5 New Folk Music Bands You Need to Know About
There’s something special about folk music. It’s often acoustic, and the lyrics are often about real-life topics. It’s the perfect music to relax to, and it can also be pretty upbeat.
If you’re looking for some new folk music to add to your collection, check out these five bands. You’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy!
The Ballroom Thieves
The Ballroom Thieves are a three-piece band from Boston, MA, consisting of Martin Earley, Calin Petersen, and Devin Mauch. The band has been gaining popularity in the past few years with their unique sound and charming stage presence. Their music has been described as “a perfect blend of folk, blues, and pop.”
The Ballroom Thieves got their start in 2011 when they met at Berklee College of Music. They began playing together informally at first, but quickly realized they had a special chemistry. They released their debut EP, A Criminal History of Bootlegging, in 2012. The EP was well-received by critics and helped them gain a following in the Boston music scene.
In 2014, the band released their first full-length album, A Wolf in the Doorway. The album was praised for its intelligent lyrics and catchy melodies. It was named one of the top folk albums of 2014 by NPR Music.
The Ballroom Thieves have toured extensively in support of their albums, including appearances at major festivals such as SXSW and Bonnaroo. They show no signs of slowing down; they are currently working on new material and preparing for a headline tour in 2019.
Darlingside
Darlingside is a four-piece band from Boston, MA that formed in 2009. The band is composed of David Senft (vocals, guitar, banjo), Don Mitchell (vocals, violin, viola), Auyon Mukharji (vocals, mandolin, cello), and Harris Paseltiner (vocals, bass). Their music has been described as “intelligent pop with sharp harmonies and hooks that stay with you long after the song is over” by American Songwriter magazine. The band has released two albums, “Pilot Machines” (2010) and “Extralife” (2013), and their latest single “Go Back” was released in 2015.
The Oh Hellos
The Oh Hellos are a folk rock band from Texas, United States. The group consists of brothers Tyler and Maggie Heath. Their music is described as “a mix of alt-country, indie folk, and Americana.” The band has released three albums: their self-titled debut album (2011), Through the Deep, Dark Valley (2013), and Punch Brothers’ The Phosphorescent Blues (2015). The Oh Hellos have toured with bands such as Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters and Men, and Tokyo Police Club.
The Stray Birds
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, The Stray Birds are a folk trio made up of Maya de Vitry (vocals, guitar, banjo), Oliver Craven (vocals, fiddle, guitar) and Charles Muench (vocals, double bass). The group’s sound is heavily influenced by traditional Appalachian and Old-Time music, as well as the work of seminal folk acts like The Stanley Brothers and Hazel Dickens.
The Stray Birds released their self-titled debut album in 2012, followed by their sophomore effort “Best Medicine” in 2014. In 2016, the band won the prestigious Independent Music Award for Best Americana Album for their third LP “Magic Fire”.
The Secret Sisters
The Secret Sisters are a duo made up of sisters Laura and Lydia Rogers. The pair from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, are known for their gorgeous vocal harmonies, vintage style, and old-timey folk songs. Their self-titled debut album was produced by T Bone Burnett and released in 2010. The album received critical acclaim and led to the sisters touring with Bob Dylan and opening for Willie Nelson. Their second album, Put Your Needle Down, was released in 2014 to positive reviews.
