Folk music celebrates community. Grassroot artists take to the road with their musical talent to spread it and promote values such as environmental sustainability and supporting local businesses.
Genre also influences classical music. Composers such as Bartok used folk rhythms in his compositions – for example, his Violin Concerto features its opening movement based on Romanian folk tunes.
Origins
Folk music is an age-old form of musical tradition originating in any region or nation and transmitted orally between generations via word of mouth; thus differing from art music which is composed and arranged by professional musicians. Folk songs may also be handed down through storytellers who perform them publicly or at private parties.
Folk music has historically been closely tied to political and social movements. At times of unrest or social transformation, folk musicians use their music to rally people behind a cause – in the 20th century this included movements like Civil Rights in America as well as union agitators like Joe Hill who used folk tunes during labor strikes.
Folk music traditions can be traced as far back as the early 1700s, or even earlier. A British musicologist first coined the term folk music during the 1930s to describe music that passed from generation to generation through storytelling and informal performances without written records.
Folk music remains an integral component of modern communities. This is particularly prevalent in immigrant societies where immigrant minorities seek to maintain their identities by learning the songs and dances of their previous cultures – for instance in Canada and the US where many French-Canadians and Punjabi Americans continue their legacy by passing down music from grandparents.
Forms
Folk music has traditionally been passed on orally and through communal re-creation, making its precise origins difficult to ascertain. Many songs come from old traditions, often used to commemorate historical or personal events such as birthdays, marriages, funerals and religious festivals with large gatherings where children as well as non-professional singers take part.
Modern folk has since evolved to encompass contemporary folk artists who create contemporary folk songs using traditional instruments like banjos, acoustic guitars and penny whistles as well as lyrics that convey a sense of place; for instance, Passenger’s hit “Let Her Go” uses language that seems both rural and old-fashioned.
Folk songs tend to be melodic and accessible, often performed in 4/4 time with emphasis placed on the backbeats (offbeats) of each bar – giving their music a driving rhythm, particularly when performed as fast jigs or reels. Furthermore, folk music often employs parallel modes.
At the turn of the 20th century, folk music quickly emerged as an entertainment staple in urban ethnic communities in North America. People used it as a means of connecting and sharing cultural traditions while providing an alternative form of entertainment beyond mainstream options available at that time.
Today, folk music continues to thrive with artists like Nick Drake, David Gray and Mumford & Sons considered folk musicians. Acoustic guitar is typically employed when performing folk music. Some artists may blend folk into other musical genres or blur the distinctions altogether.
Influences
Folk music is an integral component of local tradition and culture, predating literacy and recorded history; thus it cannot be preserved exactly as originally played or sung. Furthermore, due to oral tradition it often changes over time as passed down from generation to generation – this process known as communal re-creation can range from accidental changes due to flawed memory to creative adaptations tailored specifically for new occasions or audiences.
Folk music can play an essential role in national or cultural identity and plays an integral part of immigrant groups’ sense of community – something especially noticeable among ethnic and religious minorities such as Greek Australians or Punjabi Canadians who use their musical heritage to establish themselves in their new home country.
Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger used folk music to address social and political issues of their day, such as workers’ rights, opposition to war, environmental sustainability issues and support of dissident movements such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela’s anti-apartheid campaign.
Today, folk music continues to thrive as an art form and genre in its own right. Musicians combine traditional sounds with contemporary influences for a unique sound; there are various subgenres within folk such as acoustic folk, anti folk, folk punk and folktronica; its popularity remains ever present and growing through singer-songwriters who identify with this form of music.
Styles
People often refer to “folk music” to describe traditional songs passed from generation to generation in communities or small social groups, often without documentation or history of its creation (Bohlman, 1988). As with art music, folk songs were frequently anonymous in origin compared to art pieces which had clear authors; as such this genre can vary greatly across nations and even regions.
Folk songs typically utilize instruments such as the acoustic guitar, banjo and violin. Folk songs tend to tell stories relevant to those listening, such as historical events, political movements or current affairs that affect people today. Today folk music remains an entertaining form that appeals to a wide audience worldwide.
Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Pete Seeger are arguably some of the best-known folk singers today, having brought this genre into mainstream consciousness and serving as reminders of its versatility. Contemporary folk artists usually draw upon other genres for inspiration such as rock or blues music influences to produce innovative compositions.
Folk musicians are well known for being active participants in social causes such as environmental protection, peace, labor unions, racial equality and labor equality – reflecting both community values and cultural significance. Folk music enthusiasts may join this culture either as singer-songwriters, musicians or patrons of concerts; or work within the music industry as agents, managers or record label employees.
Trends
At the dawn of the 20th century, musicians took an innovative yet traditional approach to folk music revival. They performed songs in their original language as well as adapting them for modern styles while adding new instruments. This unique take on folk music provided it with an exciting sound; many contemporary artists continue this style today while forging new musical traditions.
Today, folk music is enjoying a revival. New generations are drawn to its authentic style and simple lyrics; serving as an instrument for cultural storytelling and social reflection. Additionally, many folk musicians participate in social causes by advocating peace, environmental protection, and labor rights.
Folk music has long been associated with traditional tunes; however, its definition can often stretch much wider. Some consider any acoustic instrument played traditionally to constitute folk music – leading to modern bands like Nick Drake and Mumford & Sons being considered part of this community.
Folk musicians once would gather together in small communities to play and sing for one another, sharing musical ideas between sessions – this may explain why folk music from various regions tends to sound similar. Today, this tradition remains alive through various online social media platforms that enable folk artists to connect with fans and build communities.
Folk music of the past can serve as an inspiration, but its future lies in adapting to evolving social trends and technologies. Over time, this genre will likely evolve into new styles while maintaining its rich heritage; folk music’s future looks bright, as it continues to serve as a powerful medium for storytelling and social reflection.