When asked to name names associated with folk music, people may think of rock bands and country stars before those associated with folk artists. Yet it’s essential that we remain open-minded towards all forms of folk music taking place around us today.
FMO’s 2022 Developing Artist Program provides one-on-one mentorship from established artists and industry professionals as well as workshops, networking, and showcasing opportunities.
Sarah Hiltz
Traditional European folk music has been present in Canada since the 16th and 17th centuries, initially brought here by French and British settlers and carried further by fur traders and voyageurs. Beginning in the 20th century, there was a movement to collect and document this music; its members enjoy its flexible democratic form which belongs to everyone, unlike classical or pop music which are typically linked with institutions like royal courts, churches or states.
Canadian folk music is extremely diverse. Many cultures have contributed to its musical heritage and their influences can be seen today among popular artists like Bruce Cockburn, Buffy Sainte-Marie Ferron Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell. Additionally, immigrants from southern Italy, Baltic States Hungary as well as Jewish culture have brought with them unique musical traditions that enrich Canadian society.
Folk music in Canada typically involves voice and fiddle (often called guitar). Acoustic instruments such as guitar, bouzouki, mandolin and tenor banjo may also be played collectively by groups; rhythmic instruments such as the bodhran or bones may also be employed occasionally as rhythmic elements; on occasion less commonly heard instruments include hurdy-gurdys, hammer dulcimers and bazouki can also make appearances in folk performances.
As part of an effort to share folk music across Canada, six Ontario music festivals joined together in 1986 to form the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals/ Conseil des Festivals Folk de l’Ontario and form an organizational network of folk genre presenters; hosted professional development workshops; and an annual conference where attendees could come together and exchange knowledge and experience with one another. Today this organization is better known by its new name Folk Music Ontario and remains a key partner in promoting traditional folk music across Canada.
Anddre Mafra & The Reflections
Anddre Mafra are well-established musicians rooted in traditional Indigenous music and will bring its spirit to Wolf Performance Hall with songs about anti-racism, friendship, community, ancestry and Earth issues. Boasting an impressive combination of Indigenous folk reggae genres they are sure to please any crowd!
JUNO nominated, this neo-folk band boasts an unique hybrid approach to tradition that features harp, guitar, bass and drums in their soundscape – creating an ethereal yet precise musical performance with their intricate yet visceral music.
From foot-tapping country grooves to rich harmonies on heartbreaking ballads, this trio’s old time bluegrass sound speaks volumes to listeners – its music moving between sparse fragility and joyful bellow.
Toronto-based duo The Voice & Heart has quickly established itself on the Canadian folk music scene through the strength of their voices and passion for singing, becoming a signature act for stunning harmonies, captivating performances, and original tunes which draw upon experiences shared by their ancestors.
Jay Moonah is an accomplished singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and percussionist renowned for his ability to deliver in multiple styles. Beginning at age 14, he has performed both with bands and solo all across Canada, the US, South America, Europe and Asia with his distinctive take on contemporary folk, pop and acoustic rock which has garnered numerous awards from the Maple Blues Association as well as nominations from JUNO Awards.
Camilo’s blues music stands out as both timeless and contemporary; his talent as a performer shines. A member of Blackbird Songwriting Collective, he was nominated for a JUNO award. Additionally, Camilo plays with Pressgang Mutiny – renowned blues band featuring dynamic musicians alongside tall ship sailors – currently working on documentaries about their voyages and work. The group strives to discover maritime shanties and work songs from all around the globe and share it with audiences everywhere he performs.
The Lonesome Ace Stringband
Over the course of just 10 years, Toronto’s Lonesome Ace Stringband has garnered widespread acclaim across North America for their dynamic live performances and progressive interpretation of old time music. Their latest record, Try to Make It Fly, finds them expanding further into Americana territory while maintaining the old time vibe that has become their signature sound. Fiddle player John Showman, banjoist Chris Coole and bassist Max Malone spent seven years as integral parts of local roots scene before taking their sound into the studio in order to produce an album that would capture their high standards while conveying energy that exuberant live performances are known for.
On 13 tracks, this trio demonstrates an expansive musical understanding that spans traditional folk, country bluegrass and Americana music styles. Starting off with Life’s Treasure’s haunting banjo intro followed by Showman’s expressive double stops enhanced by the harmonies from his bandmates; O’grady Road features restrained fiddle and bass accompaniment which help create its floaty emotional ambience; civil Wars features lively fiddle and banjo interplay to form an upbeat ballad that could just as easily have been composed in Britain 150 years ago!
Coole’s clawhammer banjo and Showman’s acoustic guitar work together to produce a folk ballad that could have been performed on a harpsichord in the 1600s – it is truly impressive.
The band’s innovative recording methods during the COVID-19 pandemic is truly impressive. Utilizing their usual studio equipment in various unique locations to produce high-quality recordings is evident on this album, which reveals their dedication and genuine appreciation of nature’s beauty.
Alexander Saint
Folk music is an artistic genre which incorporates elements of both traditional folk songs and instruments with contemporary forms that have emerged since their revival during the 20th century folk revival, such as folk rock or metal (known by various monikers); world music; orally transmitted compositions by unknown composers that reflect cultural identity and history of particular cultures.
Folk Music Ontario (FMO) is Canada’s largest provincial organization representing folk, roots and traditional music communities. Each year at its Annual FMO Conference, members and festival delegates come together for networking opportunities, showcase performances, professional development seminars and peer sharing. Additionally, FMO provides year-round industry development seminars, the Developing Artist Program as well as year-round artist development seminars throughout their careers.
FMO’s office is situated on traditional unceded territory of Algonquin Anishnaabeg people. For more information, please visit: www.fmo.ca
Nearly all cultures have folk music traditions that incorporate instrumental performance as well as vocal singing, typically for entertainment or dancing purposes. Most cultural traditions make use of various instruments including flutes, pipes, the fiddle and bow instruments such as the hurdy gurdy and hammer dulcimer; other common instruments include an acoustic guitar, mandolin accordion and melodeon as well as more unique percussion instruments such as spoons bodhran and bones.
Canadian folk music is flourishing, featuring an impressive roster of musicians that ranges from established names to those looking to break out of their niche and become bigger stars. One such act that should be watched closely for in the near future includes Shauit from Quebec who combines First Nations music with pop-rock; King Cardiac from Toronto is making waves for its original take on soul and R&B music – now is an ideal time to become involved with Canadian folk music!