The Best Indie Folk Music of 2018

The best indie folk music of 2018 includes a wide range of artists, from well-known musicians to rising stars. This list includes some of the most popular and acclaimed indie folk albums of the year.

Highlights include Fleet Foxes’ Crack-Up, an experimental and ambitious album that was years in the making; The National’s Sleep Well Beast, a dark and atmospheric record that earned the band their first Grammy; and Father John Misty’s Pure Comedy, a hilarious and scathing commentary on modern life. These are just a few of the great indie folk albums released in 2018.

The Best Indie Folk Albums of 2018

The best indie folk music of 2018 includes Releases from The Decemberists, Mount Eerie, and Iron & Wine. Janelle Monae, Neko Case, and Kimya Dawson also put out strong albums this year. There were many great independent folk releases in 2018, making it a great year for fans of the genre.

The Best Indie Folk Songs of 2018

The best indie folk songs of 2018 offer a wide range of sounds and styles, from the reflective and introspective to the anthemic and uplifting. These are the year’s best offerings from some of the most talented musicians in the genre.

“Best Friend” by Mount Eerie
Phil Elverum’s Mount Eerie project has always been one of intimate reflection, and “Best Friend” is no exception. The song is a beautiful ode to a close relationship, with Elverum’s gorgeous falsetto accompanied by little more than acoustic guitar. It’s a simple song, but one that packs an emotional punch.

“4th of July” by Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens’ “4th of July” is a haunting ballad about the death of a close friend. The song is incredibly moving, with Stevens’ lilting voice conveying both grief and acceptance. The production is sparse, allowing Stevens’ vocals and lyrics to take center stage.

“Don’t Look Down” by Laura Marling
Laura Marling’s “Don’t Look Down” is a gorgeous folk-pop song about overcoming anxiety and depression. Marling’s voice is stunning throughout, but it’s especially powerful in the chorus, where she belts out the liberating refrain: “Don’t look down / You’re not lost / You’re not alone.”

“New Year’s Day” by The Staves
The Staves’ “New Year’s Day” is a gorgeous ballad about starting anew after a difficult year. The sisters’ harmonies are as beautiful as ever, and the production complements their voices perfectly. The song ends on an optimistic note, with the sisters singing about hope for the future.

The Best Indie Folk Artists of 2018

The best indie folk music of 2018 came from a wide range of artists, with many different styles and influences on display. From traditional folk songs to more modern takes on the genre, there was something for everyone in 2018. Here are some of the best indie folk artists of the year.

Superorganism
This eight-piece band from London burst onto the scene in early 2018 with their debut album, which mixed elements of indie pop, electronica, and folk. Their multi-layered sound and unusual lyrics drew comparisons to Animal Collective and Panda Bear, and they quickly became one of the most buzzed-about new bands of the year.

Mountain Man
This trio from Asheville, North Carolina released their third album in 2018, titled Magic Ship. It was a gorgeous collection of sparse, atmospheric songs that showcased the group’s impeccable harmonies. Mountain Man have been quietly perfecting their craft for years, and with Magic Ship they finally got the wider recognition they deserve.

Phosphorescent
American singer-songwriter Matthew Houck has been making music under the name Phosphorescent for over a decade, but he reached a new level of success in 2018 with his album C’est La Vie. The album’s lead single, “New Birth in New England”, became a surprise hit, and the rest of the album lived up to its promise. C’est La Vie is a beautiful record full of heartache and hope, and it cemented Houck as one of the best songwriters working today.

The Best Indie Folk Bands of 2018

The year 2018 has been a great one for indie folk music. With so many talented bands out there, it’s hard to keep track of them all. But we’ve done our best to round up the very best of the bunch.

Topping our list is The Paper Kites, an Australian band whose gorgeous harmonies and dreamy melodies have earned them a devoted following around the world. Close behind are The Head and the Heart, an American band whose stirring anthems and heart-wrenching ballads have captivated listeners everywhere.

Other standout bands include First Aid Kit, The National, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, and The Lumineers. All of these bands have released outstanding albums this year, and they’re all worth your time and attention. So if you’re looking for some great new indie folk music to check out, make sure to give these bands a listen.

The Best Indie Folk Music Festivals of 2018

There are a number of great indie folk music festivals taking place around the world in 2018. Here are some of the best:

-The Winnipeg Folk Festival (July 12-15) is one of the biggest and best-known indie folk festivals in the world. Taking place in Canada, the festival features a huge lineup of both established and up-and-coming indie folk artists.

-The Newport Folk Festival (July 27-29) is another long-running and highly respected festival, based in Newport, Rhode Island in the United States. The lineup this year includes some big names such as Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty, and The National.

-For something a little different, check out The Great Escape (May 17-19), which takes place in Brighton, England. This festival bills itself as “the UK’s biggest festival for new music” and features a wide range of genres, including indie folk. More than 300 bands will be performing across a variety of venues throughout Brighton.

The Best Indie Folk Venues of 2018

There’s no denying that indie folk music has taken over the music scene in recent years. With the success of artists like Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and The Decemberists, the genre has seen a resurgence in popularity. And while some might say that indie folk is nothing new, there’s no denying that the genre has seen a bit of a renaissance in recent years.

If you’re looking to catch some of the best indie folk music around, here are some of the best venues to check out:

The Fillmore Detroit

The Fillmore Detroit is one of the most iconic music venues in the country, and it’s certainly one of the best places to catch an indie folk show. The venue has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan to The White Stripes, and it has a reputation for being one of the best places to see a live show. If you’re looking for an unforgettable indie folk experience, The Fillmore Detroit is definitely the place to be.

The Ryman Auditorium

The Ryman Auditorium is another legendary music venue, and it’s been hosting live shows since 1892. The Ryman is known for its excellent acoustics, and it’s often considered one of the best places to see a live show. If you’re looking for an intimate and unique experience, The Ryman Auditorium is definitely worth checking out.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s also one of the best places to catch an indie folk show. Located just outside of Denver, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an incredible natural amphitheatre that offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. If you’re looking for an unforgettable live music experience, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is definitely worth checking out.

The Best Indie Folk Record Labels of 2018

There are a lot of great indie folk music labels out there, and it can be hard to keep up with all of them. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best indie folk labels of 2018. These labels are all putting out great music, and you should definitely check them out if you’re a fan of the genre.

-AntiFragile Music
-Badlands Recordings
-Bear’s Den Records
-Crossbill Records
-DPF Records
-Gumshoe records
-Humble Bee Recording Company
-Lost Highway Records
-Nettwerk Music Group
-Secret City Records

The Best Indie Folk Radio Stations of 2018

With the popularity of shows like Serial and This American Life, public radio has seen a resurgence in recent years. And with that, a new wave of independent, folk-inflected music has made its way onto the airwaves.

Here are our picks for the best indie folk radio stations of 2018:

– WFUV in New York City: WFUV is known for its eclectic mix of music, and that includes a healthy dose of folk and Americana. You’ll hear everything from rising indie artists to established songwriters on this station.

– KCRW in Los Angeles: KCRW is one of the most respected public radio stations in the country, and its music programming reflects that. The station’s eclectic taste means you’ll hear everything from classic folk to contemporary indie on any given day.

– The Current in Minneapolis: The Current is another public radio station with a great mix of music, including a healthy dose of indie folk. You’ll hear new artists alongside established acts on this station, making it a great place to discover new music.

– NPR Music in Washington, D.C.: NPR Music is the online home of NPR’s music programming, and it’s a great place to find new indie folk music. The site features streaming radio stations, reviews, interviews, and more.

The Best Indie Folk Music Websites of 2018

There’s no denying that the indie folk music scene has exploded in recent years. With so many great artists out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best indie folk music websites of 2018. Whether you’re looking for new music, reviews, or just a place to chat about your favorite artists, these websites have you covered.

So, without further ado, here are the best indie folk music websites of 2018:

-The Folk Punk Music Blog: This blog is a great resource for finding new music and keeping up with the latest news in the indie folk scene. They also have a lively forum where fans can discuss their favorite artists.

-Indie Folk Central: This website is a one-stop shop for all things indie folk. They have reviews, interviews, and even a radio station where you can listen to new music.

-Folk Alley: Folk Alley is an online radio station devoted to playing the best in indie folk music. They also have a blog where they post reviews and interviews with artists.

-The Boot: The Boot is an online magazine that covers all things country music, including indie folk artists. They offer artist profiles, album reviews, and even a podcast where you can hear interviews with your favorite artists.

The Best Indie Folk Music of 2018