5 Modern Folk Music Artists You Need to Know

If you’re a fan of folk music, then you need to check out these five modern artists. From traditional ballads to more upbeat tunes, they’re sure to have something that you’ll enjoy.

Sam Lee

Folk music has been enjoying a renaissance in recent years, with a new generation of artists reinventing the genre for the 21st century. While some traditionalists may turn their noses up at the notion of “folk music,” the fact is that the genre has always been evolving – and today’s folk music is as fresh and relevant as ever. If you’re looking to get into folk music, or just want to broaden your musical horizons, here are 5 modern folk music artists you need to know.

Sam Lee is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who is credited with helping to revive traditional English folk songs. His unique style – which he has dubbed “Forest Folk” – draws on his love of nature and the English countryside. He has released three albums, all of which have been nominated for major music awards.

Rachel Sermanni is a Scottish singer-songwriter who mixes elements of traditional Scottish music with contemporary folk and pop. She has released two albums, both of which have received critical acclaim. In addition to her work as a solo artist, Sermanni also plays in the band Treetop Flyers.

Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker are a British duo who create beautiful, intimate arrangements of traditional and original songs. Their work has been praised by some of the biggest names in folk music, including Eliza Carthy and Nancy Kerr. They have released two albums, both of which were nominated for Mercury Prize.

Mountain Man is an American trio whose ethereal harmonies have won them a devoted following among fans of indie folk music. Their debut album was nominated for Best Folk Album at the Grammy Awards, and they have since released two more albums to critical acclaim. Mountain Man are currently on hiatus but are rumoured to be working on new material.

Finally, The Staves are an English trio consisting of sisters Emily, Jessica, and Camilla Staveley-Taylor. They create enchanting vocal harmony-driven folk songs that are reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and Simon & Garfunkel. They have released three albums, all of which received widespread critical acclaim.

Mariza

Mariza is a fado singer of Portuguese descent who was born in Mozambique and raised in Portugal. She has been acclaimed as “the new voice of fado” and has brought the music to a new generation of fans. Mariza’s self-titled debut album, released in 2001, was an instant hit and won her several awards, including the Radio Nova Era Award for Best Album of the Year. Her follow-up album, Fado em Mim (2002), was equally well-received, cementing her reputation as one of the leading lights of the new fado movement.

Born into a family of musicians, Mariza began singing at an early age and by her teens was performing regularly in local clubs and restaurants. She studied classical guitar at the Lisbon Conservatory, but it was her powerful vocal delivery that really set her apart from other performers. In 2001, she released her debut album, Mariza, which went on to win several awards, including the Radio Nova Era Award for Best Album of the Year. Her follow-up album, Fado em Mim (2002), was equally well-received, cementing her reputation as one of the leading lights of the new fado movement.

Mariza has continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout her career, including Transparente (2005), Concerto em Lisboa (2009), and Mundo (2014). She has toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, winning over audiences with her spine-tingling performances. In 2016, she made history by becoming the first Portuguese artist to perform at the Vatican when she gave a concert for Pope Francis.

If you’re looking for a modern twist on traditional Portuguese folk music, Mariza is an artist you need to know about.

Bwani Junction

Bwani Junction is a Scottish-based band that fuses traditional folk music with a modern rock sound. The band has been praised for their “infectious” and “energetic” live shows, and their debut album was nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award.

The band is made up of four musicians: Ewan McGregor on vocals and guitar, Rory McAllister on drums, Calum Baird on bass, and Sean McAllister on keyboards. Ewan McGregor’s sister, Jenna, is also a member of the band and often performs with them live.

Bwani Junction’s music has been described as “ catchy and anthemic” with “a raw energy that is impossible to resist.” If you’re a fan of folk music or just looking for something new to listen to, be sure to check out Bwani Junction!

The Stray Birds

The Stray Birds are an Americana trio from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The band consists of guitarist and singer Maya de Vitry, guitarist and singer Oliver Craven, and bassist Charlie Muench. All three members share vocal duties and play a variety of instruments, including the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and cello.

The Stray Birds’ music is a mix of folk, bluegrass, and country. Their 2013 self-titled debut album reached #1 on the iTunes Folk Albums chart and #4 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart. The album was nominated for an Independent Music Award for Best Americana Album. The band’s follow-up album, Best Medicine, was released in 2014 and reached #2 on the iTunes Folk Albums chart and #5 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart.

The Unthanks

Hailing from Northumberland in England, The Unthanks are a modern folk music group comprised of sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank, as well as composer/producer Adrian McNally. Formed in 2006, The Unthanks has released six studio albums, with their most recent, Drowned World, released in 2016. The group is known for their eclectic sound that draws from traditional English folk music, as well as jazz and pop influences.