The Best of Modern Irish Folk Music

A blog dedicated to exploring and celebrating the best of modern Irish folk music. Featuring artist interviews, album reviews, and more.

What is Irish Folk Music?

Irish folk music is a genre of music that developed in Ireland during the 19th century. It is often characterised by a pulsing beat, simple melodies, and a strong rhythm. Irish folk music was traditionally passed down orally from one generation to the next, and it was only later that it began to be written down and recorded.

There are many different types of Irish folk music, and it has been influenced by a number of different factors over the years. One of the most important elements of Irish folk music is the concept of ‘sean-nos’, which means ‘old style’. This refers to the fact that much of the music is based on old Gaelic songs that have been handed down over the generations.

Another important element of Irish folk music is the use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, tin whistle, bagpipes, and accordion. These instruments are often used together to create a unique sound that is distinctly Irish.

If you’re looking to experience Irish culture at its best, then there’s no better way than through its music. Whether you’re attending a live performance or listening to a recording, Irish folk music is sure to leave a lasting impression.

A Brief History of Irish Folk Music

Ireland has a long history of folk music, with roots that go back centuries. The modern Irish folk music scene began to take shape in the 1950s and 1960s, when artists like the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem started to gain international attention. In the ensuing decades, many other Irish folk musicians would find success both in Ireland and abroad, helping to spread the sound of Irish folk music to new audiences.

Today, Irish folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world, and its influence can be heard in a variety of genres. If you’re looking to explore the best of modern Irish folk music, you’ll find plenty of great options to choose from.

The Best of Modern Irish Folk Music

Irish Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Bands like The Pogues, The Dubliners and The Dropkick Murphys have brought the genre to a new audience. In this article, we will take a look at the best of modern Irish folk music.

The Dubliners

The Dubliners are one of the most influential and iconic folk bands of all time. Formed in 1962, the band helped to revive and popularize traditional Irish folk music. They were known for their rousing live performances and for their recordings of classic Irish folk songs like “The Wild Rover” and “The Whiskey in the Jar.” The Dubliners were inducted into the Irish Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

The Wolfe Tones

The Wolfe Tones are an Irish folk music group that formed in 1963. The group is named after Theobald Wolfe Tone, an Irish patriot who led a rebellion against British rule in 1798. The Wolfe Tones are known for their nationalist and republican songs, and they have been one of the most popular Irish folk music groups for over 50 years.

The Wolfe Tones have released 28 albums, and their most famous songs include “The Foggy Dew”, “The Boys of the Old Brigade”, and “A Nation Once Again”. The group has toured extensively throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and North America.

The Wolfe Tones are comprised of three brothers: Noel (vocals and tin whistle), Brian (vocals and guitar), and Tommy (concertina and button accordion). Tommy died in 1995, but the group has continued to perform and record with guest musicians.

The Pogues

The Pogues were an Irish folk punk band fronted by Shane MacGowan and founded in Kings Cross, London, in 1982. The group reached international prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. They had a number of hits in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States. Their best-known hit is “Fairytale of New York”, which is sung annually by millions of people all over the world at Christmas time.

The band’s musical style combines traditional Irish folk music with punk rock energy and attitude. This unique blend made them one of the most influential bands of their generation, inspiring many other artists.

The Pogues disbanding in 2014, but have since reformed for occasional live performances.

Irish Folk Music Today

There’s something special about Irish folk music. It’s a genre that has been around for centuries, and has evolved over time to become the unique and varied music that it is today. Irish folk music is the product of a rich musical heritage, and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

The Young Dubliners

The Young Dubliners are one of the most popular and well-known Irish folk bands today. The band was formed in 1988 by a group of friends who were all Irish expatriates living in Los Angeles, California. The band’s sound is a unique blend of traditional Irish folk music and contemporary rock and roll.

The Young Dubliners have released 11 studio albums, 2 live albums, and 2 DVDs. They have toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. The band has appeared on numerous television shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, and Live with Regis and Kelly.

The Young Dubliners are currently touring in support of their latest studio album, 9 . . . (pronounced “nine”).

Flogging Molly

Flogging Molly is an Irish-American seven-piece Celtic punk band from Los Angeles, California and led by Irish vocalist Dave King, formerly of the hard rock band Fastway. He is the only member of Flogging Molly with any Irish ancestry.[2][3] They are signed to their own record label, Borstal Beat Records, and have released seven studio albums, three live albums, and five DVDs. The band’s name is taken from a pub owned by King in his native Dublin.

Despite their origins, Flogging Molly’s music includes maritime themes inspired by King’s love of sailing;[4][5] he has sailed around the world several times.[6] The band’s music has been described as “a sonic mashup of traditional Irish music and punk rock.”[7][8][9]

Flogging Molly formed in 1997[10][11] and released their first album, Swagger, in 2000. They were soon signed to SideOneDummy Records,[12] and released Drunken Lullabies in 2002. Within months of its release, the album had gone gold[13] in Ireland[14] and the United Kingdom,[15][16] and had achieved platinum status in the United States.[17][18] Their 2004 album Within a Mile of Home was also very successful; it entered the Billboard 200 chart at number four[19] and was certified platinum in 2008.[20] Float was released in 2008; it debuted at number one on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart[21] and reached number four on the 200 chart.[22][23][24ang=”en”>Flogging Molly

Gaelic Storm

Gaelic Storm is an Irish folk band formed in 1996 in Santa Monica, California. The band has released twelve studio albums, and their music has been featured in several films, including Titanic. Gaelic Storm was founded by Irish musicians Steve Twigger and Patrick Murphy while they were performing together in a Santa Monica pub. The band’s name comes from the Gaelic storm that swept through southern California in the early 1990s.

Gaelic Storm’s sound is a mix of traditional Irish folk music and modern Celtic rock. The band is known for their high-energy live shows, which often feature Irish step dancers. Gaelic Storm has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. In addition to their twelve studio albums, the band has also released several live albums and DVDs.

Gaelic Storm’s latest album, ‘Go Climb a Tree,’ was released in 2016. The album features a mix of original songs and traditional Irish folk tunes. Gaelic Storm continues to tour actively, and their live shows are as popular as ever.