Indie folk music has charmed listeners worldwide with its delicate melodies and rhythm guitar licks, captivating audiences with themes such as wanderlust, romanticized love and melancholic introspection.
Since Mumford & Sons made waves with their lively interpretation of folk, there have been an explosion of bands playing music similar to what Mumford & Sons is known for – each using bass drums, banjos, and guitars from grandpa’s garage – but not all are created equal.
Indie folk
Indie folk music can provide that nostalgic sound you crave; featuring soothing acoustic guitar melodies and emotive lyrics straight from the heart.
Indie folk was first popularized in the 1990s by musicians from indie rock scenes who were inspired by traditional and modern folk music. This genre blends folk melodies with contemporary instrumentation for an indie folk sound.
Indie folk is characterized by storytelling and introspection, featuring lyrics that address personal experiences like love and loss. Additionally, this genre features complex harmonies and lyricism; although some artists create solo performances within this style. Most indie folk bands comprise large groups.
Though some of the best-known indie folk acts have signed with major record labels, most independent acts remain. With unique sound that transcends its lowbrow connotations – artists such as CocoRosie, Devendra Banhart, and Fleet Foxes stand out among these acts.
Indie folk artists frequently utilize unconventional instruments, like banjos and mandolins, to produce an original and distinctive sound. These unconventional instruments often accompanying acoustic guitars to add texture and depth to a song’s texture and depth. Furthermore, this genre’s acoustic nature allows artists to record easily on digital devices like laptops and tablets.
Crafting an indie folk song takes both dedication and forethought. A songwriter should select songs with genuine content that elicit emotion in listeners, working alongside musicians who share their vision in producing something truly unforgettable.
As with composing any song, when arranging one the initial step should be creating a melody that engages listeners. Once this has been accomplished, songwriters can select appropriate rhythms and chord progressions to complement lyrics while using EQ/compression tools to adjust overall mix sound while panning individual tracks to add depth and dimension to their performances.
Finding a balance between vocals and instrumentals when writing an indie folk song is of utmost importance, while also exploring ways to add additional instruments, such as strings, piano, or horns to their track.
Ben Howard
Ben Howard has become one of the most acclaimed figures in modern folk music. His gentle yet disquieting sound evokes a sense of mystery through songs about loss, regret, temptation and growth; these themes being central to what makes his music so captivating – his delicate melodies and complex tunings distinguishing him further amongst his peers.
Howard was raised in Richmond before later moving to Devon where he began making music as a teenager. Although initially studying journalism at university, eventually dropping out in order to focus solely on his musical career – quickly establishing himself as a sought-after performer, selling out shows across Europe and the UK. His debut album Every Kingdom earned critical acclaim and received a Mercury nomination.
His latest release, Collections from the Whiteout, continues his exploration of folk music with collaborations by Aaron Dessner from The National. This album showcases all the variety that exists within alternative folk music.
Howard’s music exudes both beauty and danger, which is especially evident in “Follaton Wood.” This track recounts an untimely suicide through mournful hums that interweave with an upbeat acoustic backing.
Howard stands out among contemporary folk artists with her combination of beauty and danger in her artwork, creating something both traditional and forward looking at once – which may explain why so many have fallen for it.
Howard as a performer is both intimate and sensitive. Wearing his black guitar as second skin, its neck protruding like an extra limb, his body language is tight while his eyes remain focused on plucking its strings gracefully. Yet his presence on stage remains strong: he gives voice to deep thoughts and emotions with ease while his songs boast exquisite lyrics which set him apart from peers.
Bon Iver
Every Bon Iver album since 2013, Vernon has expanded on the indie-folk cliches that had previously dominated his musical landscape. While he may never find a solution that makes every track feel fresh, Vernon excels at crafting albums with cohesive themes and motifs that keep listeners coming back for more – an album such as i,i is an excellent example; its subtle shifts in tempo, instrumentation, vocal harmonies and interplay between voices and instruments creates a dynamic soundscape likened to create something similar to what might happen when watching fish swim around an aquarium!
i,i is an impressive testament to the joy of creation. Each song feels invigorated by a sense of collective creativity throughout its creation; one can easily imagine that similar energy inspiring For Emma, Forever Ago would also fuel Vernon’s next endeavor.
Wisconsin musician Jon For Emma, Forever Ago has become one of the most influential artists of his generation. After making waves with the release of his self-titled 2007 album For Emma, Forever Ago in which he recorded intimate folk-rock tunes in a remote cabin in Wisconsin woods – its success cemented Jon’s place as an artist with rare talent – a woodsy bearded man wearing a flannel shirt singing about heartbreak.
Since then, Vernon has released two more albums and EPs that showcase his expertise of sonic experimentation. Most recently, 22, A Million represents his departure from introspective albums with more sonic elements introduced.
Critics have generally given this album mixed reviews; however, fans have responded positively. Fans praise its mix of traditional and modern sounds – featuring intricate production techniques and emotive lyrics – making it essential listening for fans of alternative folk.
Bon Iver has quickly become one of the most beloved folk bands in America. Led by singer Justin Vernon – best known for his unique, falsetto vocal style – Bon Iver has collaborated with some of music’s finest talents including Mike Noyce, Sean Carey and Matt MacCaughan.
Progressive folk
Folk music has evolved over time, giving rise to numerous subgenres of its own. Some bands have expanded the original folk genre with electric guitars, brass instruments or even distorted vocals added into their sound; making this style popular with young and older audiences alike.
Progressive folk is an American musical genre developed in the 1960s that combined progressive politics and folk music. Pioneered by artists such as Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan – who later contributed their electric instruments – the genre saw further expansion through musicians like Joan Baez who used folk songs as vehicles to spread political messages.
Folk music has undergone many changes over time and currently undergoes an expansion spurred on by younger audiences who are actively engaging with it by attending folk festivals and purchasing albums. This growth of folk genre will continue into its future form.
Neutral Milk Hotel, Mumford and Sons, The Decemberists and Lumineers are among the most notable bands in this genre. While The Decemberists specialize in more traditional musical instruments like mandolins and banjos for their performance, while progressive groups such as Lumineers use acoustic guitars instead to craft their music.
Red House Painters, Mark Kozelek and Sun Kil Moon are among the many artists pushing the limits of folk music genres. These bands incorporate rock, shoegaze and other styles into their folk songs for an exciting listening experience that’s sure to please audiences.
Alternative folk is a relatively new genre that fuses contemporary and traditional music styles. This musical form gives artists a platform to express themselves musically while connecting directly with listeners – two reasons it has quickly gained in popularity over recent years.