Folk Music Subgenres You Need to Know

We run down some of the most important folk music subgenres – from British folk to Americana and beyond – that you need to know.

Introduction to Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation orally. It is music that is typically associated with a particular culture or region. There are many different subgenres of folk music, each with its own unique features. In this article, we will take a look at some of the more popular subgenres of folk music.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and involves singing in a traditional style. It originated in the rural areas of Europe and has been exported to other parts of the world, especially North America. Folk music has been revitalized in recent years by artists such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Simon & Garfunkel.

There are many subgenres of folk music, each with its own unique tradition and history. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular folk music subgenres from around the world.

American Folk Music
American folk music is a genre that includes a wide variety of styles, including bluegrass, country, gospel, blues, and others. The roots of American folk music can be traced back to the 18th century, when European immigrants brought over their traditional songs and instrumentation. American folk music has been influential on subsequent genres such as rock and roll and country music.

British Folk Music
British folk music is a genre that dates back centuries. It includes traditional songs from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. British folk music has been further subdivided into regional subgenres such as English Folk, Scottish Folk, Welsh Folk, and Irish Folk. Many British folk songs have been reused or adapted by later musicians in different genres such as rock and roll and pop.

Canadian Folk Music
Canadian folk music is a genre that includes traditional songs from all over Canada. The roots of Canadian folk music can be traced back to the country’s First Nations people, who have their own unique musical traditions. Canadian folk music has also been influenced by British and American folk traditions. In recent years, Canadian musicians have been creating their own distinctive brand offolk music that incorporates elements from a variety of genres including indie rock and hip hop.

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and is often focused on singing. Traditional folk music has been handed down orally, through song or stories, for generations. It often has a rural or nostalgic feel and focuses on the lives of common people.

In the United States, folk music is often divided into two main categories: traditional folk and contemporary folk. Traditional folk includes older songs that have been passed down, while contemporary folk includes more modern songs that are inspired by traditional folk styles.

There are many subgenres of folk music, each with their own unique sound and origins. Here are just a few:

Appalachian Folk Music
Appalachian folk music is a form of traditional mountain music that originated in the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States. It is characterized by its use of banjo, fiddle and guitar, as well as its focus on storytelling.

Cajun Folk Music
Cajun music is a type of folklore music that originated in Louisiana in the 18th century. It is influenced by French, African and Native American culture and typically features instruments like the accordion, fiddle and triangle.

Irish Folk Music
Irish folk music is a genre of traditional music that developed in Ireland. It is often accompanied by dancing, and it often features instruments like the Celtic harp, fiddle and tin whistle.

Scottish Folk Music
Scottish folk music is a genre of traditional music that developed in Scotland. It typically features the Great Highland bagpipe, fiddle and Scottish smallpipes, as well as various forms of singing.

The Various Subgenres of Folk Music

Folk music is a broad genre that encompasses a wide range of subgenres. From traditional folk music to contemporary folk music, there is a subgenre for everyone. In this article, we will be discussing some of the most popular subgenres of folk music.

Traditional Folk Music

Traditional folk music is the term used to describe folk music that has existed since the earliest human cultures and has been passed down, orally or in writing, from one generation to the next.

Traditional folk music typically includes songs that were created for a specific purpose, such as work songs, love songs, dance tunes, and children’s songs. These songs often reflect the culture of the region in which they were created, and many traditional folk songs have been adapted over time to become part of the musical traditions of other cultures.

Some examples of traditional folk music from around the world include:
-African American spirituals
-Cajun music
-Canadian fiddle tunes
– English ballads
-Irish jigs and reels
-Scottish bagpipes

Contemporary Folk Music

Contemporary folk music is a broad category that includes various subgenres. The term “contemporary folk music” is generally used to describe folk music that has been influenced by popular music, but there is no one definitive sound. Contemporary folk musicians often incorporate elements of other genres, such as rock, country, and jazz.

Here are some of the most popular contemporary folk subgenres:

New Americana: This subgenre combines elements of traditional folk music with indie rock and alternative country. New Americana artists often use acoustic instruments, but they may also incorporate electric guitars and other types of instrumentation.

Indie Folk: Indie folk is a subgenre that developed in the early 2000s. It combines elements of traditional folk music with indie rock. Indie folk bands often use acoustic instruments, but they may also incorporate electric guitars and other types of instrumentation.

Folk Pop: Folk pop is a subgenre that combines elements of traditional folk music with pop music. Folk pop artists often use acoustic instruments, but they may also incorporate electric guitars and other types of instrumentation.

Folk Rock: Folk rock is a subgenre that combines elements of traditional folk music with rock music. Folk rock bands often use electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums, in addition to acoustic instruments.

Celtic Folk Music

Celtic folk music is a genre of folk music that developed out of the traditional music of the Celtic people of Western Europe. It is a fusion of the traditional music of the Celts with the music of other cultures, including Classical, English Folk, and Scottish Folk. Celtic folk music has been performed by many different artists, including The Pogues, Loreena McKennitt, The Dubliners, and The Chieftains.

Anglo-American Folk Music

Anglo-American folk music is a musical tradition that originated in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It includes a wide variety of styles, including traditional folk ballads, work songs, maritime songs, jigs, reels and hornpipes. Anglo-American folk music is also characterized by its use of the English language, although there are also many songs in other languages.

One of the most important aspects of Anglo-American folk music is its oral tradition. This means that many of the songs have been passed down from generation to generation without being written down. This oral tradition has helped to keep the music alive and has allowed it to change and evolve over time.

Anglo-American folk music has had a significant influence on popular music, particularly in the United States. Many of the most popular American musicians have been influenced by Anglo-American folk music, including Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.

Nordic Folk Music

Nordic folk music includes a number of traditions in Northern European countries such as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. This type of music has its roots in the ancient folk traditions of the Nordic people, which were passed down orally from generation to generation.

Nordic folk music typically features lively melodies, often with a strong danceable beat. Instruments commonly used in this type of music include the fiddle, accordion and penny whistle. Nordic folk music has also been influenced by other genres such as classical and jazz.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Nordic folk music, with many modern musicians creating their own interpretations of this traditional style.

Conclusion

Now that you know about some of the major subgenres of folk music, you can begin to appreciate the vastness and diversity of this musical genre. There are many more subgenres and sub-subgenres out there waiting to be explored. So get out there and start listening!