One of the most significant trends in alternative music over the past decade has been the revival of folk. Some bands, like Iron & Wine, have drawn from its traditional roots while incorporating more contemporary influences.
These bands showcase an impressive diversity of styles and harmonies through the use of classical instruments or lo-fi acoustic ballads.
Bon Iver
Bon Iver is one of the most beloved indie folk acts, led by Justin Vernon. His emotive yet delicate voice serves as the centerpiece for Bon Iver’s unique sound; using it to add emotional depth and interpretation to sometimes difficult lyrics. Over time, Vernon has channeled these experiences into creating his signature blend of classic country and indie folk music that resonates throughout all aspects of his music career.
For Emma, Forever Ago by singer-songwriter Alison Krauss was both critical and commercially acclaimed. It features various instruments – from vocal harmonies and strings – while its lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery – making this album an indispensable piece in many people’s music libraries.
Indie folk is a genre of music that blends the gentleness of traditional folk with modern instrumentation and lyrics. It typically features acoustic instruments such as guitars and banjos, introspective lyrics that explore themes like love, loss and self-discovery; its popularity has grown over the years as musicians adopt its traditions while adding their own individual styles.
Folk music predates country music by centuries, arriving with America’s diverse population of immigrants. At its core, folk music consists of songs passed down from generation to generation that tell tales of love, valor and treachery – known for their acoustic instrumentation and nostalgic aesthetic.
Indie folk music has its roots deep within history, yet remains an arena for experimentation and experimentation. Artists may incorporate post-punk, lo-fi, noise rock and post-classical elements to craft sounds that are both timeless and innovative. Additionally, many indie folk artists draw upon traditional folk music alongside modern influences for inspiration to craft distinctive and memorable sounds that remain memorable over time.
From rustic avant-garde sounds to singer-songwriter music with quirky elements, this playlist covers a broad spectrum of indie folk music. From Of Monsters and Men to Xavier Rudd’s emotive melodies – each track will leave you feeling inspired!
Iron & Wine
Samuel Beam, better known by his stage name Iron & Wine, is an American singer-songwriter best known for his blend of whispered vocals and soft indie folk. Born and raised in South Carolina, Beam earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University’s Richmond campus as well as Florida State University Film School – but by early 2000 had begun pursuing music full-time; Jonathan Poneman co-owner of Sub Pop Records noticed his lo-fi home recordings which led him signing as Sub Pop Records co-owner Jonathan Poneman discovered him!
Beam’s debut album for Sub Pop was The Creek Drank the Cradle, released in 2002. This debut showcased Beam’s intimate songwriting style and lyrics that often explored themes of love and loss; his vocals had an ethereal sound reminiscent of those heard on recordings by Nick Drake, Simon & Garfunkel or Elliott Smith.
Beam’s second release, Our Endless Numbered Days, was recorded professionally and featured an expansive sound. The album proved successful and led to Beam touring with his full band across the US. Beam continued experimenting with his sound on later releases such as Woman King and Calexico-produced EP In the Reins.
In 2017, Beam released Beast Epic, an album which saw him return to his stripped down acoustic roots. This effort demonstrated his talent for crafting emotive folk music with lyrics exploring both life’s beauty and fragility, as well as featuring collaborations with artists like Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses and Jesca Hoop.
Iron & Wine’s song “Cinder and Smoke” is among their finest works, boasting delicate acoustic guitar strumming and Beam’s emotive, melancholic vocals. As it builds slowly towards an emotional crescendo, his passionate voice becomes ever more passionate as the instrumentation becomes increasingly complex.
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The Decemberists
Colin Meloy leads The Decemberists as they create theatrical, hyper-literate folk music influenced by 1960s British acts like Fairport Convention and Pentangle as well as early ’80s college rock acts like R.E.M and Waterboys. Their debut album Castaways and Cutouts (2002 release) established their signature sound with baroque instrumentation and narrative song structures that became their trademark sound.
Meloy’s distinctive nasal vocals and orchestral arrangements are hallmarks of their sound, drawing inspiration from sea shanties or military legends and featuring characters and details found within them that often tie back into historical events and themes in their lyrics.
Although ambitious in scope, The Decemberists rarely succumb to cliched writing; their songs always embody a sense of place. Additionally, The Decemberists draw upon folk instrumentation such as violins and banjos which may not typically feature in mainstream pop music today.
Following their release of The King Is Dead (2006), The Decemberists went into hiatus before returning with 2015’s What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World and 2017’s Queen of Hearts (a collaboration with English folk artist Olivia Chaney). 2018 saw Red Right Ankle come out, an intriguing synth-pop experiment.
The Decemberists may not be cool, but they certainly know how to have fun. Their live shows are energetic and filled with audience participation; plus they are known for their intricate stage design which includes papier-mache dragons, giant models of Capitol buildings and 19th century chimney sweeps/vagabonds – not too cool but certainly entertaining!
The Decemberists are currently touring in support of their ninth album, The Thrill of It All, with Meloy, guitarist Chris Funk, drummer Nate Query and keyboardist Jenny Conlee all present. Thanks to Spotify they’ve made all their discography accessible; here you can view it: this playlist contains every studio album as well as songs they collaborated on with Black Prairie and Flash Hawk Parlor Ensemble among many others.
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes rose to fame during Seattle’s 2000s indie folk boom. Their earthy baroque pop had an air of lush sophistication reminiscent of 1960s acts such as The Beach Boys and Fairport Convention. Led by vocalist/guitarist Robin Pecknold, their debut and follow-up Sun Giant were critically acclaimed, before taking a three-year hiatus before returning with 2016’s Helplessness Blues as well as Pecknold’s de facto solo release through Anti- label.
Fleet Foxes songs have been described as modern folk operas. Their songs combine acoustic guitars with dreamlike harmonies and lyrics steeped in tradition to create music that captures nature’s wonder and beauty, whether celebrating winter landscapes or lamenting life’s inevitable passing. From stunning winter landscapes to life’s inevitable passing, their melodic arrangements, intricate harmonies, and acoustic guitars create a dreamlike ambience that is both soothing and meditative.
In 2008, the band released their self-titled debut album to international critical acclaim and widespread praise from critics for its unique sound and poetic lyrics. Critics particularly noted its outstanding single “White Winter Hymnal”, known for its intricate arrangements and haunting melody that gives off an air of hopefulness and renewal through its lyrics.
“Fleet Foxes’ songs recall midcentury American poems: direct and conversational with an acute self-awareness that verges on self-indulgent.”
Helplessness Blues was released to critical acclaim in 2016, climbing to number four on the Billboard 200 chart and being certified gold both in North America and the UK. Three years later, Crack-Up received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike as its ambitious nature showcased their growth as an artist and band.