Little Star: A Folk Music Blog

Little Star is a folk music blog dedicated to bringing you the latest news, reviews, and interviews from the folk music scene.

Introduction to Little Star

Little Star is a folk music blog that covers a wide range of folk music from around the world. We aim to provide a platform for folk musicians to share their music and stories, and to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures through music. Folk music is a living tradition that is constantly evolving, and we believe that it is important to document and preserve this musical heritage for future generations.

We welcome submissions from all folk musicians, regardless of nationality or musical style. If you have something to share, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

The History of Folk Music

Folk music is a musical genre that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music has its roots in the traditional music of the working class people of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The term “folk music” was first used in the 19th century by British scholars who were trying to classify the various types of music they were encountering.

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has its roots in the oral tradition, and was originally passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. The term “folk music” began to be used in the early 19th century to describe a type of music that was different from the refined music of the upper classes. Folk music was seen as the music of the common people, and was often seen as inferior to “serious” music.

The first folk songs were probably created for entertainment, but they also served as a way to preserve history and culture. Folk songs often tell stories about real life events, and they can be used to teach moral lessons. Many folk songs are about love, loss, work, and death.

Folk music was typically sung by peasants or farmers, and was often accompanied by simple instruments like pipes or fiddles. As folk music began to spread beyond its rural origins, it began to be influenced by other genres of music, such as pop and rock. Today, there are many different types of folk music from all over the world.

The Evolution of Folk Music

America has a long and rich history with folk music. The very first folk music in America was brought over by the English, Irish, and Scottish immigrants who arrived in the 1600s. These songs were sung around the campfire or while working on the farm and told stories of their homeland or their daily life.

Folk music continued to evolve in America with the arrival of German and African immigrants in the 1700s. The Germans brought with them a love of instrumental music, while the Africans brought their own unique style of vocal and rhythmic music. This new wave of folk music soon mixed with the existing British, Irish, and Scottish traditions to create a truly American sound.

One of the most important moments in the history of American folk music occurred in the early 1900s with the arrival of two Mexican immigrants, Jose Lomeli and Manuel Mendez. These men brought with them a new style of Mexican folk music called “ranchera.” Ranchera quickly became popular throughout Texas and led to the creation of a whole new genre of American folk music: Tex-Mex.

Today, folk music is more popular than ever before. Thanks to modern technology, we now have access tofolk songs from all over the world. We can also use this technology to create our own Folk Music!

The Best Folk Music of Today

There’s something instantly recognizable and special about folk music. It’s a genre that has withstood the test of time, and yet still manages to sound fresh and new. If you’re looking for the best folk music of today, you’ve come to the right place. From modern takes on traditional folk songs to brand new original tunes, this blog has it all. Keep reading to discover the best folk music of today.

The Best Folk Music Artists

The folk music scene is thriving with new artists emerging all the time. Here are just a few of the best folk music artists making music today.

The Decemberists are a band from Portland, Oregon, who formed in 2000. The band’s sound is based in indie rock, but they also incorporate elements of folk, pop, and even classical music into their songs. The Decemberists have released eight studio albums, the most recent of which is 2018’s I’ll Be Your Girl.

Mumford & Sons are a British band that formed in 2007. They mix elements of folk, rock, and even bluegrass into their music. The band has released four studio albums, the most recent of which is 2018’s Delta.

The Head and the Heart are a band from Seattle, Washington, who formed in 2009. Their sound is based in indie folk and they have released three studio albums, the most recent of which is 2016’s Signs of Light.

Of Monsters and Men are a band from Reykjavik, Iceland, who formed in 2010. They mix elements of indie pop and folk into their music and have released two studio albums, the most recent of which is 2015’s Beneath the Skin.

The Best Folk Music Albums

In a genre often defined by its history, it can be easy to forget that folk music is still being made today. This list of the best folk music albums of 2019 reminds us that the genre is as vital as ever, with a new crop of performers carrying the torch forward while still paying respect to those who came before.

From protest music inspired by the current political climate to explorations of personal identity and family history, these albums offer a wide range of perspectives and styles within the folk tradition. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just getting started, these are some of the best folk records to check out from this past year.

The Future of Folk Music

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. It has a rich history and has often been used as a way to tell stories and preserve culture. Folk music is also very versatile, and can be adapted to any situation.

The Folk Music Scene Today

The folk music scene has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This is likely due to the growing interest in Americana and alternative music genres. Folk music offers a unique perspective on the human experience, and it can be both deeply personal and highly political.

The future of folk music is likely to be very exciting. As the genre continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see more innovative artists pushing the boundaries of what folk music can be. We may also see a return to more traditional forms of the genre, as listeners seek out authentic experiences. Whichever direction the genre takes, we can be sure that folk music will continue to offer a rich and rewarding listening experience.

The Folk Music of Tomorrow

The future of folk music is shrouded in a bit of mystery. No one can say for sure what direction the genre will take, but there are a few things we can predict.

One trend that seems to be gaining momentum is the return to traditional instrumentation and songwriting. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in acoustic music and the instruments that are typically associated with it. This includes guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles, and upright basses.

There has also been a renewed interest in the stories and characters that are often found in folk songs. This is likely due to the current state of the world, which can be quite confusing and stressful at times. People are looking for something genuine and authentic to cling to, and folk music provides that.

It’s also worth noting that many young people are discovering folk music for the first time. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find new artists and songs. This is resulting in a renewed interest in traditional folk music, as well as more modern interpretations of the genre.

So what does all this mean for the future of folk music? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: folk music will continue to evolve and change as it has for centuries. And we’re excited to see what tomorrow brings!