Introducing New English Folk Music
Contents
Introducing the latest in English Folk Music. Catch up on the latest news, reviews and interviews with your favourite artists.
The Origins of English Folk Music
English folk music has been around for centuries, but has only recently become popular again. The music is based on the traditional folk music of England, which was originally developed by the working class. English folk music has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including Celtic, Scandinavian, and continental European.
The history of English folk music
Folk music has been a part of the English musical landscape for centuries. In fact, some of the most well-known and popular folk songs were first sung by medieval peasants in the fields and by shepherds on the hillsides. Over time, these songs were collected and passed down from generation to generation, eventually becoming part of the broader English musical tradition.
Today, English folk music is still very much alive and thrives in both traditional and contemporary form. Traditional folk artists such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez continue to perform and record popular folk songs, while newer folk acts like Mumford & Sons are bringing a fresh sound to the genre.
The influence of English folk music
Though often overshadowed by the popularity of American and Celtic Folk music, English Folk music has had a significant influence on the development of the genre as a whole. In fact, many of the most well-known American Folk songs are actually based on English Folk tunes.
English Folk music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the fiddle, accordion, and concertina, as well as its focus on storytelling and ballads. Unlike American Folk music, which is often based on work songs or protest songs, English Folk music is often more light-hearted and playful.
One of the most influential English Folk musicians was Vaughan Williams, who collected and published many traditional folk songs. He also composed several new pieces in the folk style, including his Fantasia on Greensleeves. His work helped to preserve many of England’s traditional folk tunes and inspired other composers to create new works in the folk style.
The Characteristics of English Folk Music
English Folk music is the music of the people that has been passed down through the generations. It is often simple and catchy, and tells a story of the people and the land. The music is often based on traditional instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, and penny whistle.
The sound of English folk music
English folk music has a distinctive sound that is immediately recognizable. It is often characterized by its use of traditional instrumentation, including the accordion, fiddle, mandolin, and penny whistle. The music often has a strong danceable beat, and the lyrics often deal with themes of love, loss, and social commentary.
English folk music has been around for centuries, and it has been particularly popular in the last few decades. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional English folk music, with many young people taking up the genre.
The instruments used in English folk music
English folk music uses a variety of traditional musical instruments. The most common instrument is the concertina, followed by the melodeon, fiddle, and banjo. Other instruments include the bagpipe, flute, tin whistle, accordion, and hammered dulcimer.
The music itself is often improvised and based on traditional tunes or songs. The lyrics are usually about everyday life, love, and loss. English folk music has been influenced by a number of other genres over the years, including Celtic music, jazz, and rock.
The lyrics of English folk music
Folk music is usually passed down orally from one generation to the next, and as a result, the lyrics of English folk songs are often simple and straightforward. They often deal with everyday issues and topics, such as love, loss, work, and the changing of the seasons. Many traditional folk songs are about specific events, such as battles or shipwrecks, while others are about more general themes, such as love or death.
The melodies of English folk songs are also usually quite simple. They are often based on well-known tunes, or on tunes that have been used for other songs in the past. This helps to make them easy to remember and sing along to.
One of the most characteristic features of English folk music is its use of harmony. Folk musicians will often sing in close harmony with each other, creating a rich and full sound. This is something that is not often found in other types of music.
Folk music is an important part of English culture, and has been for centuries. It is a genre that has something to offer everyone, whether you are looking for a toe-tapping tune to dance to, or a more reflective ballad to listen to. If you want to learn more about English folk music, there are many great resources available online and in libraries.
The Popularity of English Folk Music
The popularity of English folk music in the UK
English folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, especially in the UK. This is largely thanks to the work of a new generation of performers who are taking traditional folk songs and tunes and giving them a fresh twist.
Folk music has always been popular in the UK, but it was in the 1960s that it experienced a major revival. This was led by artists such as Bob Dylan, who brought folk music to a wider audience. Dylan’s success inspired other musicians to start exploring the genre, and soon there were numerous folk clubs and festivals being held up and down the country.
The 1970s saw further innovations in English folk music, with bands like Fairport Convention and Pentangle helping to broaden its appeal. In the 1980s and 1990s, new bands such as The Levellers and Oysterband continued to keep folk music popular, while artists such as Eliza Carthy and Seth Lakeman brought a new energy to the genre.
Today, English folk music is enjoying something of a renaissance, with young musicians like Jamie Smith’s Mabon and The Young’uns leading the way. If you’re looking for something different from the mainstream pop charts, then English folk music is well worth exploring.
The popularity of English folk music in the US
Americans have a long history of embracing English folk music, dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries when many British immigrants came to the United States. The popularity of English folk music in the US has waxed and waned over the years, but there has always been a strong contingent of enthusiasts who appreciate the unique sound and history of this genre.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in English folk music, partly due to the increasing popularity of so-called ‘Americana’ music. Americana is a catch-all term for music with roots in the traditional folk, country, and blues sounds of the United States. Many Americana artists have been influenced by English folk music, and as a result, their own work has helped to increase interest in this genre.
If you’re interested in learning more about English folk music, there are plenty of resources available online and in libraries. You can also find a number of festivals and concerts dedicated to this type of music around the country.
The popularity of English folk music in other countries
Though it may not be as popular as it once was in its homeland, English folk music continues to enjoy a devoted following in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. This is largely due to the emigration of English folk musicians to these countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, there are a number of flourishing English folk scenes in these countries, as well as in New Zealand and South Africa. The popularity of English folk music in other countries is a testament to its enduring appeal and timelessness.
