The Best Folk Music Magazines

If you’re a fan of folk music, you know that there are some great magazines out there dedicated to this genre. But which ones are the best? Here are our picks for the best folk music magazines!

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. It is often based on the music of the people who live in a certain area or country. Folk music often has a strong connection to the culture and Traditions of the people who create it.

Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has its origins in the medieval ballad, which was a narrative poem or song, usually relating a tragic or humorous story. These ballads were usually sung by wandering minstrels, or troubadours. Many of these ballads found their way to the New World with the European colonists, and eventually became part of the musical traditions of the United States and Canada. Folk music is often passed down orally from generation to generation, and has gradually evolved over time.

Folk music is typically characterized by its use of traditional instruments, simple melodies, and often-repetitive lyrics. It is often used to tell stories or convey messages, and can be either upbeat and lively or slow and melancholy. Folk music is often considered to be the music of the common people, as opposed to classical or popular music.

There are many different types of folk music from around the world, including American folk music, British folk music, Irish folk music, Scottish folk music, Canadian folk music, and African-American folk music. Each of these genres has its own unique history and tradition.

Characteristics of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music is typically associated with rural areas and traditionally includes instruments such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles. The lyrics of folk songs often deal with the struggles of everyday life, as well as love, loss, and locations.

The Best Folk Music Magazines

Folk music has a wide and varied history, and there are many different subgenres within the genre. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk music, or you’re more interested in modern folk-inspired music, there’s sure to be a folk music magazine out there for you. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best folk music magazines currently available.

Fiddler Magazine

Fiddler Magazine is a great resource for folk music lovers of all ages. In each issue, you’ll find interviews and articles on your favorite fiddlers, Folk Festivals to attend, and new music to check out.

Folk Roots

Folk Roots magazine was started in 1980 by English ex-pat Dave Had field. It covers all aspects of folk music and dance from both a traditional and contemporary perspective, with an emphasis on the folk music scene in North America and the British Isles. The magazine is published six times a year and includes reviews, news, interviews, and features on a wide range of topics.

Dirty Linen

Dirty Linen was a monthly music magazine founded in 1990 by Jon Tiven, Ira Robbins, and Arthur Levy. The magazine covered all genres of folk music, including traditional folk, contemporary folk, and world music. It was headquartered in New York City.

The magazine’s first issue was published in January 1991. dirty linen closed its doors in 2006.

How to Get the Most Out of Folk Music Magazines

Folk music magazines are a great way to keep up with the latest news and releases in the genre. They can also be a great resource for finding new artists to check out. However, with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your time and money. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best folk music magazines out there and give you some tips on how to get the most out of them.

Finding the Right Folk Music Magazine for You

Not all folk music magazines are created equal. Some are geared towards a certain type of folk music, while others are more general in their approach. There are also magazines that focus on a specific region or country’s folk music scene. To find the right one for you, it’s important to know what kind of folk music you’re interested in and where you can find it.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take some time to read through each of the folk music magazines on your list. See which ones have the most informative articles and the best reviews. You should also pay attention to the magazine’s overall tone and approach to folk music. If you’re looking for a magazine that takes a serious look at Folk Music, then you’ll want to avoid ones that seem to be more lighthearted and fun.

Finally, make sure to check out each magazine’s website before you subscribe. Many times, you can find special offers or deals on subscription rates. You may even be able to find a free trial issue so that you can test out a magazine before committing to a long-term subscription.

Making the Most of What You Read

When you’re trying to get the most out of folk music magazines, it’s important to remember that there is more to the experience than just the music. In order to really appreciate the genre, it’s important to also read about the culture and history that surrounds it. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your reading experience:

-Become a member of a folk music club or organization. This will give you access to people who can help you understand the music better.
-Attend concerts and festivals. Seeing live music is one of the best ways to understand it.
-Talk to musicians. If you know anyone who plays folk music, ask them about their favorite magazines.
-Read reviews. Magazines often have reviews of new albums, which can help you decide what to listen to next.
-Check out the websites of folk music magazines. Many of them have articles and features that aren’t in the print magazine.

Supporting Folk Music Magazines

Folk music is more than just a type of music, it is also a cultural phenomenon with its own traditions, history, and ways of expressing itself. Folk music magazines are one of the best ways to learn about this musical genre and the people who create it.

There are many different folk music magazines available, each with its own focus and style. Some folk music magazines are published by organizations dedicated to promoting the genre, while others are more general interest magazines that occasionally feature articles or reviews about folk music.

No matter what type of folk music magazine you choose, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of it. Here are some tips:

-Read all the articles, not just the ones that interest you. The articles in folk music magazines can provide valuable insights into the genre as a whole, even if you don’t agree with everything that is said.

-Check out the ads. Folk music magazines often have ads for new albums, concert tickets, and other events that might be of interest to fans of the genre.

-Write to the editor. Most magazines welcome reader feedback and letters to the editor can be a great way to start a discussion about an article or review that you liked or didn’t like.

-Ask questions. If you’re not sure about something you read in a folk music magazine, don’t be afraid to ask someone who knows more about it. Chances are, there are other people who have the same question and would appreciate getting an answer from an expert.