5 Nordic Folk Music Artists You Need to Know

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

If you’re a fan of Nordic folk music, then you’ll want to check out these five artists. From Iceland to Sweden, these musicians are keeping the tradition alive and creating some truly beautiful music.

Nordic Folk Music

Nordic folk music has its roots in the music of the people of Scandinavia. The music is often characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle and accordion, and its focus on storytelling. Nordic folk music has been influenced by a variety of other genres, including jazz and rock. Here are five Nordic folk music artists you need to know.

What is Nordic Folk Music?

Nordic folk music is a genre of music that includes traditional music from the Nordic countries. This includes music from Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland. The music is typically characterized by its use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, accordion, and flute. It often has a strong vocal component, with singing being a key part of many Nordic folk songs. Nordic folk music has a long history, with some of the earliest known examples dating back to the 13th century. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Nordic folk music, with many modern artists incorporating elements of it into their work. Here are five Nordic folk music artists you need to know.

The History of Nordic Folk Music

The music of the Nordic countries is incredibly diverse, with each region having its own unique musical traditions. Nordic folk music is a particularly important part of the region’s musical heritage, and has been passed down through the generations for centuries.

Some of the most famous Nordic folk music artists include Finnish singer-songwriter Värttinä, Swedish duoFirst Aid Kit, and Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men. These artists have all helped to bring Nordic folk music to a global audience.

Here are 5 Nordic folk music artists you need to know:

1. Värttinä

Värttinä is a Finnish band that formed in 1983. The group is known for their unique brand of folk music, which combines traditional Finnish folk songs with elements of rock and pop. Värttinä has released 13 studio albums and has been awarded multiple Grammy Awards and Finnish Music Awards.

2. First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit is a Swedish duo consisting of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg. The band’s music is rooted in Americana and country, with influences from artists such as Emmylou Harris and Bob Dylan. First Aid Kit has released four studio albums, including their most recent record, Ruins (2018).

3. Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men are an Icelandic indie folk-rock band that formed in 2010. The band rose to international fame with their debut album My Head Is an Animal (2011), which included the hit single “Little Talks.” Of Monsters and Men have released two more albums, Beneath the Skin (2015) and Fever Dream (2019).

4. Múm

Nordic Folk Music Artists

Nordic folk music has been gaining in popularity in recent years. With its beautiful melodies and captivating lyrics, it’s no wonder why. If you’re looking for some Nordic folk music to add to your collection, look no further. Here are five Nordic folk music artists you need to know.

Värttinä

Värttinä is a Finnish group that has been making music together since the early 1980s. Their sound is rooted in the traditional music of the Karelian people, a Finno-Ugric group who live in the border area between Finland and Russia. Värttinä’s music is highly rhythmic and full of beautiful vocal harmonies. They have released thirteen albums, and their music has been used in many films and television shows.

Hedningarna

Hedningarna is a Swedish folk music group that was founded in 1986. Their music is based on traditional Swedish folk music, but they also incorporate elements of rock and electronica. Hedningarna has released 12 albums, and their music has been featured in movies and TV shows such as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Garmarna

Garmarna is a Swedish folk band that formed in 1991. The group is known for its use of traditional Swedish instruments like the fiddle and nyckelharpa, as well as for its innovative approach to music. Garmarna has released eight studio albums and two live albums, and their music has been featured in films and TV shows like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Vikings.”

Adjagas

Adjagas is a Swedish duo made up of Mariauingrid & Andreas Forsman. Their music is inspired by the traditional music of the Sami people, as well as other traditional music from Scandinavia and beyond. Adjagas’ sound is both modern and timeless, and their beautiful melodies will stay with you long after you’ve heard them.

Faun

Faun is a German folk music band that formed in 1998. The band is known for its use of traditional instruments and for its eclectic mix of styles, which includes everything from metal to world music. Faun’s music has been featured in several films and TV shows, including the popular TV series Game of Thrones.

Other notable Nordic folk music artists include:

– Wardruna: A Norwegian musical group founded in 2009 by Einar Selvik, Wardruna is known for its use of historic Nordic instruments and sounds. The band has released three studio albums, all of which have charted in Norway.

– Garmarna: A Swedish musical group formed in 1992, Garmarna is known for its unique blend of folk and rock music. The band has released six studio albums, three of which have topped the Swedish charts.

– Heilung: A Danish-Norwegian musical group formed in 2015, Heilung is known for its experimental style of music that incorporates elements of ancient Nordic culture. The band has released two studio albums, both of which have received critical acclaim.

– Márta Gudmundsdóttir: A Icelandic singer and songwriter who specializes in folk music, Márta Gudmundsdóttir has released four studio albums since her debut in 2006. Her most recent album, Í Myndum Og Tónum, was awarded the Icelandic Music Prize for Best Folk Album of the Year.

Why You Should Listen to Nordic Folk Music

Nordic folk music has a rich history dating back hundreds of years. The music is beautiful and soulful, and it will transport you to another place and time. Nordic folk music is also very versatile, and you can find artists that play a wide range of styles. If you’re looking for some new music to explore, here are five Nordic folk music artists you need to know.

The Unique Sound of Nordic Folk Music

Nordic folk music is a unique and often underappreciated genre that has its roots in the traditional music of Scandinavia and Iceland. The sound is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the fiddle and accordion, as well as its focus on storytelling and exploration of the natural world.

If you’re looking for something new to listen to, here are 5 Nordic folk music artists you need to know:

1. Värttinä
2. Hedningarna
3. Garmarna
4. Trio Mediæval
5. Svarta Lådan

The Connection to Nature

Nordic folk music has its roots in the music of the people who lived in the region known as Scandinavia. This includes Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. The music of these countries is often centered around the natural world, and it often reflects the harsh winters and long, dark nights that are characteristic of life in the Nordic countries.

Nordic folk music is often infused with a sense of melancholy, which can be traced back to the works of 18th-century composer Edvard Grieg. Grieg was deeply influenced by the Norwegian landscape, and his music often reflects this influence. Nordic folk music typically features solo instrumentation, with the most common instruments being the violin and accordion.

If you’re looking for something a little different from your typical pop or rock fare, Nordic folk music might be just what you need. These five Nordic folk music artists are sure to get your toes tapping.

The Emotional Power of Nordic Folk Music

Nordic folk music has a reputation for being dark and melancholic, but it can also be incredibly beautiful and moving. The best Nordic folk musicians are able to tap into a deep well of emotion and create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

There are few things more powerful than music that can make you feel like you’re not alone in the world. If you’re looking for music that will speak to your heart, here are five Nordic folk music artists you need to know.

1. Värttinä

2. Gjallarhorn

3. Wardruna

4. Heilung

5. Ásgeir

Similar Posts