7 Folk Music Artists You Need to Know in 2016
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2016 is shaping up to be a great year for folk music, with a number of exciting new artists making their mark on the genre. Here are seven of the most promising up-and-comers that you need to keep an eye on.
William Prince
William Prince is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Manitoba. His music is a mix of folk, rock, and country. He released his debut album, Dirt on My Tongue, in 2010. Prince’s music has been featured on CBC Radio 2, CBC Radio 3, and CMT. He won the Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year in 2016 for his album, Earthly Days.
Background
William Prince is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Manitoba. His music has been described as ” Canadiana” – a mix of country, folk and rock. He released his debut album, Dim the Lights, in 2008. In 2016, he released his second album, Earthly Days. Prince has won several awards for his music, including the Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Solo in 2017.
Music
William Prince was born on the Peguis First Nation in Manitoba, and began his musical journey by winning a local talent competition at age 15. He went on to release his self-titled debut album in 2008, which garnered acclaim from music critics and earned him a Juno Award nomination for Aboriginal Album of the Year.
Since then, Prince has continued to hone his craft and develop his unique brand of folk music. His 2013 album, “Earthly Days,” was nominated for a Juno Award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year, and he has been awarded the Canadian Folk Music Award for Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year.
If you’re a fan of folk music, or looking to discover some new artists in 2016, be sure to give William Prince a listen.
The Dead South
The Dead South is a four-piece Canadian folk band from Regina, Saskatchewan. The band is known for their unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and country music. They have been described as “one of the most entertaining live bands you’ll ever see.” The band has released two albums, both of which have been met with critical acclaim.
Background
The Dead South is a Canadian folk music group from Regina, Saskatchewan, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Nate Hilts, cellist Scott Pringle, banjoist Danny Kenyon and mandolinist Colton Crawford. The band has been described as having a “uniquely distinctive” sound that blends “elements of bluegrass, gospel, murder ballads and classic folk.”
The Dead South released their debut album, Good Company, in 2014. The album was well-received by critics and led to the band’s first headlining tour of Canada. In 2016, the band released their second album, Illusion & Doubt. The album peaked at number 5 on the Canadian Folk charts and received positive reviews from critics.
The Dead South has been nominated for several awards, including a Juno Award for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year: Group for Illusion & Doubt.
Music
Folk music has been enjoying something of a renaissance in recent years, with more and more people turning to this genre for its simplicity, honesty and beauty. If you’re looking for some great folk music to add to your collection, here are seven artists you need to know about in 2016.
The Dead South
This Canadian four-piece offer up a unique blend of bluegrass, folk and country that is guaranteed to get your foot tapping. With their catchy melodies and energetic live shows, The Dead South are quickly making a name for themselves on the folk music scene.
Whitney Rose
Hailing from Nova Scotia, Whitney Rose is a singer-songwriter with a knack for injecting her country roots with a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll. Her debut album Rule 62 was released to critical acclaim in 2016, cementing her place as one of the most exciting new talents in Canadian folk music.
The Strumbellas
Also from Canada, The Strumbellas are a six-piece band who create uplifting, anthemic folk-rock songs that are impossible not to sing along to. Their 2016 album Hope reached number one on the Canadian charts and earned them a Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year.
Mumford & Sons
Perhaps the most well-known Folk band on this list, Mumford & Sons rose to prominence with their debut album Sigh No More back in 2009. Since then they have gone on to win multiple Grammy Awards and sell out arenas all over the world. They show no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The Lumineers
The Lumineers are an American Folk Rock band who shot to fame with their single “Ho Hey” back in 2012. Their self-titled debut album was a huge success, reaching number two on the Billboard charts and going platinum in the US. Their follow-up album Cleopatra was released in 2016 and has already been met with similar acclaim.
Bahamas
Bahamas is the solo project of Afie Jurvanen, a Canadian singer-songwriter with Finnish roots. His laid-back brand of folksy pop has won him fans all over the world, and his most recent album Bahamas is Afie was nominated for two Juno Awards in 2016.
The Small Glories
If you’re a fan of folk music, then you need to know about The Small Glories. This Canadian duo is composed of singer-songwriter Cara Luft and multi-instrumentalist JD Edwards. They fuse elements of folk, blues, and country to create their own unique sound. The Small Glories have released two albums, and they’re currently working on their third. Keep an eye out for this duo in 2016!
Background
The Small Glories is a Canadian folk music duo from Winnipeg, Manitoba, composed of singer-songwriters Cara Luft and JD Edwards. The group formed in early 2015 and released their debut album, Wondrous Traveler, later that year.
The Small Glories has been noted for their “crowd-pleasing melodies” and “infectious energy”, with Luft’s and Edwards’s guitars and vocals “weaving together effortlessly”. Luft’s “powerful voice” has also been praised, with the Winnipeg Free Press writing that she is “not afraid to show a little emotion in her delivery”.
Music
1. The Small Glories
With their gorgeous harmonies and exceptional songwriting, The Small Glories are a folk music duo that you need to know in 2016. Cara Luft and JD Edwards met while touring as solo artists and instantly connected over their shared love of traditional folk music. Their combined talents have resulted in two stunning albums, Wondrous Traveller (2015) and Assiniboine & The Red (2017), that are sure to captivate any listener.
2. Luke Bell
With his gritty voice and old-soul songwriting, Luke Bell is a country artist that is quickly making a name for himself in the Americana scene. Hailing from Wyoming, Bell has a unique perspective on the world that is evident in his music. His debut album, Luke Bell (2016), is full of heart-wrenching songs that will stay with you long after the last track has ended.
3. Sam Amidon
A master of reinterpreting traditional folk songs, Sam Amidon is an artist whose music is both modern and timeless. His inventive arrangements and plunky banjo playing breath new life into old songs, resulting in a sound that is uniquely his own. Amidon has released six albums since 2005, including brightest star But this one shines (2013) and The Following Mountain (2017), both of which are well worth a listen.
4. Anna Tivel
With her arresting voice and clever lyrics, Anna Tivel is a songwriter who knows how to craft a good story. Her songs are full of compelling characters and vivid images that will stay with you long after the last note has faded away. Tivel has released three albums since 2014, including Heroes Waking Up (2016) and Small Believer (2018), both of which are excellent examples of her impressive songwriting skills.
5. Willie Watson
A true renaissance man, Willie Watson is an Americana singer-songwriter, musician, and actor who has been making music for over two decades. He got his start as a founding member of the folk-rock band Old Crow Medicine Show before embarking on a solo career in 2014 with his debut album Folk Singer Vol. 1. Watson’s latest album Folksinger Vol 2 was released in 2018 to critical acclaim, cementing his status as one of the most talented artists working today
Leyla McCalla
If you’re a fan of folk music, then you need to know about Leyla McCalla. McCalla is a Haitian-American cellist and singer-songwriter who has been making waves in the music industry since she released her debut album in 2013. She has been praised for her unique blend of Haitian folk music, jazz, and blues.
Background
Leyla McCalla is aCellist and singer-songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. With music steeped in Haitian, Louisiana Creole, and Americana roots, she offers a fresh take on traditional folk music. After releasing her debut album Variety Pack in 2013 to critical acclaim, McCalla signed with Universal Music’s Decca Records label. In 2016, she released her second album, A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey.
Music
Leyla McCalla is a Haitian-American cellist and singer-songwriter who draws upon both African and French roots music traditions. Based in New Orleans, McCalla has toured extensively as a solo artist and with the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Her debut solo album, “Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes,” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2015.
Darlingside
Hailing from the liberal arts haven of Northampton, Massachusetts, the members of Darlingside met while attending college together. The band’s four members – David Senft, Don Mitchell, Harris Paseltiner, and Auyon Mukharji – bonded over their shared love of pop music from the 1950s and ’60s, as well as more modern influences like Sufjan Stevens and Arcade Fire.
Background
Darlingside is a four-piece indie folk band from Massachusetts. The band is known for their soaring vocal harmonies, intricate instrumental arrangements, and lyrical storytelling.
The members of Darlingside met while attending college in Northampton, MA. They began performing together informally, playing at open mic nights and local coffeehouses. In 2010, they decided to pursue music full-time, and released their debut album, Animal Tracks.
Since then, Darlingside has toured extensively throughout the US and Europe, playing at festivals such as SXSW, Newport Folk Festival, and Pickathon. In 2016, they released their second album, Extralife.
Darlingside’s music has been featured on NPR’s “All Songs Considered” and “ Mountain Stage”, as well as in The New York Times and Paste Magazine.
Music
Folk music has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more artists beginning to experiment with the genre. This list covers seven of the best folk music artists you need to know in 2016.
Darlingside is a four-piece band from Massachusetts that is quickly gaining popularity for their unique sound. Described as “chamber folk,” their music is a mix of folk, pop, and classical influences. Their debut album, Birds Say, was released in 2015 to critical acclaim.
The Staves are a British trio made up of sisters Emily, Jessica, and Camilla Staveley-Taylor. They first gained attention after touring with Mumford & Sons in 2010 and have since released two albums, Dead & Born & Grown and If I Was. Their music has been described as “wintry” and “haunting.”
The Paper Kites are an Australian indie folk band that formed in 2010. Their debut album, States, was released in 2012 to positive reviews. Their sound has been compared to that of Fleet Foxes and The Decemberists.
Mumford & Sons are a British rock band that formed in 2007. They rose to prominence with their debut album, Sigh No More, which was released in 2009. They have since released two more albums, Babel and Wilder Mind. Mumford & Sons are one of the biggest names in folk music today.
Of Monsters and Men are a six-piece band from Iceland that first gained popularity after their song “Little Talks” was used in a trailer for the movie Pete’s Dragon. Their debut album, My Head Is an Animal, was released in 2011 to critical acclaim. Of Monsters and Men are known for their catchy melodies and powerful lyrics.
Lanterns on the Lake are an indie rock band from Newcastle Upon Tyne in the UK. Their sound has been described as “cinematic” and “epic.” They have released three albums: Gracious Tide Take Me Home (2010), Until the Colours Run (2013), and Beings (2016).
The Ballroom Thieves
Combining the stripped-down acoustics of folk music with the raw emotion of rock and roll, The Ballroom Thieves are quickly making a name for themselves in the music world. With their unique sound and infectious energy, The Ballroom Thieves are an act you won’t want to miss.
Background
The Ballroom Thieves are a Boston-based folk band consisting of Martin Earley, Calin Peters and Devin Mauch. The band first came to prominence in 2016 with the release of their debut album, A Wolf in the Doorway, which earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. The band has continued to gain popularity with their subsequent releases, including their 2018 album, Unimpassioned.
Music
The Ballroom Thieves are a three-piece band from Boston, MA, consisting of Martin Earley on guitar and vocals, Calin Peters on cello and vocals, and Devin Ryder on percussion. The group formed in 2011 and has since released two EPs and one full-length album, A Wolf in the Doorway.
Their music has been described as “a unique brand of folk rock that is at once arresting and beautiful” (Paste Magazine) and “atmospheric folk music with a soulful edge” (The Huffington Post).
The band has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia, and have performed at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Newport Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and others.
The Oh Hellos
2016 has been an interesting year for music. We’ve seen a resurgence in popularity for some classic genres, and the Oh Hellos are definitely one of those artists. The Oh Hellos are a Texas-based indie folk band that has been turning heads since their debut album in 2014. With their unique blend of classic folk and modern indie, they are quickly becoming one of the most popular folk bands around.
Background
The Oh Hellos are a folk rock duo from Texas, consisting of siblings Tyler and Maggie Heath. The Oh Hellos started in 2011 as a bedroom project, with the siblings writing and recording songs in their parents’ house in San Marcos. Since then, the band has released two EPs and two full-length albums, most recently their 2016 album Dear World.
The Oh Hellos’ music is often described as “a mixture of folk, rock, and pop.” In an interview with Consequence of Sound, Tyler Heath said that the goal of the band is to “write good songs that people can connect to.” He also said that the duo is influenced by a wide range of artists, including Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes, and The Head and the Heart.
If you’re a fan of folk music or looking for some new artist to explore in 2016, be sure to check out The Oh Hellos.
Music
The Oh Hellos are an American Folk band from Texas, United States. The band is composed of siblings Tyler Heath and Maggie Baird. The Oh Hellos started as a bedroom project in 2010, and have since released three EPs and two full-length albums. Their music has been featured on television shows such as Sons of Anarchy and Hart of Dixie.
The Oh Hellos’ musical style has been described as “a mix of indie folk and classic rock ‘n’ roll”. Their sound has been compared to that of Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers.
