Types of Folk Music You Need to Know

Folk music is a genre of music that is often passed down orally from generation to generation. It is a type of music that is typically rooted in the traditions of a culture or region.

Folk Music Defined

narrowly, folk music is the music of the people, traditional and usually without amplification. more broadly, folk music is any music people make without formal training in the musical arts.

What is Folk Music?

Most people know folk music as traditional music from a particular country or region, often handed down from generation to generation. Folk music is usually performed by acoustic instruments and sung by people who share a common culture.

However, the definition of folk music is much broader than that. In fact, there are many different types of folk music, each with its own unique history and origins. Here are just a few examples:

Celtic folk music is traditionally from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany (a region in northwest France). Celtic folk music is often upbeat and lively, featuring traditional instruments like the fiddle, bagpipes and Celtic harp.

American folk music includes both traditional songs from various immigrant cultures (like Irish or Scottish folk music) as well as original compositions by American musicians. American folk music often has a strong social or political message, as in the case of protest songs or civil rights anthems.

British Isles Folk Music is another broad category that encompasses both traditional songs and original compositions from the British Isles (including England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland). Like American folk music, British Isles Folk Music often has a message or story to tell.

Folk songs can be about any subject, but they are often about love, loss, nature or working life. Many traditional folk songs were passed down orally over the years before being written down – which is why they sometimes have different versions with slightly different words.

The Origins of Folk Music

Folk music is typically associated with acoustic instruments and singer-songwriters strumming guitars or playing the banjo around a campfire. But the history of folk music is much richer and more varied than that. Folk music has its roots in the oral tradition of storytelling and song. For centuries, people have passed down ballads, work songs, nursery rhymes, and other types of folk music from generation to generation.

Folk music originated in different cultures all over the world, including Europe, Africa, and Asia. In the United States, folk music is often associated with the American experience and good ol’ country living. But there are many different types of folk music from different cultures that have found a home in America.

Some of the most popular genres of folk music include:
-Blues
– Appalachian
-Cajun
-Creole
-Ethnic
-Fusion
-Old time
-Piedmont
-Rockabilly

Types of Folk Music

Folk music is a type of music that is passed down orally from one generation to the next. It is music that is not written down or published, but instead is passed on through oral tradition. Folk music is typically associated with the common people of a region or country. There are many different types of folk music, each with its own unique history and style.

Traditional Folk Music

Traditional folk music is the original music of the people in a given region or country. It is often passed down orally from generation to generation and has been influenced by the historical and social events of the people in that region. Traditional folk music often has a strong sense of community and is an important part of the culture of the people who sing it.

Folk music has many different subgenres, each with its own unique sound and history. Some common types of traditional folk music include:
-Blues
-Cajun
-Country
-Irish
-Scottish
-Old-time
-Bluegrass

Contemporary Folk Music

Contemporary Folk Music is a broad category that includes music created since the mid-20th century. It encompasses a wide range of styles, including traditional folk music, contemporary folk music, and fusion genres such as folk rock and punk rock.

Traditional Folk Music is typically created by anonymous songwriters and passed down from generation to generation. Unlike contemporary folk music, it is not created with the intention of being recorded or performed for an audience.

Contemporary Folk Music is a more recent category that includes music created since the mid-20th century. It encompasses a wide range of styles, including traditional folk music, contemporary folk music, and fusion genres such as folk rock and punk rock.

Fusion genres are created when two or more distinct musical styles are combined. Folk rock is a genre that blends elements of traditional folk music with rock ‘n’ roll. Punk rock is a genre that blends elements of traditional folk music with punk rock.

Celtic Folk Music

Celtic Folk music is a type of music that is typically associated with the Celtic regions of Europe. This music is characterized by its unique use of traditional instruments, such as the fiddle, bagpipes, and flute. Celtic folk music often has a very slow and emotive sound, which can be attributed to its Irish and Scottish roots.

British Folk Music

British Folk Music has been around for centuries and has been hugely influential in the development of other folk traditions. It is often characterised by its use of traditional instruments, such as the accordion, fiddle, mandolin, and pipes, and by its focus on storytelling and social commentary.

British Folk Music has its roots in the music of the British Isles, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. It was originally brought over by the Romans during their occupation of Britain, and it has since evolved to include many different styles and influences.

Today, British Folk Music is enjoyed all over the world and is particularly popular in North America and Europe. There are many different subgenres of British Folk Music, each with its own unique sound and history. Some of the more well-known subgenres include:

-Celtic Folk: Celtic Folk music is characterized by its use of traditional Celtic instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, flute, and bagpipes. It often has a strong Irish influence and is popular in both Ireland and Scotland.
-English Folk: English Folk music is a more mellow form of Celtic Folk. It often includes elements of jazz and blues, and it is often sung in harmony.
-Scottish Folk: Scottish Folk music is very similar to Celtic Folk music, but with a stronger Scottish influence. Like Celtic Folk music, it often features traditional Scottish instruments such as the bagpipes and fiddle.
-Welsh Folk: Welsh Folk music includes elements of both Celtic Folk music and English Folk music. It is typically very fast-paced and upbeat, making it perfect for dancing.

American Folk Music

American folk music is a musical genre that developed in the United States during the 19th century. It is a fusion of various European and African musical traditions, including English, Scottish, Irish, German, French, Spanish and West African. Folk music was an important part of the American musical landscape throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the most popular folk songs from this period include “Shenandoah,” “The Streets of Laredo,” “The Midnight Special” and “Buffalo Gals.”

In the mid-20th century, American folk music experienced a revival thanks to the work of artists like Woody Guthrie, Lead Belly and Pete Seeger. These artists popularized folk songs with political and social messages, helping to fuel the Civil Rights Movement and other progressive movements of the time.Today, American folk music is enjoying another resurgence in popularity, led by artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and joni mitchell.

Folk Music Today

Folk music has been around for centuries, and it’s still going strong today. There are many different types of folk music, and each has its own unique history and sound. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular types of folk music from around the world.

The Popularity of Folk Music

Folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This is likely due to the fact that folk music is grounded in tradition and storytelling, which are two elements that are often lacking in today’s fast-paced society. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk music or you’re looking to discover some new artists, here are a few types of folk music you need to know.

Traditional Folk Music
Traditional folk music is the foundation upon which all other folk genres are built. This type of folk music is typically passed down from generation to generation and has roots in a specific culture or region. Artists who perform traditional folk music often use instruments that are native to their region, such as fiddles, guitars, and harmonicas.

Contemporary Folk Music
Contemporary folk music is a catch-all term that refers to any type of folk music that has been created since the 1960s. This includes everything from singer-songwriter ballads to protest songs. Because contemporary folk music is still being created, it’s constantly evolving and changing. This makes it one of the most exciting genres of music to follow.

Indie Folk Music
Indie folk music combines elements of traditional and contemporary folk music with indie rock to create a unique sound. Artists who fall into this category often use a variety of instruments, including drums, guitars, banjos, and keyboards. Some of the most popular indie folk artists include Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes.

The Future of Folk Music

Folk music is often seen as a symbol of tradition and outdated values. But in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in folk music among young people. This has led to a new wave of folk artists who are subverting the genre’s traditionalist image and making it relevant to the 21st century.

One of the most prominent examples of this is British singer-songwriter Passenger. His song “Let Her Go” became a massive global hit in 2013, reaching the top 10 in more than 20 countries. But it was his follow-up single, “27,” that really showcased his talent for writing modern folk songs. The song is about the feeling of being stuck in a rut and longing for adventure. It’s an incredibly relatable topic, but it’s also one that’s rarely been addressed in folk music before.

It’s not just Passenger who is helping to reinvent folk music; there are plenty of other artists out there who are doing interesting things with the genre. If you’re curious about what the future of folk music might sound like, here are some artists you should check out:

The Staves: This English trio made waves with their debut album, Dead & Born & Grown, which was nominated for the 2012 Mercury Prize (an award given to the best album from the UK and Ireland). Their harmonies are absolutely gorgeous, and their songwriting is honest and relatable.

Bear’s Den: Bear’s Den is another British band that’s taking folk music in a new direction. Their debut album, Agape, was released in 2014 to critical acclaim. The album combines elements of indie rock, americana, and folk, resulting in a sound that’s both unique and accessible.

The Paper Kites: This Australian group has been compared to Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons, but they have a sound that’s all their own. Their 2013 album States was voted Album of the Year by Triple J listeners (Australia’s equivalent of NPR), and it’s easy to see why. The Paper Kites have a knack for writing catchy melodies and beautiful lyrics, all wrapped up in an ethereal folk soundscape.