What is Freak Folk Music?

Freak folk is a subgenre of indie folk that developed in the early 2000s. It’s characterized by an experimental approach to songwriting and instrumentation.

Origins of Freak Folk

Freak folk is a subgenre of indie rock that developed in the early 2000s. It is characterized by DIY aesthetics, unusual instrumentation, and unconventional song structures.

The term “freak folk” is thought to have been coined by music journalist Will Hermes in an October 2002 article for The Village Voice. Hermes was describing the music of Devendra Banhart, who was part of a group of artists (including Joanna Newsom, Vetiver, and Espers) that were creating music that blended elements of psychedelia, folk, and pop.

While freak folk is often associated with the Americana aesthetic of the early 2000s (think Steve Earle and Gillian Welch), it is also indebted to the avant-garde and experimental traditions of artists like John Cage, Robert Ashley, and La Monte Young. In fact, many freak folk musicians are multi-disciplinary artists who are as likely to be involved in film or visual art as they are in music.

If you’re looking for a Freak Folk primer, we recommend checking out the compilation album Freaks from 2006, which features some of the genre’s most essential tracks.

Characteristics of Freak Folk

Freak folk is a subgenre of indie Folk that developed in the early 2000s. The term “freak folk” was originally coined by music critic Simon Reynolds in an October 2004 article for Mojo magazine. Reynolds used the term to describe a loose group of American musicians who were making intentionally unconventional music that incorporated elements of Folk, Psychedelia, and other genres.

The freak folk movement is often credited to Devendra Banhart, an American singer-songwriter who released his debut album in 2002. Banhart’s music was highly idiosyncratic and often featured odd subject matter, such as talking animals and surrealistic dreamscapes. His approach to songwriting and arranging was also unique, and he often eschewed traditional Verse-Chorus-Verse song structures in favor of more experimental approaches.

Other notable freak folk artists include Joanna Newsom, Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, and Dirty Projectors. These artists all share a common interest in exploring unusual sonic textures and expanding the boundaries of what Folk music can be.

Notable Freak Folk Artists

There are many artists who have been associated with the freak folk scene, but some of the most notable ones include Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, Vetiver, and Iron & Wine. These artists often create music that is based around acoustic instruments and vocals, but they also incorporate elements of experimental, electronic, and psychedelic music. This combination of influences creates a unique sound that is perfect for summer days spent lounging in the sun or for long road trips.

If you’re looking for something new to listen to, then check out some of these freak folk artists and see if their music is right for you.

The Future of Freak Folk

Freak folk is a relatively new genre of music that is still in the process of finding its footing. Although it has been around for a few years, it has only recently started to gain mainstream attention. Freak folk is a genre of music that is difficult to define, as it incorporates elements of many different genres, including folk, rock, electronica, and even hip hop.

The sound of freak folk can vary greatly from artist to artist, but there are some common elements that are often found in this type of music. These elements include ethereal vocals, acoustic instrumentation, and a focus on nature and the environment. With its unique sound and forward-thinking approach to music, freak folk is definitely a genre to watch out for in the future.