A Brief History of Canadian Folk Music

A Brief History of Canadian Folk Music looks at the various genres and styles that have made up the Canadian folk music scene.

Early Folk Music in Canada

Traditional French-Canadian Folk Music

Traditional French-Canadian Folk Music has its roots in the music of France, brought over by settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. This style of music is generally referred to as Canadian Folk music, or simply “French Folk”. It is characterized by its use of Violins, Accordions and Guitars, as well as its focus on storytelling and vocal styles that are unique to Quebec.

During the 19th century, Quebecois Folk musicians began to experiment with new styles and instrumentation, borrowing from Irish and Scottish immigrants. This created a new sub-genre known as Celtic Quebecois, which would go on to be one of the most popular styles of Folk music in Canada. In the 20th century, French Canadian Folk continued to evolve, incorporating elements of Jazz, Rock and even Hip-Hop. Today, it is considered one of the most distinct and vibrant types of Folk music in the world.

Traditional English-Canadian Folk Music

Traditional English-Canadian folk music is a genre of music that encompasses a wide variety of styles, from songs originating in Britain, Ireland and continental Europe, to those of Indigenous and Anglo-Canadian origin.

The term “traditional folk music” can be somewhat misleading, as it implies a static, unchanging musical tradition. In reality, traditional folk music has been constantly evolving since it first arrived in Canada with the British and Irish settlers in the 18th century. As new immigrants came to Canada from other parts of Europe and Asia in the 19th and 20th centuries, they brought with them their own musical traditions, which often blended with existing English-Canadian folk styles.

Today, traditional English-Canadian folk music is enjoyed by audiences all across the country. It can be heard at festivals, concerts and dances, as well as in more informal settings such as community halls, kitchens and living rooms.

The Rise of Canadian Folk Music in the 20th Century

Folk music in Canada has its roots in the songs of the early settlers, who were mostly of British and Irish origin. These songs were passed down from generation to generation, and eventually, some of them made their way into the mainstream. In the early 20th century, there was a renewed interest in folk music, and many musicians began to collect and perform traditional songs. This led to the rise of Canadian folk music.

The influence of American Folk Music

In the early twentieth century, American Folk music was a major influence on Canadian Folk music. Artists such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Lead Belly were popular in both countries, and their music often dealt with social and political issues. Many Canadian Folk musicians began to emulate their American counterparts, particularly in the area of protest songs. American Folk music also had a significant influence on the development of the Quebecois folk movement in the 1950s and 1960s.

The influence of Celtic Folk Music

The influence of Celtic Folk Music on Canadian Folk Music is evident in the prevalence of Celtic instruments used, as well as in the songs themselves. Many of the early folk songs sung in Canada were of Celtic origin, and they were often brought over by Scottish and Irish immigrants. The first folk music to be widely heard in Canada was that of the Acadians, who were French-speaking settlers from Nova Scotia. The Acadians brought with them a rich tradition of folk music, which was later spread to other parts of the country by Scottish and Irish immigrants.

The influence of Canadian Folk Music on the World

While Canadian folk music may not be as widely known as other genres, it has had a significant influence on the world stage. In the early 20th century, Canadian musicians began to experiment with different sounds and styles, blending traditional folk with elements of pop, rock, and other genres. This led to the development of a unique Canadian sound that would go on to influence folk musicians around the world.

Some of the most famous Canadian folk musicians include Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, and Joni Mitchell. These artists and others helped to put Canada on the map as a major player in the world of folk music. While Canadian folk may not be as widely recognized as other genres, it has nonetheless made a lasting impact on the music world.

Contemporary Canadian Folk Music

The influence of Technology

Contemporary Canadian folk music has been greatly influenced by technology. With the advent of the internet, musicians are now able to connect with each other and share their music with a global audience. This has led to a more diverse and inclusive Canadian folk music scene, with artists from all corners of the country being able to share their music with the world.

In the past, most Canadian folk music was passed down through oral tradition, and it was often only those who were able to read and write who were able to preserve these traditions. With the advent of recording technology, folk songs could be written down and preserved for future generations. This allowed for a greater variety of Canadian folk songs to be preserved and shared.

Today, there are many different types of Canadian folk music being created and enjoyed. From traditional songs passed down through the generations, to modern interpretations of traditional songs, to completely original compositions, there is something for everyone in the world of Canadian folk music. Thanks to technology, this rich tradition is more accessible than ever before.

The influence of Social Media

Social media has played a major role in the rise of contemporary Canadian folk music. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook have given artists a new way to reach audiences, and as a result, some of the most popular folk musicians in Canada today got their start online.

Artists like Great Big Sea, The Wailin’ Jennys, and Matt Andersen have all built their careers on the back of social media exposure. For many of these artists, YouTube has been particularly important in growing their fan base; Great Big Sea’s “Old Black Rum” video, for instance, has been viewed over 2 million times.

The power of social media has also allowed Canadian folk musicians to connect with each other and collaborate in new ways. For example, The Wailin’ Jennys joined forces with another popular Canadian folk group, The Duhks, to release an album of duets called Fire Cracker.

There’s no doubt that social media has had a major impact on the contemporary Canadian folk music scene. Thanks to platforms like YouTube and Facebook, Canada is home to some of the most popular folk musicians in the world.

The Future of Canadian Folk Music

The future of Canadian folk music is both exciting and uncertain. On the one hand, there are more opportunities than ever before for Canadian musicians to reach new audiences both at home and abroad. On the other hand, the traditional folk music scene in Canada is facing significant challenges, from declining interest among young people to the loss of key venues and festivals.

Despite these challenges, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of Canadian folk music. The genre has undergone a renaissance in recent years, thanks in part to the efforts of a new generation of talented musicians. These artists are keeping the tradition alive while also bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the genre.

As long as there are people who are passionate about Canadian folk music, it will continue to thrive. And with each passing year, more and more people are discovering the joys of this unique and vibrant musical tradition.