Folk Music Fans Will Love This Audio Collection
Contents
Folk music fans will love this collection of audio recordings from some of the genre’s most iconic performers. Featuring both traditional and contemporary tunes, there’s something for everyone in this collection. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of folk music.
Introduction to the audio collection
The following audio collection consists of folk music from around the world. The tracks are arranged in alphabetical order by country, and within each country, they are arranged in alphabetical order by artist.
There is a wide variety of music included in this collection, from upbeat and energetic tracks to slow and reflective ones. There are also several traditional songs included, as well as some more modern interpretations of folk music.
Whether you are a fan of folk music or just curious to explore this genre further, we hope you enjoy this audio collection!
The history of folk music
Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and focuses on the songs of the common people. It has its origins in the oral traditions of the British Isles, but it has since spread to the United States and other countries. Folk music is often associated with the working class and with rural life.
Traditional folk music
Traditional folk music is a genre of music that is passed down orally from one generation to the next. It is usually secular and based on the everyday lives of common people, as opposed to the lives of kings, queens, and lords. Folk music has been around for centuries and can be found in cultures all over the world.
In the United States, traditional folk music is often associated with the American frontier. This is because many folk songs were created by pioneer settlers who were moving westward in search of new land. These songs often spoke of their homeland, their families, and their way of life. Many of these songs are still sung today, and they continue to be an important part of American culture.
Traditional folk music is typically passed down through the oral tradition. This means that it is not written down or recorded, but instead learned through listening and repetition. Folk songs are usually simple and easy to remember, which makes them perfect for passing down from one generation to the next.
Folk music often reflects the cultures from which it comes. For example, Celtic folk music often has a strong Irish influence, while American folk music often has a more rural sound. Folk music can also be used to tell stories or convey messages. Many traditional folk songs are about love, loss, and heartbreak, while others deal with more lighthearted topics like drinking and dancing.
Over time, traditional folk music has evolved into different genres like bluegrass and country. However, it continues to be an important part of American culture and heritage.
Contemporary folk music
Contemporary folk music has its roots in the traditional music of earlier generations, but it has been significantly influenced by the popular music of the last few decades. Contemporary folk artists are often singer-songwriters who write and perform their own material, often incorporating elements of traditional folk styles with more modern musical influences.
The term “contemporary folk music” can be used to describe a wide variety of artists and styles, but some common features include acoustic instrumentation, personal and introspective lyrics, and a focus on songwriting rather than performance. Contemporary folk music often blends seamlessly with other genres such as pop, rock, and country, making it one of the most diverse and accessible forms of music today.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk or looking for something a little more modern, there’s sure to be a contemporary folk artist that you’ll love. Check out some of our favorites below.
The different genres of folk music
Folk music is a genre of music that is passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music is usually about the common people and their everyday lives. It can be about love, loss, work, or even death. Folk music is usually played on acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles.
Country
One of the most popular genres of folk music is country. Country folk music typically has a simple, traditional sound and often tells stories about the lives of the people who sing it. This type of folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and many of the songs are about love, loss, and hope.
Celtic
Celtic music is a distinctive genre that has its roots in the folk music of the Celtic people of Western Europe. Celtic music is characterized by a distinctive melody and rhythm, as well as by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, bagpipe, and accordion. Celtic music has been surrounded by controversy in recent years, with some claiming that it is nothing more than a commercialized version of traditional folk music. However, many fans of Celtic music argue that it is a genuine expression of the culture of the Celtic people.
Bluegrass
Bluegrass is a genre of American roots music that developed in the 1940s in the United States Appalachian region. The genre derives its name from the band Blue Grass Boys, who recorded for the first time in 1927. Bill Monroe is considered the father of bluegrass. His style of music was based on earlier string band music, and he brought guitar and mandolin into the mix to create a new sound that reflected the ground breaking changes in country music happening at the time.
Other important early bluegrass musicians include Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, and Raymond Fairchild. Bluegrass music has been influenced by a number of other genres, including jazz, old-time music, and rock and roll. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in bluegrass music, and today there are a number of excellent bluegrass bands performing all over the world.
The different subgenres of folk music
There’s more to folk music than what you might think. Sure, you have your standard folk songs, but there’s also a whole world of different subgenres that you might not be familiar with. In this audio collection, we explore some of the different subgenres of folk music from around the world. From the energetic rhythms of Celtic folk to the soulful sounds of Americana, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
Folk-rock
Folk-rock is a musical genre that developed in the United States and United Kingdom in the mid-1960s. The genre blended elements of folk music and rock music and sometimes incorporated electric instruments, particularly the electric guitar. Folk-rock reached its commercial peak in the Hi, Dearie! – The Best of Mary travolta 1967–1973 and suddenly became less popular after the Tagteam championship 1973 pulse concert.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, with the decline of traditional folk music and the rise of rock music, many folk singers abandoned acoustic instruments for electric ones. This process was particularly evident in America, where singers like Richie Havens, John Prine, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Simon & Garfunkel began using electric guitars (and in some cases drums), amplifiers, and other rock instruments on their recordings and in their live performances.
Folk-pop
Folk-pop is a subgenre of folk music that includes elements of pop music. Folk-pop songs are generally more moderate in tempo and melody than traditional folk songs, and often have a hook or chorus. Folk-pop artists often use instruments such as acoustic guitar, ukulele, and mandolin in their music.
Some well-known folk-pop artists include Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, The Lumineers, and The Avett Brothers.
Indie folk
Indie folk is a subgenre of folk music that emerged in the mid-1990s. It is characterized by a DIY aesthetic, independent production, and DIY instrumentation. Indie folk incorporates elements of indie rock, folk rock, and alternative folk.
Some well-known indie folk artists include Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Iron & Wine, and The Decemberists.
The different artists featured on the album
The Smithsonian Folkways label has released a new double album of folk music from around the world. The album features a wide variety of artists and styles, from American ballads to Mongolian throat singing. With over two hours of music, this collection is sure to please any fan of folk music.
The Lumineers
The Lumineers are an American folk rock band based in Denver, Colorado. The band’s founding members are Wesley Schultz (lead vocals, guitar) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums, percussion). The Lumineers sprang to international fame with their single “Ho Hey”, which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2012. Their self-titled debut album was released in April 2012 and peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart in January 2013.
The band’s second album, Cleopatra, was released on April 8, 2016. The album’s lead single and title track, “Cleopatra”, entered the top ten of the Hot Rock Songs chart. “Ophelia” was also a top ten hit on the same chart. In support of Cleopatra, the band embarked on their biggest tour yet, which included headlining slots at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Lollapalooza.
Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons is a British folk rock band from London, formed in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboard, piano), Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, dobro) and Ted Dwayne (bass guitar). Mumford & Sons have released three studio albums: Sigh No More (2009), Babel (2012) and Wilder Mind (2015). The band has also issued two live albums: Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire (2011) and The Road to Red Rocks (2016).
The Head and the Heart
The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band from Seattle, Washington. The band is composed of Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Charity Rose Thielen (violin, vocals), Chris Zasche (bass), Tyler Williams (drums), and Kenny Hensley (keyboards).[1] They are signed to Warner Bros. Records and Sub Pop.[2][3]
The group self-released its first album, The Head and the Heart, in 2010.[4] In 2011, the band signed with Sub Pop[5] and reissued the album on that label later that year. The band’s second album, Let’s Be Still, was released on October 15, 2013.[6] Their third album, Signs of Light was released via Warner Bros. Records on September 9, 2016.[7][8][9]
The Head and the Heart has toured extensively in North America,[10][11] Europe,[12][13] Asia,[14][15][16] Australia[17], New Zealand[18], South America,[19], and Africa.[20][21]
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of folk music, you’ll love this audio collection. It includes a variety of genres, from traditional folk to contemporary folk. You’ll find something to suit your taste, whether you’re in the mood for a ballad or an uptempo song. There are also a few instrumentals included, so you can enjoy the beautiful melodies even if you don’t understand the words. Whether you’re a casual listener or a die-hard fan, you’ll appreciate the quality of the recordings and the variety of styles represented.
