Who are the Modern Folk Music Artists?

We take a look at some of the most popular modern folk music artists and what makes them so special. From Bon Iver to Fleet Foxes, these are the artists keeping folk music alive and well in the 21st century.

The Origins of Modern Folk Music

Modern folk music is a genre that is derived from traditional folk music. This type of music has been around since the early 20th century and has evolved over time. There are many different subgenres of modern folk music, each with their own unique sound and style.

The British Invasion

In the early 1960s, a new wave of British rock groups began to achieve success in the United States. Groups like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Animals were influenced by American blues and rock and roll, but they added their own spin to create a new sound. This new sound, which came to be known as “British Invasion” music, quickly caught on with American audiences.

Many of the British Invasion groups were folk-influenced, and their success paved the way for a new generation of American folk artists. These artists were inspired by both traditional folk music and the British Invasion sound, and they began to experiment with different styles and sounds. The result was a new form of folk music that was distinctly American.

Some of the most famous modern folk musicians got their start in the 1960s, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Simon & Garfunkel. These artists helped to define the sound of modern folk music, and they continue to influence musicians today.

The American Folk Revival

The American Folk Revival was a movement in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s in which folk music was rediscovered and popularized by a new generation of performers. The American Folk Revival is sometimes referred to as the Second Wave of the folk music revival, after the First Wave that occurred in the 1930s.

The most important figure in the American Folk Revival was Woody Guthrie, who popularized traditional folk songs through his work as a singer-songwriter. Guthrie was greatly influenced by the blues and his songs reflect both traditions. Other important figures in the American Folk Revival include Lead Belly, Pete Seeger, Josh White, and Burl Ives.

The Weavers, a folk music group, were extremely popular during the 1950s and their success helped to bring folk music into the mainstream. The Kingston Trio, another folk group, also achieved commercial success with their recordings of traditional folk songs. The influence of the American Folk Revival can be seen in the work of later performers such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Odetta.

The Mainstreaming of Folk Music

In the past decade, we’ve seen a resurgence in folk music. Artists like Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and The Head and the Heart have brought the genre back to the mainstream. But who are the modern folk music artists? Let’s take a look.

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band that became arguably the most successful act of the 20th century. They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations. Their influence on music was profound and incalculable.

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is one of the most well-known and respected figures in folk music. He began his career in the 1960s, and his songs quickly became anthems for the counterculture movement. Dylan’s lyrics are known for their social and political commentary, and he has been a major influence on subsequent generations of folk musicians. Some of Dylan’s most famous songs include “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” and “Forever Young.” In recent years, Dylan has continued to tour extensively and release new music, and he remains an iconic figure in the folk music world.

The Modern Folk Music Scene

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it has always been evolving. In the modern day, there are many different artists who are considered to be part of the folk music scene. These artists often use a mix of traditional and contemporary influences in their music.

The Singer-Songwriter Movement

The Singer-Songwriter Movement is a musical movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s in which singer-songwriters wrote and performed their own songs. The Movement’s peak years were from 1968 to 1972.

The term “singer-songwriter” is used to describe a number of different musical styles, including folk rock, country rock, and pop. The term is also sometimes used to describe songwriters who are not performers, such as John Prine and Tom Waits.

The Singer-Songwriter Movement was led by a number of artists who became known as the “new folk” or “neo folk” artists. These artists include Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, and Carly Simon. They were all influenced by the older folk music of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Lead Belly.

The New Folk Movement

In the early 2000s, a new folk music movement began to emerge. This movement was characterized by a revival of interest in traditional folk music, as well as a renewed focus on songwriting and performance.

Some of the most popular modern folk artists include The Head and the Heart, Bon Iver, and The Avett Brothers. These artists have helped to bring folk music back into the mainstream, and their popularity has only continued to grow in recent years.

If you’re interested in exploring the modern folk music scene, these are some artists that you definitely need to check out. You’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy!

The Indie Folk Movement

The Indie Folk Movement started in the early 2000s with artists like Sufjan Stevens, Arcade Fire, and Iron & Wine. These artists brought folk music back to the mainstream with their unique takes on the genre.

Since then, the Indie Folk Movement has grown exponentially, with new artists emerging every year. Some of the most popular modern folk music artists include Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and The Lumineers.

The Indie Folk Movement has also inspired a new generation of folk musicians to create their own take on the genre. Some of the most popular up-and-coming folk artists include The Paper Kites, The Oh Hellos, and Bear’s Den.