5 Country-Folk Music Artists You Need to Know

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Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

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If you’re a fan of country music, then you’ll definitely want to check out these five artists. They’re all relatively new to the scene, but they’re already making waves with their unique take on folk music.

The Lumineers

The Lumineers are an American folky, country-rock band that has been taking the world by storm since their debut album in 2012. The band is known for their unique blend of genres and their ability to evoke emotion in their music. If you’re a fan of country-folk music, then you need to know about The Lumineers.

Origins

The Lumineers are an American folk rock band based in Denver, Colorado. The founding members are Wesley Schultz on guitar and lead vocals, and Jeremiah Fraites on drums, percussion, and backing vocals. Fraites’ cousin, Neyla Pekarek, later joined the band as a cellist and backing vocalist. The Lumineers rose to prominence in 2012 with their single “Ho Hey”, which peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The band’s debut studio album, The Lumineers, was released on April 3, 2012. It peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Its lead single “Ho Hey” became a platinum hit in the United States. In 2013, two follow-up singles from The Lumineersurl= also achieved mainstream success; “Stubborn Love” peaked at number 10 on the Hot 100 chart, while “Submarines” reached number 16.

Music Style

The Lumineers are an American Folk, Country, and Americana band from Denver, Colorado. The band’s debut self-titled album was released in April 2012 and peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s first single, “Ho Hey,” was a top 10 hit on the Alternative Songs chart and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA. The band’s second album, Cleopatra, was released in 2016 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.

The Lumineers are known for their simple songwriting style and their use of acoustic instruments. The band has been compared to other Folk-Rock groups like Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers.

Why You Need to Know Them

Formed in Denver, Colorado in 2002, The Lumineers are an American folk rock band comprised of singer and guitarist Wesley Schultz, bassist and cellist Jeremiah Fraites, and drummer Neyla Pekarek. The band’s music is based on stories and emotions, with Schultz often writing songs based on his personal experiences or those of people close to him. The Lumineers have released three studio albums – their self-titled debut album in 2012, Cleopatra in 2016, and III in 2019 – as well as a live album and several EPs.

The Lumineers’ sound has been described as “heartland rock” or “country-folk”, with the band’s lyrics focusing on themes of love, loss, betrayal, hope, and mortality. Their music has been used in a number of popular television shows and films such as The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy, Friday Night Lights, and Life As We Know It. In 2019, the band released III: The World Stage – a concept album narrated by lead singer Wesley Schultz that tells the story of characters from the GORGE – a fictional small town in Colorado.

III: The World Stage was critically acclaimed upon its release and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The album’s lead single “Gloria” became the band’s first song to reach the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 2020, The Lumineers won their first Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance for their song “What You Do To Me”.

The Head and the Heart

The Head and the Heart is a American indie folk band from Seattle, Washington. The group is composed of Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion), Charity Rose Thielen (vocals, violin, guitar), Chris Zasche (bass), Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, keyboard), and Tyler Williams (drums). They have released four studio albums, the most recent being Living Mirage (2019).

Origins

The Head and the Heart is a country-folk music band formed in Seattle, Washington in 2009. The band consists of Jospeh Breton, Charity Rose Thielen, Jon Russell, Tyler Williams, Kenny Hensley, and Chris Zasche. The Head and the Heart’s music is characterized by its use of banjo, acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano, and harmonica.

The Head and the Heart’s debut album, titled “The Head and the Heart”, was released in 2011 on vinyl, CD, and digital formats. The album peaked at #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and #3 on the Folk Albums chart. The Head and the Heart’s second album “Let’s Be Still” was released in 2013 on Sub Pop Records. “Let’s Be Still” peaked at #1 on the Folk Albums chart and #8 on the Top Rock Albums chart.

Music Style

There are many different types of music out there, but one style that has been increasing in popularity lately is country-folk. This type of music often has a simple, folksy sound that can be both relaxing and captivating. If you’re interested in exploring this genre further, here are five country-folk music artists you need to know.

1. The Head and the Heart: This band is from Seattle, Washington, and they have a unique sound that draws from both indie-rock and folk influences. Their melodies are catchy and their lyrics are often very personal, making for a powerful listening experience.

2. Fleet Foxes: Also from Seattle, Fleet Foxes is another excellent choice if you’re looking for country-folk music with an indie-rock edge. Their debut album was released to critical acclaim in 2008, and they continue to produce great music today.

3. Bon Iver: Bon Iver is the solo project of Justin Vernon, who gained popularity after releasing his debut album in 2007. His music is beautiful and haunting, with intricate layers of sound that will stay with you long after the last note has faded away.

4. The Tallest Man on Earth: The Tallest Man on Earth is the stage name of Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson. His music has a stripped-down folk sound that is both deeply personal and universal in its appeal.

5. Mumford & Sons: Mumford & Sons is a British band that has become one of the most popular acts in the country-folk genre in recent years. Their anthemic tunes and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with fans all over the world, making them one of the most successful groups in this musical style today.

Why You Need to Know Them

The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band. They were formed in the summer of 2009 by Josiah Johnson and Jonathan Russell, who met at an open mic in Seattle. The band also includes Charity Rose Thielen, Chris Zasche, Tyler Williams, and Kenny Hensley.

The Head and the Heart’s music has been compared to that of Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine, Mumford & Sons, and Neutral Milk Hotel. Their self-titled debut album was released on Sub Pop Records on June 7, 2011. The album peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 130,000 copies in the US by September 2016. The band’s second album, Let’s Be Still, was released on October 15, 2013. It peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 50,000 copies in the US by November 2016. The Head and the Heart’s third album, Signs of Light, was released on September 9, 2016. It peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 42,000 copies in its first week of release in the US.

The Head and the Heart has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers are an American folk rock band from Concord, North Carolina. The band is made up of brothers Scott Avett and Seth Avett, who are the lead singers and songwriters, as well as Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon, who play the piano, violin, banjo, and guitar, respectively. The Avett Brothers have released a total of nine studio albums, four of which have reached the number one spot on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

Origins

The Avett Brothers are an American folk rock band from Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. The group is made up of two brothers, Scott Avett and Seth Avett, who play the banjo and guitar respectively. The Avett Brothers have released nine studio albums since their debut in 2000. They are perhaps best known for their single “I and Love and You,” which was featured in a 2009 episode of the television series Friday Night Lights.

The Avett Brothers began touring with other bands in the early 2000s, but it was not until 2007 that they began to gain widespread popularity. Their fourth album, Emotionalism, was released that year to critical acclaim. The album’s success led to the group being signed by Rick Rubin to his record label American Recordings. The band’s major label debut album, I and Love and You, was released in 2009 and entered the Billboard 200 chart at Number 16.

The Avett Brothers have been nominated for four Grammy Awards, winning Best Americana Album for their album The Carpenter in 2013. They have also been nominated for eight Americana Music Awards, winning Artist of the Year in 2011 and 2016. In 2018, they were inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.

Music Style

The Avett Brothers are an American folk rock band from Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, United States. The group is made up of two brothers, Scott Avett and Seth Avett, along with Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon. Mike Marsh also tours with the band as a drummer. The Avett Brothers blend bluegrass, country, pop, punk, rock and indie folk.

The band’s 2009 major label debut album I and Love and You peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Americana Album. Their 2011 follow-up album, The Carpenter, also reached the top 20 of the Billboard 200 chart and won Best Americana Album at the 55th Grammy Awards. In 2016 they released their eight studio album True Sadness which debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Why You Need to Know Them

The Avett Brothers are one of the most popular country-folk bands today. Formed in 2000 in North Carolina, the band is made up of brothers Scott and Seth Avett, Bob Crawford, and Joe Kwon. They have released nine studio albums, three live albums, and one compilation album. They are known for their unique blend of bluegrass, country, folk, punk rock, pop, and rock.

The Avett Brothers have a massive following of loyal fans who call themselves “Avett Nation.” The band is known for its intense live shows and its dedication to its fans. The Avett Brothers have been nominated for several Grammy Awards and have won two Americana Music Awards.

If you’re a fan of country-folk music, then you need to know the Avett Brothers.

Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons is a British folk band that was formed in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane. The band’s debut album was released in 2009 and they have released 3 more albums since then. Mumford & Sons has won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year.

Origins

Mumford & Sons are a British band formed in 2007. The group consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums), Winston Marshall (banjo, acoustic guitar, electric guitar), Ben Lovett (piano, keyboards, drums), and Ted Dwane (bass guitar). Mumford & Sons have released three studio albums: Sigh No More (2009), Babel (2012), and Wilder Mind (2015). The band has also issued three live albums: Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire (2011), The Road to Red Rocks (2012), and Live from South Africa: Dust and Thunder (2017).

The band’s style has been described as “folk-influenced indie rock”. Their music is characterised by banjo-and-guitar instrumentation, Mumford’s lead vocals, and prominent usage of folk musical styles. Several critics have likened them to popular artists such as Arcade Fire and The Killers. The name originates from Marcus Mumford being the most visible member, playing lead guitar and singing leads on most of the songs; his father is Ray Mumford was the lead singer of a pub rock band called “Mumford” which was moderately successful in the 1970s.

Music Style

Mumford & Sons is a British country-folk band that formed in London in 2007. The group is composed of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, drums), Ben Lovett (vocals, keyboards, piano), Winston Marshall (vocals, banjo, electric guitar) and Ted Dwane (bass guitar, double bass, backing vocals). Mumford & Sons have released three studio albums: Sigh No More (2009), Babel (2012) and Wilder Mind (2015). The band has also released two live albums: Live at Bull Moose (2011) and Live from South Africa: Dust and Thunder (2017).

The group’s musical style has been described as “folk-influenced independent rock”. Mumford & Sons’ lyrics are largely concerned with themes of love, loss, redemption and hope. The band has been nominated for six Grammy Awards, winning two for Best Album of the Year (Babel and Wilder Mind). They have also won an American Music Award and a Brit Award.

Why You Need to Know Them

Mumford & Sons is a British band that formed in 2007. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, guitar, drums), Winston Marshall (banjo, guitar, backing vocals), Ben Lovett (piano, keyboard, backing vocals), and Ted Dwane (bass guitar). Their music style has been variously described as folk rock, roots rock, and alternative rock.

The band has released three studio albums: Sigh No More (2009), Babel (2012), and Wilder Mind (2015). They have also released three live albums: Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire (2011), The Road to Red Rocks (2012), and Live from New York City’s Beacon Theatre (2017). Mumford & Sons have won several awards throughout their career, including Grammy Awards for Best Album of the Year and Best Americana Album.

If you’re a fan of country-folk music, then Mumford & Sons is definitely a band you need to know. With their unique sound and massive popularity, they are sure to remain an important part of the genre for years to come.

The Civil Wars

Hailed as “one of the best bands of the decade” by Paste Magazine, The Civil Wars were an Americana duo comprised of singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White. The pair met in 2008 at a songwriting workshop in Nashville and bonded over their shared love of country-folk and bluegrass music.

Origins

The Civil Wars were an American musical duo composed of singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White. The duo’s self-titled debut album earned them four Grammy Awards in 2013, including Best Country Album and Best Folk Album. Their sophomore album, The Barton Hollow, was released in early 2011 to critical acclaim.

The Civil Wars formation is somewhat enigmatic. Prior to the release of their first album, the duo had only performed a handful of live shows and their origin story was largely unknown. However, it was later revealed that the pair met in Nashville in 2008 during a songwriting session. The two bonded over their shared love of country music and decided to form a musical partnership.

During the writing and recording process for their debut album, The Civil Wars, Williams and White began to experience creative differences. These tensions came to a head during the recording of their second album, The Barton Hollow. The album was completed, but the duo decided to disband before promoting it.

Despite the fact that they only released two albums, The Civil Wars had a profound effect on the country-folk music scene. Their unique blend of country, folk, and pop sensibilities won them a loyal following among fans of all three genres. Their bittersweet love story also captivated the public imagination and helped cement their status as one of the most intriguing musical duos of recent years.

Music Style

The Civil Wars are an Americana folk duo composed of Joy Williams and John Paul White. They met in Nashville, Tennessee in 2008 and released their self-titled album in 2013. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album. The duo disbanded in 2014.

The music of The Civil Wars is a blend of country, folk, and pop. Their sound has been compared to that of Simon & Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mac, and TheEverly Brothers. The duo’s vocals have been described as “haunting” and “transcendent.” In live performances, they often use only acoustic instruments, such as guitars and drums.

The Civil Wars’ songs typically deal with themes of love, heartbreak, and loss. “From This Valley” is about the death of a coal miner, while “Dust to Dust” is about a relationship that ended because of cancer. “I Had Me a Girl” is a breakup song told from the perspective of a man who is losing his wife to another man.

Why You Need to Know Them

The Civil Wars were an American musical duo composed of singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White. They released four singles, two EPs, and one album before dissolving in 2014, but their music continues to live on in the hearts of country-folk fans around the world. Here are five reasons why you need to know them.

1. Their music is the perfect blend of country and folk.
2. They have a beautiful and unique vocal harmony that will leave you in awe.
3. They write incredibly moving and personal lyrics that will resonate with you long after you’ve heard them.
4. They are masterful storytellers, weaving narratives that are both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
5. They are a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful things can be the most fleeting.

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