The Best Folk Music of 2019

A list of the best folk music of 2019. Featuring new songs from some of the genre’s brightest stars, this collection has something for everyone.

The top folk music of 2019

Whether you’re a long-time fan of folk music or just getting into the genre, 2019 was a great year for new folk music. From well-established artists like Bob Dylan and John Prine to newer acts like The O’s and The Secret Sisters, there was a little something for everyone. Here are our picks for the best folk albums of 2019.

The best new folk music of 2019

2019 has been a big year for folk music, with a number of new artists making a name for themselves in the genre. Here are some of the best new folk music releases of the year:

-The Devil Makes Three, ‘I’m a Stranger Here’
-The Lumineers, ‘Cleopatra’
-The Head and the Heart, ‘Signs of Light’
-Of Monsters and Men, ‘Beneath the Skin’
-The Avett Brothers, ‘True Sadness’
-Rayland Baxter, ‘Imaginary Man’

The best folk music albums of 2019

2019 was a great year for folk music, with a number of excellent albums being released by both established artists and newcomers to the genre. Here are my picks for the best folk music albums of 2019.

The Best Folk Music Albums Of 2019
1. The Lost Songs Of St. Kilda by Malcolm Douglas-MacPherson
2. Solemn Sun by Sam Lee
3. Cider Barn by Ben Wright Smith
4. On Nights Like This by The Lonelyhearts Club Band
5. If I Had A Boat by Lucinda Williams
6. Stonecutter’s Daughter by Kirsty Merryn
7. The Water Shall Release Us All by Lankum

The best live folk music of 2019

The best live folk music of 2019 was undoubtedly the concert by Joan Baez at the Beacon Theater in New York City. The legendary folk singer, who turns 80 this year, performed some of her most iconic songs, including “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “We Shall Overcome.” Her performance was met with a standing ovation by the capacity crowd.

The best folk music festivals of 2019

There are plenty of great folk music festivals to choose from in 2019. Here are some of the best:

-The Newport Folk Festival takes place from July 26-28 in Newport, Rhode Island. This festival is one of the most iconic and historic folk festivals in the country, and it features some of the biggest names in folk music.

-The Philadelphia Folk Festival takes place from August 15-18 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This festival features a wide range of folk artists, from traditional performers to modern troubadours.

-The Chicago Folk Fest takes place from September 6-8 in Chicago, Illinois. This festival celebrates the rich heritage of folk music in the Midwest with performances by both local and national artists.

-The seriousness of Atlanta’s Olde Time Music & Dance Festival may be best summed up by its founder’s quote: “If it ain’t old-time, it ain’t worth time.” The festival runs from October 11-13 and features traditional bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, and Appalachian music.

The best folk music radio stations of 2019

With so much great folk music out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, there are some great radio stations that can help you out. Here are the best folk music radio stations of 2019:

1. WFUV (New York, NY)
2. KEXP (Seattle, WA)
3. NPR Tiny Desk Concerts (Washington, DC)
4. The Current (Minneapolis, MN)
5. Folk Alley (Kent, OH)

The best online folk music of 2019

The year 2019 saw a resurgence in folk music, with many artists drawing inspiration from traditional folk sources and creating new music in the folk tradition. Here are some of the best online folk music releases of 2019.

The Alders – The Alders (Bandcamp)

The Alders’ self-titled debut album is a beautifully crafted collection of folk songs, featuring intricate guitar work, soaring harmonies, and poignant lyrics. The band’s Canadian roots are evident in their use of traditional instrumentation and themes, but they also draw inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, making for a truly unique and captivating sound.

Joan Baez – Whistle Down the Wind (iTunes)

Joan Baez is one of the most iconic figures in the history of folk music, and her 2017 album Whistle Down the Wind was one of her best in recent years. The album features covers of classic folk songs like “Boots of Spanish Leather” and “House of the Rising Sun,” as well as original compositions inspired by current events such as the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Whether she’s singing about love or politics, Baez’s voice is as powerful as ever, making Whistle Down the Wind a must-listen for any fan of folk music.

The Balladeers – Back to Blue (Spotify)

The Balladeers’ sophomore album Back to Blue is a moving collection of bluegrass-infused folk songs that deal with loss, love, and hope. Featuring outstanding musicianship and songwriting, as well as some guests appearances from other notable bluegrass artists, Back to Blue is an essential listen for any fan of Americana music.

The best independent folk music of 2019

The best independent folk music of 2019 came from a variety of artists, many of whom are relatively unknown. These artists create music that is raw and honest, often with a focus on story-telling. Their music is often inspired by their own personal experiences, as well as the experiences of those around them.

Some of the best independent folk music of 2019 includes:

The Ballad of Polly Ann by The Tallest Man on Earth
This song is a beautiful ballad about loss and grief, told from the perspective of a man who is looking back on his life. The Tallest Man on Earth has a knack for creating catchy, memorable melodies, and this song is no exception.

I Wish I Was by David Wax Museum
David Wax Museum is a folk duo from Boston, Massachusetts. This song is about longing for something that you can never have. The lyrics are simple but incredibly effective, and the melody is absolutely gorgeous.

Shake It by The Head and The Heart
This song is an upbeat folk-pop tune about shaking off the negativity in your life and embracing positivity. The Head and The Heart are known for their catchy hooks and infectious energy, and this song is a perfect example of that.

So Long Marianne by Leonard Cohen
This classic Leonard Cohen song is about saying goodbye to a former lover. It’s a sad but ultimately hopeful song, with Cohen’s trademark poetic lyrics making it all the more moving.

The best folk music blogs of 2019

The best folk music blogs offer a wealth of information and inspiration for fans of the genre. Here are our picks for the most essential reads in 2019.

Folk Alley is the online home of WKSU, a public radio station based in Kent, Ohio. It offers an extensive collection of articles on all things folk, from interviews with artists to previews of new albums.

No Depression is one of the most respected authorities on Americana and roots music. Their website features a mix of news, reviews, and features on everything from up-and-coming artists to veteran performers.

The Bluegrass Standard is a Kentucky-based publication that covers all things bluegrass, from festivals and events to album reviews and artist profiles. They also offer an extensive directory of bluegrass clubs and venues around the world.

Acoustic MusicScene is a Florida-based magazine that covers a wide range of acoustic genres, including folk, bluegrass, Celtic, and Singer-Songwriter. In addition to news and reviews, they offer workshop and festival listings, as well as artist Directory pages.

The best folk music of 2019 by region

Folk music is often deeply rooted in the culture and history of a region, making it the perfect way to enjoy the diversity of sounds and styles from around the world. From intimate ballads to lively reels and catchy anthems, there’s a folk song for everyone – and 2019 was no exception. Here’s our pick of the best folk music from around the globe.

North America
The Grammy-nominated album ‘The Lost Girl’ by Canadian singer-songwriter Amelia Curran was one of the standout folk releases of 2019. Inspired by loss, love, and hope, the album is a beautiful collection of heart-wrenching ballads and uplifting anthems. Another fantastic release from North America came from Mount Eerie, whose album ‘Now Only’ was praised for its emotionally raw and honest exploration of grief.

Europe
Finnish bandnames Viitasen Piia released their debut album ‘Kotimaa’ (‘Home Country’) to critical acclaim in 2019. The album is a beautiful collection of traditional Finnish folk songs that have been given a modern twist. Irish duo Jonny O’Leary and Cillian Vallely also released their debut album ‘The Wrong Side of the Road’ this year, which perfectly blends traditional Irish music with Americana influences.

Australia & New Zealand
Australian singer-songwriter Kaurna Cronin released his much-anticipated second album ‘Seasons Change’ in 2019, which showcases his incredible songwriting talent and unique blend of indie-folk, country, and rock styles. New Zealand band The East Pointers also released their third album ‘secret Victory’ this year, which features their signature blend of Celtic and Appalachian influences.

Asia & Africa
2019 was a great year for Asian folk music with several fantastic releases from across the continent. Japanese band Nagoya Shachihoko release their debut album ‘Konnichiwa Folklore!’ (Hello Folklore!), which combines traditional Japanese instrumentation with various Western influences. Indian singer Asha Bhosle also released her first folk album ‘Asha at 83’ this year, which includes renditions of traditional Marathi folk songs as well as some more modern compositions.