Best New Folk Music of 2014
Contents
2014 was a great year for folk music, with many new and talented artists emerging. Here are some of the best new folk music albums of 2014.
The Revival of Folk Music
The past few years have seen a resurgence in popularity for folk music, with artists like Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers finding crossover success. 2014 has been no different, with a number of talented new folk artists emerging and releasing excellent debut albums. Here are some of the best new folk albums of 2014.
The Revivalists – City of Sound
The Revivalists’ debut album City of Sound is a collection of catchy, well-crafted roots-rock tunes. The band’s tight musicianship and enthusiastic energy are infectious, making City of Sound an enjoyable and satisfying listen from start to finish.
The Oh Hellos – Dear Wormwood
The Oh Hellos’ debut album Dear Wormwood is a dark and dreamy folk-rock odyssey. The album ebbs and flows beautifully, taking the listener on a journey through the many ups and downs of life. The Oh Hellos have created a truly stunning debut album that is sure to please fans of both folk and rock music.
Hiss Golden Messenger – Lateness of Dancers
Hiss Golden Messenger’s fourth album Lateness of Dancers is a slow-burning country-folk gem. The album features some of the band’s most beautiful and emotionally resonant songs to date, making it an essential listen for fans of Hiss Golden Messenger or anyone who enjoys quality songwriting.
The New Folk Movement
In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for folk music. This new folk movement has been led by a group of young musicians who are interested in reviving the traditional sounds of the genre while also incorporating modern influences.
One of the defining characteristics of the new folk sound is its use of traditional instrumentation. This includes acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins, and fiddles. However, many new folk bands also make use of electric guitars, drums, and keyboards. This combination of old and new instrumentation gives the genre a unique sound that sets it apart from other types of music.
Another important aspect of the new folk sound is its focus on storytelling. Many of the songs in this genre are about personal experiences or cultural traditions. The lyrics often paint vivid pictures that transport listeners to another time and place.
If you’re looking for something different in your music listening, then be sure to check out some of the best new folk bands of 2014.
The Best New Folk Music of 2014
2014 has been a great year for folk music. We’ve seen a resurgence in popularity for the genre, with more and more people turning to folk music for its simple, honest sound. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best new folk music of 2014. We’ll be highlighting a few stand-out albums and artists that have helped to shape the folk music scene this year.
The Head and the Heart
The Head and the Heart are an American indie folk band formed in 2009 in Seattle, Washington. The band consists of Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Charity Rose Thielen (vocals, guitar, violin), Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar), Chris Zasche (bass), Tyler Williams (drums) and Kenny Hensley (piano).
The band self-released their debut album, The Head and the Heart, in 2010. The album was re-released by Sub Pop on June 7, 2011. In 2011, the band toured extensively in support of the album. They have performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Conan. In September 2013, the band released their second album Let’s Be Still.
The Lumineers
The Lumineers are an Americana/Folk-Rock band from Denver, Colorado, United States. The band members are Wesley Schultz (vocals, guitar) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums, percussion). The Lumineers formed in 2005, and released their self-titled debut album in April 2012. Their music is based on Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel”, which went to number one on the US Billboard Country charts. The album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Of Monsters and Men
Of Monsters and Men is a five-member Icelandic folk band that rose to prominence in 2011 with the release of their debut album, My Head Is an Animal. The band’s musical style has been described as indie folk, and their music has been compared to that of Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, and The Lumineers.
The band members are Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Brynjar Leifsson (bass guitar), Arnar Rónnquist (drums), and Kristján Páll Kristjánsson (keyboards). Of Monsters and Men won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Push Act in 2013. Their song “Little Talks” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 2013 ceremony.
The Future of Folk Music
The future of folk music is unwritten, but there are a few things we can predict with pretty reasonable certainty. For one, the massive wave of young people taking up instruments and starting bands that we’ve seen in recent years is likely to continue. This bodes well for the genre, as does the growing popularity of Americana and roots music in general.
As far as specific trends go, it seems likely that folks will continue to experiment with traditional sounds and structures, incorporating elements from other genres to create something new and exciting. We may also see more artistes exploring political and social themes in their music, given the current state of affairs both here in the States and abroad.
Whatever happens, we can be sure that folk music will remain a vital part of the American musical landscape for years to come. And we’ll be here to document it every step of the way.