Discover Folk Music in South Wales

Discover Folk Music is a blog dedicated to promoting folk music in South Wales. We aim to provide information on upcoming folk music events, news and reviews.

Introduction to Folk Music in South Wales

South Wales is home to a thriving folk music scene, with festivals, concerts and events taking place throughout the year. The region has a rich traditions of music and song, dating back centuries, and today’s musicians are keeping that heritage alive.

If you’re interested in exploring South Wales’ folk music scene, here are some of the key events and venues to check out…

The Origins of Folk Music in South Wales

Folk music in South Wales is centuries old, and has its origins in the Celtic traditions of the region. Over time, it has been shaped by the many different cultures that have settled in South Wales, including the Welsh, the Irish, the Italians, and the Chinese. Today, folk music in South Wales is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

If you’re interested in discovering more about folk music in South Wales, there are plenty of ways to get involved. There are many festivals and events that take place throughout the year, including the renowned Brecon Jazz Festival and the Hay Festival. You can also find folk clubs and societies in most towns and cities, which offer a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn more about the music.

The Instruments of Folk Music in South Wales

The Folk music of South Wales is steeped in tradition dating back hundreds of years. The music is typically passed down from generation to generation, preserving the history and culture of the region. While the instruments and styles may have changed over time, the heart of South Wales folk music remains the same.

The most common instruments used in South Wales folk music are the fiddle, accordion, penny whistle, and guitar. However, any type of instrument can be used as long as it can be played acoustically. This includes traditional Welsh instruments such as the crwth and the pibgorn.

The fiddle is by far the most popular instrument featured in South Wales folk music. It is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. The sound of the fiddle is often described as plaintive and melancholy, which fits well with the emotional nature of many folk songs.

The accordion is another common instrument used in South Wales folk music. It is a portable keyboard instrument that is played by pressing buttons or keys. The accordion produces a range of sounds, from cheerful and upbeat to slow and soothing.

The penny whistle is a small flute-like instrument that has been used in South Wales folk music for centuries. It is easy to learn how to play and has a very distinctive sound. The penny whistle is often used to play lively tunes that get people dancing.

The guitar is a versatile instrument that can be used for both solo playing and accompaniment. In South Wales folk music, the guitar is typically strummed using a pick. This creates a rhythmic foundation that other instruments can follow.

The Styles of Folk Music in South Wales

There is a rich variety of folk music in South Wales, influenced by the Celtic traditions of Wales, Cornwall and Brittany, as well as by the music of England and other parts of the world.

The main style of folk music in South Wales is the male voice choir, which is often accompanied by instruments such as the piano, guitar or accordion. Other popular styles include traditional singing, clog dancing and step dancing.

The Welsh Folk Song Society was founded in 1891 to promote the preservation and performance of traditional Welsh folk song. The society’s repertoire includes songs from all over Wales, as well as from other parts of the world.

The Performers of Folk Music in South Wales

There are many different performers of folk music in South Wales, each with their own unique style. Some of the more popular performers include:

-The O’Neill Brothers: A Irish folk band that has been performing together for over 20 years. They are known for their lively performances and catchy tunes.

-Glyndwr: A Welsh folk band that performs a mix of traditional and contemporary songs. They are known for their beautiful harmonies and use of traditional instruments.

-Dafydd Iwan: A Welsh singer-songwriter who has been performing Folk music for over 40 years. He is known for his political lyrics and moving ballads.

The Venues of Folk Music in South Wales

South Wales has a vibrant and thriving folk music scene, with many different venues offering live music every week. Here are just a few of the places where you can enjoy folk music in South Wales:

The Sloop Inn, Laugharne
The Sloop Inn is a traditional Welsh pub in the village of Laugharne, made famous by the poet Dylan Thomas. The pub has a long association with music, and today hosts regular folk music sessions. Local musicians and visitors from all over Wales come to play and sing, making for a lively and friendly atmosphere.

The Ship Inn, Newport
The Ship Inn is another traditional Welsh pub that’s popular with folk musicians. Situated in the town of Newport, it’s just a short walk from the famous Newport Market. The Ship Inn has been hosting folk music sessions for many years, and is well known for its warm welcome and great selection of beers and ciders.

The Moonrakers Folk Club, Cardiff
If you’re looking for a more formal setting in which to enjoy folk music, then you might want to check out the Moonrakers Folk Club in Cardiff. The club meets every Monday evening at the city’s Chapter Arts Centre, and features a different guest artist each week. You can expect to hear both traditional and contemporary folk music from some of Wales’ finest musicians.

The Future of Folk Music in South Wales

Folk music has been part of the cultural fabric of South Wales for centuries, with traditional songs and tunes passed down through the generations. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in folk music, with new bands and artists drawing on traditional influences to create a unique sound.

The future of folk music in South Wales looks bright, with a new generation of musicians taking up the torch and carrying the tradition forward. There are many grassroots festivals and events which showcase the best of what South Wales has to offer, and it is clear that folk music is very much alive and well in this part of the world.