What is Anti Folk Music?

Anti Folk Music is a type of music that emerged in the late 1980s as a reaction against the conventions of traditional folk music.

Origins of anti folk

Anti folk is a music genre that originated in the late 1980s among singer-songwriter musicians in New York City’s Lower East Side. The genre is characterized by its lyrical content, which often revolves around themes of loneliness, disappointment, and isolation. Anti folk eschews traditional folk music instrumentation and instead employs simple acoustic guitar accompaniment, often with sparse arrangements.

The term “anti folk” was first used by singer-songwriter David Dondero in 1996 to describe his own music. Dondero was heavily influenced by the work of early anti folk artists such as Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel and Ani DiFranco. Mangum’s album On Avery Island (1996) is often cited as an early example of the genre.

By the early 2000s, anti folk had evolved into a well-defined genre, with many artists releasing albums on independent record labels. Contemporary anti folk artists include Laura Marling, Mount Eerie, and Angel Olsen.

The anti folk sound

The anti folk sound is marked by its stripped-down, lo-fi aesthetic and its focus on lyrical storytelling. Anti folk artists often use traditional folk instruments like acoustic guitars and mandolins, but they also incorporate elements of punk rock, country, and blues. This blend of styles creates a unique sound that is both rough and folksy.

Anti folk music began in the late 1980s as part of the New York City underground music scene. Artists like Beck and Ani DiFranco were influenced by the DIY ethic of punk rock and decided to start making music on their own terms. This DIY approach led to a more personal, intimate style of songwriting that was confessional and often funny.

Over time, the anti folk movement has grown to include artists from all over the world. While the sound and style of anti folk can vary widely, the genre is united by its rejection of mainstream norms. Anti folk artists are often iconoclastic and irreverent, and they offer an alternative to the polished pop music that dominates the radio waves.

Notable anti folk artists

Anti folk is a musical genre that arose in the late 1980s in reaction to the insularity of the folk-music scene. It is characterized by wry lyrics and unusual, sometimes surrealistic, imagery, often presented in a deliberately amateurish or childlike style. Anti folk artists often embrace DIY values, appearing unkempt and performing with crude homemade instruments. The term “anti folk” has been variously applied to music that is alien to the mainstream pop culture of the artist’s society; music that intentionally flouts conventional musical genre boundaries; music that embraces an outsider or misfit status; or music made by actual folk musicians who reject the commercialization of the folk idiom.

Notable anti folk artists include Ani DiFranco, Beck, Jeffrey Lewis, Moldy Peaches, Neutral Milk Hotel, and They Might Be Giants.

The anti folk scene today

The anti folk scene today is much different than when it first started in the late 1980’s. It is no longer just a handful of musicians playing in Greenwich Village; it is a global community of artists who are using the internet to connect with each other and reach new audiences.

The biggest difference between the early days of anti folk and today is that the music is no longer limited to acoustic guitars and singer-songwriters. While those are still a big part of the scene, you can now find anti folk bands that include everything from violins to electronic keyboards.

One of the things that has always been consistent about anti folk is its DIY ethic. Many of the biggest names in the scene got their start by self-releasing their music on cassette tapes and CD-Rs. This tradition continues today, with many artists choosing to release their music on Bandcamp or Soundcloud instead of signing with a major label.

While the anti folk scene may be different than it was 30 years ago, it is still a place for people who want to make music outside of the mainstream. If you are looking for something new and different, then this is definitely the place to start looking.