (drums, percussion), George Gage (keyboard), Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar, dobro), Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Michael Girardot (trumpet, trombone) and Khris Royal (bass guitar).

The Revivalists have released three studio albums: ‘City of Sound’ (2013), ‘Menahan Street Band’ (2015) and ‘Take Good Care’ (2018). The band has been touring extensively since their formation and have played at some of the biggest music festivals in the world, including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and Coachella.

The Revivalists’ sound has been described as a mix of rock, R&B, soul and funk. Their music has been featured on television shows such as ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘Suits’ and ‘ Station 19’.

The band is currently signed to Concord Music Group and their latest album, ‘Take Good Care’ debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The Modernists

The Modernists were a new breed of Irish folk musician who emerged in the 1960s. Led by figures such as Planxty’s Christy Moore and Donal Lunny, they took traditional Irish music in a new direction, fusing it with elements of rock, jazz and other genres. This ushered in a new era of Irish folk music, which has since gone on to enjoy international success.

The Future of Irish Folk Music

Folk music in Ireland has been around for centuries, and it has undergone many changes over the years. The traditional Irish music scene is very vibrant, and there are many young people who are interested in keeping the music alive. However, there are also many people who believe that the future of Irish folk music is in danger.

The New Traditionalists

Irish folk music has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with a new generation of musicians taking up the torch and keeping the flame alive. These so-called “new traditionalists” have injected a new lease of life into the genre, bringing it to a whole new audience.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to this resurgence. One is the increased popularity of Celtic music in general, thanks to the likes of Riverdance and other shows that have brought it to a wider audience. This has led to more people taking an interest in the history and traditions behind the music, and wanting to explore it further.

Another factor is the rise of social media and online streaming services such as Spotify, which have made it easier than ever for people to discover new music. This has been particularly beneficial for niche genres like Irish folk, which might otherwise have struggled to reach a wider audience.

Whatever the reasons, there’s no doubt that Irish folk music is enjoying something of a resurgence at the moment. Here’s hoping that this new generation of musicians can keep the flame burning bright for many years to come.

The Indie Folk Scene

The Irish folk music scene is thriving, with a new generation of musicians bringing a fresh sound to the genre. A number of indie folk bands have emerged in recent years, including The Stunning, The Paper Kites, and Jim Moray. These artists are keeping the traditions of Irish folk music alive, while also injecting a dose of modernity into their sound.

The 21st century has seen a renewed interest in Irish folk music, both in Ireland and abroad. This has been driven in part by the success of bands like The Dubliners, The Pogues, and The Chieftains, who have introduced the music to new audiences. In addition, the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music has made it easier than ever for people to discover and listen to Irish folk music.

As the popularity of Irish folk music continues to grow, we can expect to see more bands emerging on the scene. With any luck, they will help keep this rich musical tradition alive for many years to come.

The Mainstream Successes

The Pogues, Flogging Molly and The Dropkick Murphys are all bands that have achieved massive mainstream success while still keeping their folk roots intact. The Pogues in particular have been credited with bringing Irish folk music to a wider audience with their unique blend of traditional sounds and punk rock attitude.

Flogging Molly is another band that has managed to find a wide audience without losing sight of their Irish folk roots. Their high-energy live shows have won them a devoted following, and their willingness to experiment with other genres has kept their sound fresh and exciting.

The Dropkick Murphys are yet another band that has found success while staying true to their Irish folk roots. Their unique mix of traditional instrumentation and hardcore punk attitude has won them a loyal following, and they continue to be one of the most popular live bands in the world.