How Modern Folk Rock is Taking Over the Music Scene
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How Modern Folk Rock is Taking Over the Music Scene
Folk rock is having a moment right now. With bands like Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers finding mainstream success, it’s no wonder that the genre is more popular than ever.
If you’re a fan of folk rock, or just curious about the genre, check out this blog post. We explore how modern folk rock is taking over the music scene, and highlight some of the best bands in the genre
The Rise of Folk Rock
Though it may be hard to believe, folk rock is actually one of the newest genres of music. It only became popular in the last few decades. Nevertheless, it has taken over the music scene by storm. This is due in large part to its unique sound.
The Origins of Folk Rock
Folk rock is a genre that emerged in the 1960s as musicians began to blend elements of folk music and rock music. Folk rock typically uses acoustic instruments and emphasizes melody and harmony, although electric instruments are sometimes used.
The genre began in the United States but quickly spread to other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In the 1970s, folk rock continued to grow in popularity, with artists like Bob Dylan and Jim Croce achieving mainstream success.
In the 1980s and 90s, folk rock experienced a resurgence, led by artists like R.E.M. and 10,000 Maniacs. The genre has continued to evolve in the 21st century, with bands like Fleet Foxes and The Lumineers bringing a new sound to the music scene.
The 1960s and 1970s
Folk rock is a musical genre that combines elements of folk music and rock music. This genre started in the United States and United Kingdom in the mid-1960s. Folk rock emerged from the early British folk music revival and the popularity of American folk rock groups such as The Byrds. This genre was further developed by artists such as Bob Dylan, Donovan, and Simon & Garfunkel who added electric instrumentation to their folk songs.
In the 1970s, folk rock became mainstream with artists such as Carole King, James Taylor, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Wings achieving commercial success. This genre was further developed by progressive artists such as Grateful Dead and Neil Young who blended country and folk with rock to create a new sound. In the 1980s, Contemporary Folk Rock artists such as Nanci Griffith and Tracy Chapman brought the genre to a new level of popularity.
The 1990s saw a renewed interest in folk rock with groups such as Oasis, Hootie & The Blowfish, R.E.M., and The Cranberries creating chart-topping hits. In recent years, this genre has seen a resurgence with artists such as Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, Of Monsters & Men, and Lord Huron leading the way.
The 1980s and 1990s
The sound of folk rock began to change in the early 1980s. This was partly due to the fact that many of the original pioneers had moved on to other genres or retired, and partly because of changes in popular music taste. In particular, the rise of MTV and music videos led to a more polished and professional sound becoming more popular. This was also the era when digital recording technologies began to be used more widely, making it easier to produce high-quality recordings.
One of the most successful acts of this era was R.E.M., whose jangly guitar sound and literate lyrics helped them become one of the biggest bands in the world in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Other successful acts included 10,000 Maniacs, The Bangles, The Fairport Convention, and The Pogues.
The New Folk Rock
Folk rock is a genre of popular music that originated in the United States and United Kingdom in the mid-1960s. The genre developed from the fusion of rock music and folk music. Folk rock is a blend of musical styles and influences, including rock, folk, country, blues, and jazz.
The 2000s
Folk rock began to experience a resurgence in the early 2000s, with bands like Arcade Fire and Fleet Foxes leading the way. This new wave of folk rock was often experimental and blended elements of other genres, including indie rock, experimental rock, and even electronic music.
Many of these bands found success not only in the folk rock world, but also in the mainstream music scene. Arcade Fire’s 2010 album The Suburbs won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, while Fleet Foxes’ self-titled debut album was nominated for the same award.
This new breed of folk rock has continued to grow in popularity in the 2010s, with artists like Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, and The Lumineers finding success both in the folk world and in the mainstream.
The 2010s
The 2010s saw a renewed interest in folk rock, with bands like Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers leading the charge. This decade also saw the rise of indie folk, a subgenre that blends traditional folk music with indie rock. Artists like Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes have helped to popularize this sound.
The 2020s
The 2020s have been a decade of change in the music industry, and that includes the rise of folk rock. This genre combines elements of folk music with rock, pop, and even hip-hop, creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide range of listeners.
Folk rock first gained popularity in the 1960s, thanks to artists like Bob Dylan and The Byrds. In recent years, the genre has experienced a resurgence, thanks to modern bands like Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers.
What sets folk rock apart from other genres is its focus on storytelling. Folk rock songs often center around real-life experiences and human emotions, making them relatable and easy to connect with. This emotional appeal is one of the reasons why folk rock has become so popular in recent years.
If you’re looking for a new type of music to explore, give folk rock a try. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
The Future of Folk Rock
Modern folk rock has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This type of music combines the best of both worlds – thecatchy melodies of pop music with the lyrical depth of folk music. As a result, it has something for everyone.
The Mainstream
Folk rock has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among younger audiences. This is due in part to the success of artists like Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, who have brought the genre to a wider audience.
Not everyone is happy about this development, however. Some purists argue that folk rock has lost its way, becoming too commercial and losing the personal touch that made it so special in the first place.
It remains to be seen what the future of folk rock will be, but it seems clear that it is here to stay. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no deny its impact on the music scene.
The Underground
Though it may not be immediately obvious, the underground folk rock scene is thriving. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the genre, with a new wave of bands and artists emerged that are carrying the torch forward.
What is it about modern folk rock that is so appealing? For one, the music is often more personal and intimate than other genres. The lyrics tend to be introspective and reflective, speaking to the human condition in a way that is relatable and meaningful. There is also a strong sense of community among folk rock fans, who support and champion the music they love.
If you’re curious about what the future of folk rock holds, keep an eye on the underground scene. That’s where the real action is happening.
