Imagine, you are flipping through the radio stations, trying to settle on a song that you have not heard a million times. All of the over synthesized vocals fill the car until you finally reach a station where the sound of unsynthesized vocals and a guitar or piano fill the car. It is a change of pace, a breath of fresh air. Whether the artist is Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros or Ed Sheeran, all of these songs fall under one common category: folk.
The genre of folk as we know it came about in the 20th century, when Bob Dylan rose to fame in American and British households alike. This revival of folk music was characterized by hearty instruments and vocals that told stories and tales, and in Dylan’s case, inspired anti-war movements. Dylan was revolutionary in mixing electronic alongside side classic instruments. Bands today use similar techniques, as well as adding banjos, pianos, or orchestral instruments (or a mandolin in Mumford and Sons’ case).
As of late, popular artists have risen from the folk genre and swept the music scene by storm. By incorporating fresh and unique sounds and writing thoughtful and clever lyrics, the folk genre has made it to the national stage and has captured our minds as well as our music- loving hearts once again.
One up-and-coming artist in the folk genre is British native Dan Croll. His songs blend classic folk elements with eclectic pop sounds. His newest single "Home" features Croll crooning along side a guitar and folk beats. With a new album due out in March, he is definitely an artist to watch out for.
Another well known folk rock artist is Ed Sheeran. While most know him for his songs that he wrote for pop bands such as One Direction, his own music features him and a guitar, with backing beats that he creates himself. His critically acclaimed album “+” features songs like “Give Me Love,” which depicts the classic folk feel and features Sheeran’s warm voice.
Festivals dedicated to folk and indie music are also starting to become more popular. In the past year festivals like Sun Fest and Coastline have taken over West Palm Beach, giving indie and folk lovers alike a chance to hear their favorite artists in what was once an EDM dominated market. With the resurgence of folk as a genre, expect to see more folk artists and themes being played on the radio from now on.
The genre of folk as we know it came about in the 20th century, when Bob Dylan rose to fame in American and British households alike. This revival of folk music was characterized by hearty instruments and vocals that told stories and tales, and in Dylan’s case, inspired anti-war movements. Dylan was revolutionary in mixing electronic alongside side classic instruments. Bands today use similar techniques, as well as adding banjos, pianos, or orchestral instruments (or a mandolin in Mumford and Sons’ case).
As of late, popular artists have risen from the folk genre and swept the music scene by storm. By incorporating fresh and unique sounds and writing thoughtful and clever lyrics, the folk genre has made it to the national stage and has captured our minds as well as our music- loving hearts once again.
One up-and-coming artist in the folk genre is British native Dan Croll. His songs blend classic folk elements with eclectic pop sounds. His newest single "Home" features Croll crooning along side a guitar and folk beats. With a new album due out in March, he is definitely an artist to watch out for.
Another well known folk rock artist is Ed Sheeran. While most know him for his songs that he wrote for pop bands such as One Direction, his own music features him and a guitar, with backing beats that he creates himself. His critically acclaimed album “+” features songs like “Give Me Love,” which depicts the classic folk feel and features Sheeran’s warm voice.
Festivals dedicated to folk and indie music are also starting to become more popular. In the past year festivals like Sun Fest and Coastline have taken over West Palm Beach, giving indie and folk lovers alike a chance to hear their favorite artists in what was once an EDM dominated market. With the resurgence of folk as a genre, expect to see more folk artists and themes being played on the radio from now on.