Lesser Known Folk Music Worth Listening To
Looking for something a little different in your music listening? Check out these lesser known folk music artists that are definitely worth a listen!
Celtic Folk Music
Celtic folk music has been around for centuries and is a genre that is often overlooked. This type of music is steeped in history and has a unique sound that is unlike any other. Celtic folk music is the perfect way to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re looking for something new to listen to, give Celtic folk music a try. You won’t be disappointed.
The history of Celtic folk music
Celtic folk music has its origins in the music of the ancient Celts, a group of people who lived in parts of Europe, Britain, and Ireland. The Celts were a very musical people, and they played an important role in the development of folk music in Europe. Celtic folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, bagpipe, and harp, and its use of traditional songs and dances.
Celtic folk music began to develop in the 18th century, when the Celtic people started to emigrate to other parts of Europe. This led to the spread of Celtic folk music to countries such as France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. In the 19th century, Celtic folk music underwent a revival in Ireland and Britain. This was due to the growing interest in Irish and Scottish culture among the middle class. The revival also saw the popularity of Celtic bands such as The Chieftains and The Dubliners.
The 20th century saw a further spread of Celtic folk music, with bands such as Wolfstone and Capercaillie becoming popular in Scotland, and Flook and Dervish becoming popular in Ireland. Celtic folk music has also undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with bands such as The Pogues and The Dropkick Murphys bringing it to a new audience.
The influence of Celtic folk music
The influence of Celtic folk music has been particularly strong in the maritime provinces of Canada, where the synth-driven sounds of Newfoundland and the guitar-based traditions of Cape Breton Island have helped create a rich and vibrant folk scene. In the United States, Celtic folk music has been a significant force in the development of Americana and bluegrass music, two genres that have enjoyed immense popularity in recent years.
In Britain, Celtic folk music has been an important source of inspiration for many of the country’s most popular bands, including Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, and The Dubliners. More recently, Celtic bands such as Flook and Crooked Still have been at the forefront of the British folk revival.
Celtic folk music is also hugely popular in Ireland, where it forms an integral part of the country’s musical heritage. Irish bands such as The Chieftains, The Dubliners, and Clannad are among the most famous exponents of Celtic folk music, and their records have sold millions of copies around the world.
The popularity of Celtic folk music
Celtic folk music has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with bands like Mumford and Sons and The Lumineers incorporating elements of the genre into their sound. This type of music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the fiddle, accordion, and tin whistle, as well as its focus on storytelling and mythology.
While Celtic folk music is often associated with Ireland, there are actually many different regional styles that have developed over the centuries. Some of the most popular include Scottish, Welsh, and Breton folk music. Each of these has its own unique history and musical tradition.
If you’re looking to explore Celtic folk music beyond the mainstream, there are plenty of lesser-known bands worth checking out. Here are just a few of our favorites:
TheIron Horse – This Scottish band is known for their high-energy live shows and their unique blend of traditional folk instruments with modern rock sensibilities.
Carreg Lafar – This Welsh group specializes in traditional Welsh folk songs that they perform with a modern twist. Their debut album was nominated for a prestigious Welsh Music Prize.
Dan ar Braz – A Breton musician who is considered one of the pioneers of modern Celticfolk music. His vastly influential work has been cited by many contemporary artists as an inspiration.
Scandinavian folk music has its roots in the music of the people who inhabits the Scandinavian countries. This music is usually characterized by its use of the fiddle and nyckelharpa, as well as its unique harmonies. While it may not be as well-known as other types of folk music, it is definitely worth checking out.
Scandinavian folk music has a long and rich history dating back centuries. The music has been influenced by a number of factors, including the region’s geography, climate, and history. Scandinavians have traditionally been a very musical people, and folk music has always been an important part of their culture.
The first recorded instance of Scandinavian folk music dates back to the 13th century, when King Magnus IV of Sweden ordered that a collection of folk songs be written down. These songs were originally intended for entertainment purposes only, but they eventually became an important part of the Scandinavian musical tradition.
Over the centuries, the music has continued to evolve and change. New instruments and styles have been introduced, and old ones have fallen out of use. But throughout all these changes, one thing has remained constant: Scandinavian folk music is some of the most beautiful and moving in the world.
Scandinavian folk music has long been an important influence in the development of European classical music. Many of the great Romantic composers, such as Felix Mendelssohn, Edvard Grieg, and Jean Sibelius, drew inspiration from the music of Scandinavia. In more recent years, composers such as Arnold Schoenberg and Bela Bartok have also looked to Scandinavian folk music for inspiration.
The influence of Scandinavian folk music can be heard in a wide variety of genres, including jazz and rock. Many jazz musicians, such as Jan Garbarek and Bobo Stenson, have been inspired by Scandinavian folk music. Rock bands such as Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath have also incorporated elements of Scandinavian folk music into their sound.
Scandinavian folk music is known for its use of unusual scales and modes. These scales and modes create a distinctive sound that has often been described as “haunting” or “mysterious.” The use of these scales and modes gives Scandinavian folk music a unique sound that is unlike any other type of music.
Scandinavian folk music is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and other countries around the world. While it is still not as mainstream as other genres, it has a devoted following among music lovers.
There are many reasons for the growing popularity of Scandinavian folk music. One of the most appealing aspects of this type of music is its simplicity. The melodies are often catchy and easy to sing along to, and the lyrics are often about nature, love, and other down-to-earth topics.
In addition, Scandinavian folk music has a unique sound that is different from the traditional folk music of other regions. The use of instruments such as the nyckelharpa (a type of traditional Swedish fiddle) and the Hardanger fiddle (a Norwegian instrument) give Scandinavian folk music its distinctive sound.
If you are looking for something new to listen to, or if you are simply curious about this genre of music, check out some of the best Scandinavian folk musicians below. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
Eastern European Folk Music
When most people think of folk music, they think of American folk singers like Woody Guthrie or Pete Seeger. But there is a whole world of folk music out there, and some of it is from Eastern Europe. If you are looking for something a little different, here are three Eastern European folk musicians worth checking out.
The history of Eastern European folk music
Eastern European folk music refers to the music of the peoples of Eastern Europe. This includes the music of Slavic peoples, such as Poles, Russians, and Ukrainians, as well as that of other non-Slavic peoples living in Eastern Europe, such as Romanians and Hungarians.
The music of Eastern Europe has been shaped by its geography and history. For much of its history, the region has been inhabited by various Slain groups, who have left their mark on the music. In more recent centuries, Eastern European folk music has also been influenced by the cultures of Central Europe and the Balkans.
Eastern European folk music is distinguished from other types of folk music by its use of minor keys and modal scales, as well as its often mournful or melancholic tone. The region’s folk music also tends to make use of more complex harmony than other types of folk music.
Some common instruments used in Eastern European folk music include the accordion, pennywhistle, and zither.
The influence of Eastern European folk music
Eastern European folk music has had a significant impact on the music of the region, and has been particularly influential in shaping the folk music of Central and Eastern Europe. The main influences on Eastern European folk music come from two directions: the music of the Byzantine Empire and the music of the Ottoman Empire.
Eastern European folk music was also significantly influenced by the music of Germany and Austria, as well as by the Romani people. The influence of Eastern European folk music can be heard in the folk music of countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Croatia.
The popularity of Eastern European folk music
Eastern European folk music is a genre that has been gaining popularity in recent years. While it has been around for centuries, it has only recently started to gain traction in the Western world.
There are many reasons for its newfound popularity. For one, the internet has made it easier than ever to discover new music from all over the world. Secondly, the rise of streaming services has led to a renewed interest in niche genres. And finally, Eastern European countries have become increasingly popular travel destinations, which has helped to expose more people to the region’s unique culture and music.
If you’re looking for something new to listen to, Eastern European folk music is definitely worth checking out. Here are some of the best artists and albums in the genre:
Trio Mocoto – “Balkan Boogie”
One of the most popular Eastern European folk bands in recent years, Trio Mocoto’s “Balkan Boogie” is an infectious blend of traditional folk sounds and modern club beats. The album is perfect for both dancing and listening, and it will surely get your feet tapping.
Ivo Papasov – “Wedding & Funeral Songs”
A legendary figure in Bulgarian music, Ivo Papasov is considered one of the pioneers of Balkan jazz. His 1992 album “Wedding & Funeral Songs” is a masterpiece of the genre, blending traditional Bulgarian folk sounds with jazz improvisation. If you’re a fan of jazz or world music, this album is a must-hear.
Latcho Drom – “Romani Routes”
Latcho Drom is a French band that specializes in Romani (Gypsy) music. Their 2001 album “Romani Routes” is a beautiful collection of traditional songs and dances from across Europe and the Middle East. Whether you’re EutOpen minded or just curious about other cultures, this album is sure to please.
