The Best Modern Irish Folk Music

The Best Modern Irish Folk Music-A blog about the best contemporary Irish folk music.

The history of Irish folk music

Today, Irish folk music is enjoying a revival, with many young people taking an interest in the traditional music of their ancestors. But where did Irish folk music come from?

Irish folk music has its roots in the oral tradition of storytelling. For centuries, Irish people have passed down their history and culture through songs and poems. These songs were usually about love, loss, or home, and were often sung at work or during social gatherings.

As the years passed, Irish folk music began to influence other genres, particularly country and western music. In the late 20th century, there was a renewed interest in traditional Irish music, which led to a boom in popularity for bands like The Chieftains and The Dubliners.

Nowadays, there are many different types of Irish folk music, from traditional ballads to more modern renditions. Whether you’re looking for something to tap your feet to or something to soothe your soul, you’re sure to find it in Irish folk music.

The evolution of Irish folk music

Folk music has always been an important part of Irish culture, and it has undergone many changes throughout the years. Early folk songs were passed down orally from generation to generation, and they often told stories about Irish history or mythology. As the years went on, many of these songs were written down and published, and they began to be performed by professional musicians. In the twentieth century, Irish folk music underwent a major revival, thanks in part to the work of people like Sean O’Riada and The Chieftains. Today, Irish folk music is more popular than ever before, and it has been fused with other genres to create new and exciting sounds.

The influence of Irish folk music

Irish folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to shows like Riverdance and acts like Ceoltóirí Chualann.

Irish music has always been steeped in tradition, passed down orally from generation to generation. In the past, songs were often about emigration, poverty, love, and loss. While these themes are still prevalent today, modern Irish folk songs also deal with more contemporary issues such as social inequality, religious conflict, and the struggles of the Irish diaspora.

The influence of Irish folk music can be heard in genres as diverse as country, rock, and hip-hop. In America, it is perhaps most visible in the work of Bruce Springsteen, whose anthemic songs about working-class struggles have been inspired by traditional Irish ballads. Similarly, the British band The Pogues blended traditional Irish instruments with punk rock to create a unique sound that has influenced generations of musicians.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional ballads or modern anthems, there’s something for everyone in the world of Irish folk music.

The popularity of Irish folk music

Irish folk music has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to the success of shows like Riverdance and the popularity of traditional Irish bands like The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers.

What is it about Irish folk music that has made it so popular? Many people enjoy the lively, upbeat nature of the music, as well as the beautiful melodies and harmonies. Irish folk music is also very accessible – you don’t need to be a trained musician to enjoy playing or listening to it.

If you’re interested in exploring Irish folk music, there are many great ways to do so. You can buy CDs or download songs from iTunes, or you can even attend a live concert. There are also many festivals devoted to Irish folk music, which are a great way to experience the music in its natural setting.

The best modern Irish folk music artists

There are many talented modern Irish folk music artists making great music today. Here are some of the best:

1. Glen Hansard. Glen Hansard is a singer-songwriter, actor, and musician from Dublin, Ireland. He is best known for his work with the rock band The Frames, and for his role in the film Once, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

2. The Dubliners. The Dubliners are a folk band founded in Dublin, Ireland in 1962. The band has released over 30 albums and toured extensively throughout their career. They are considered one of the most influential Irish folk bands of all time.

3. The Pogues. The Pogues are a Celtic punk band from London, England. Formed in 1982, the band reached the height of their popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with hits like “Fairytale of New York” and “Rainy Night in Soho.”

4. Flogging Molly. Flogging Molly is a Celtic punk band from Los Angeles, California, USA. Formed in 1997, the band is known for their high-energy live shows and their unique blend of traditional Irish music with punk rock sensibilities.

5. The Saw Doctors. The Saw Doctors are an Irish rock band from Tuam, County Galway. Formed in 1986, the band has released twelve studio albums and earned numerous awards throughout their career including two Grammy nominations

The best modern Irish folk music albums

The past few years have seen a resurgence in popularity for Irish folk music, with many modern artists putting their own spin on traditional tunes. Here are some of the best albums to come out of this new wave of Irish folk music.

1) The Gloaming – The Gloaming
2) Solas – All These Years
3) Cathie Ryan – Through the Lens of a Hare
4) We Banjo 3 – String Theory
5) At First Light – Traditional Songs from Ireland Reimagined

The best modern Irish folk music songs

#1. “The Parting Glass” by The High Kings
This Irish ballad is one of the most popular folk songs of the past decade. It has been covered by many artists, but The High Kings’ version is the most well-known. The song is about parting ways with friends and reflects on all the good times that were had.

#2. “The Auld Triangle” by The Pogues
This classic Irish folk song was written by Brendan Behan in 1954. It tells the story of life in an Irish jail, and the hardships that the inmates face. The Pogues’ version is from their 1988 album If I Should Fall from Grace with God and is one of their most well-known songs.

#3. “I Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash
This song was written by Johnny Cash in 1956 and is one of his most famous songs. It tells the story of a man who is trying to stay true to his word, even though it’s not always easy. Cash recorded several versions of the song over the years, but this live performance from 1969 is considered to be one of the best.

#4. “The Wild Rover” by The Dubliners
This traditional Irish folk song dates back to the 19th century, and has been covered by many artists over the years. The Dubliners’ version is from their 1967 album A Touch of Velvet, and is one of their best-known songs. It’s a lively tune about a man who decides to give up his life as a roving adventurer and settle down with a wife and family.

#5. “Foggy Dew” by Sinéad O’Connor
This traditional Irish folksong was written in 1916 about the Easter Rising, which was an unsuccessful rebellion against British rule in Ireland. Sinéad O’Connor recorded this version for her 1987 debut album The Lion and the Cobra, and it has since become one of her signature songs

The best modern Irish folk music festivals

If you love Irish music, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best modern Irish folk music festivals. These festivals showcase the best of what Ireland has to offer, from traditional ballads to more contemporary styles. Here are some of the best Irish music festivals to check out:

-The Dublin Folk Festival is one of the premier folk festivals in Ireland, and it features a wide range of traditional and contemporary performers.
-The Galway International Arts Festival is another great option for those looking for a more contemporary take on Irish music. This festival features a wide range of genres, including folk, rock, and pop.
-The Cork Folk Festival is another great option for those interested in traditional Irish music. This festival features a wide range of traditional performers, as well as some more contemporary acts.

The best modern Irish folk music venues

The best modern Irish folk music can be found in a few select places around the country. Many of the best musicians in the genre congregate in these spots, so if you’re looking to enjoy some great tunes, be sure to check them out.

One of the most popular places to enjoy Irish folk music is at The Center for Traditional Music in Dublin. The center hosts a wide variety of musical events throughout the year, and is a great place to catch a live show.

Another excellent venue for Irish folk music is The Abbey Tavern in Dublin. The tavern has been hosting live music for centuries, and is still one of the best places in the city to catch a show.

For a more intimate experience, check out The Stable Session in Cork. This small venue only hosts a handful of shows each month, but they are always top-notch.

Finally, no list of the best Irish folk music venues would be complete without mention of The National Folk Festival in Derry. This massive event takes place every year and features some of the biggest names in the genre.

The future of Irish folk music

In a country with as rich and storied a musical heritage as Ireland, it’s no surprise that the folk music scene is thriving. While some traditionalists bemoan the changes that have been made to the music over the years, others embrace the evolution and believe it has only made the genre stronger. Here are some of the best modern Irish folk bands carrying the torch for a new generation.