The Best Nordic Folk Music to Listen to Right Now
Contents
Looking for some great Nordic folk music to listen to? Look no further than this list of the best tunes out there right now!
Nordic Folk Music
Nordic folk music has its origins in the music of the people of Scandinavia. It is typically characterized by its use of the fiddle and accordion, as well as other traditional instruments. It often has a strong danceable beat, and is often used for dancing. Nordic folk music is often upbeat and happy, making it a great choice for a party or celebration.
What is Nordic Folk Music?
Nordic folk music is a genre of music that is indigenous to the Nordic countries of Europe. It includes music from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and the Faroe Islands. Although this type of music is sometimes called “Viking music,” it actually predates the Viking era by several hundred years.
Nordic folk music has its roots in the music of the ancient Norse people. This can be seen in the use of Nordic instruments such as the Hardingfele (a type of fiddle), as well as in the themes and subject matter of many Nordic folk songs. Nordic folk music was largely oral tradition until the 19th century, when collectors began to record and transcribe it.
Today, there is a growing interest in Nordic folk music both within and outside of the region. This has led to a number of excellent recordings and performances being made available to listeners around the world. If you’re looking for some good Nordic folk music to listen to, check out some of the recommendations below.
The Best Nordic Folk Music to Listen to Right Now
The Nordic countries have a rich musical history, and folk music is an important part of that tradition. While some Nordic folk music is fairly traditional, other artists are experimenting with new sounds and styles. Here are some of the best Nordic folk musicians to listen to right now.
1. Ásgeir Trausti
Icelandic singer-songwriter Ásgeir Trausti is known for his ethereal voice and his use of traditional Icelandic instruments like the langspil (a type of zither). His debut album, Dyrd i dyra menn, was certified platinum in Iceland and led to him being nominated for several music awards. His follow-up album, AFTERglow, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim.
2. Wardruna
This Norwegian music group specializes in “Norse mythology-inspired music” and uses a range of traditional instruments like deer horn pipes and Vikingsvifte (an ancient Norwegian flute). Their music has been featured in the TV show Vikings, and they have released three albums since 2009: Runaljod – gap var Gintha, Runaljod – Yggdrasil, and Runaljod – Ragnarok.
3. Garmarna
Garmarna is a Swedish folk rock band that formed in the 1990s. They take inspiration from traditional Swedish folk songs and seek to update them for modern audiences. They have released six studio albums, the most recent of which, Vidderna viskar och susar, came out in 2016.
4. Heilung
Heilung is a Danish/Norwegian musical group that performs “experimental historical music” inspired by the sounds of the Viking Age and Iron Age. They sing in a variety of ancient languages, including Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon English. Their debut album, Ofnir, was released in 2015 to critical acclaim.
Nordic Folk Music Artists
Nordic folk music has been gaining in popularity in recent years. If you’re looking for some new music to check out, here are some of the best Nordic folk artists to listen to right now. From Finland to Iceland, these artists are making some of the most beautiful and unique music out there.
Wardruna
Wardruna is a Norwegian musical group founded in 2003 by Einar Selvik and Gaahl. The name Wardruna translates to “Runic alphabet” and the music is based on Norse mythology and Paganism.
Wardruna’s music is characterized by the use of ancient Nordic instruments, such as the Hardingfele (hardanger fiddle), tagelharpe (frame harp), bukkehorn (buck horn), and flute. The lyrics are mostly in Norwegian, with some Icelandic and German.
The band has released three albums: “Runaljod – gap var Ginnunga” (2009), “Yggdrasil” (2013), and ” Runaljod – Ragnarok” (2016). Wardruna has also composed music for the television series Vikings.
Garmarna
Garmarna is a Swedish folk music group that formed in the early 1990s. The band is known for their unique blend of traditional folk music and modern rock. Their sound is often described as dark and atmospheric. Garmarna has released six studio albums, and their most recent, “Hildegard von Bingen”, was released in 2016.
Hedningarna
Hedningarna is a Swedish musical group that formed in 1986 and plays Nordic folk music. They are considered one of the leading groups in the genre and have been credited with helping to start the Swedish folk music revival of the 1990s. Their music is based on traditional Swedish folk tunes, but they also incorporate modern elements such as rock and electronic music. They have released nine albums, of which seven have been nominated for the Swedish Grammy Awards.
Nordic Folk Music Albums
If you’re looking for some great Nordic folk music to listen to, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best Nordic folk music albums that are out there. We’ll also be giving a brief overview of what Nordic folk music is and where it comes from.
Wardruna – Runaljod – Ragnarok
This album is the third in a trilogy of albums based on the ancient Norse runes, and it is perhaps the most beautiful and evocative of the three. Wardruna’s music is based on authentic Nordic folk instruments and sounds, and the result is an album that transports you back in time to a more mystical age.
Garmarna – Guds spelemän
Garmarna’s 1992 album Guds spelemän is a beautifully layered exploration of Nordic folk music, with gorgeous violin parts weaving in and out of traditional Swedish melodies. The result is an album that feels both traditional and modern, and is essential listening for anyone interested in Nordic folk music.
Hedningarna – Karelia Visa
Hedningarna is a Swedish musical group who play modern folk music with ancient Nordic influences. Their 1992 album Karelia Visa was inspired by the Finnish epic poem, the Kalevala, and features traditional instruments like the kantele and nyckelharpa alongside more modern ones like electric guitars and synthesizers. The results are both beautiful and haunting, with songs that will transport you to another time and place.
