Here you can find primers and recommendations for some of Folk Music's most prominent genres: Americana, Contemporary Singer/Songwriters, Alt-Country and Bluegrass.
Americana artists pull from all areas of the music that has defined American culture, from R&B to country, bluegrass to indie rock. Americana artists frequently pull from traditional and contemporary folk, bluegrass, country, alt-country, soul, gospel, and rock. While this may sound a bit vague or confluent, Americana artists and fans are content to say they know it when they hear it.
Ramseur Records was founded in July 2000 by Dolph Ramseur and is based in Concord, N.C. Learn more about this young independent folk and roots music label, including recommended artists, CDs, and a brief history of Ramseur Records
Indie folk (also occasionally called lo-fi indie) is characterized by a slew of up-and-coming bands who pull influence from traditional and contemporary folk music, classic country, and indie rock. Learn more about indie folk, including recommended artists and albums.
Folk music is one of the most commonly appreciated, universal styles of music. But, at the same time, it's also hugely misunderstood. Learn more about some of the biggest misconceptions about American folk music.
A field recording is technically any recording made "in the field" or away from a traditional recording studio. However, in the context of American folk music, this phrase refers to the recordings made by ethnomusicologists and folklorists.
"Freak folk" is a media-created term given to a style of folk music that has evolved from traditional folk. Many of the artists frequently classified as freak folk don't identify with, or particularly like, the title. Others have suggested "naturalismo" as an alternative genre.
What is anti-folk? What started the anti-folk scene? Who are some notable anti-folk artists you absolutely have to hear?
For many fans of contemporary folk music, their knowledge of the genre began with a fascination for the style of folk music that was being made during the 1960s. Learn more about this pivotal era in the history of American folk music.
In 1952, filmmaker Harry Smith released a compilation of field recordings, country blues and folk songs from the 1920s and 30s that became an inspiration for budding folksingers and the movement that followed.
Blending rock, jazz, folk, blues and bluegrass styles, jamgrass elongates the instrumental solos typical of jazz and bluegrass. Notable artists include String Cheese Incident, Yonder Mountain Stringband and the Grateful Dead.
What is folk music? Why is it important? Does it still exist, or is it something that went away after Vietnam? What artists are inspired by folk music, and who feels compelled to carry on the folk traditions? Here's what some folk artists have told me in interviews as answers to all these questions.
Rising originally from the folk music of Appalaichia, old time preceded the popularization of bluegrass and country music. Now, this under-appreciated style of Americana is making a comeback as young urban bands revitalize their local folk communities with old time tunes.
When looking at the very big picture, the truth is that American folk music stretches way back to the very beginnings of the country, and recording the date the first official folk song was penned would be next to impossible. What is possible is to talk about how and when folk music started to be presented as a "product" to the American people.
If you're new to folk music as a genre, this'll be a great first stop index and answers to your questions. It can also point you to the basic information you may want to know before heading out to delve into the genre.
Folk Music today may not look like it did a hundred years ago, or even just thirty years ago, but it’s not the only thing that has changed. Folk is nothing if not adequately commenting on the times in which it exists.
A brief history of one of America's richest traditions.
A brief history of African-American folk music - from the blues to zydeco, jazz to hip-hop, and slave spirituals to contemporary singer/songwriters.
Whether you're already an avid ipodder looking to expand your interests into the realms of Folk, or an avid Folk fan looking to explore podculture, this list of Folk-related podcasts should get you started on your way.
A brief look at the legendary New York City, West Village folk club.
If you're new to this whole folk music thing, check out my basic overall primer of some things to consider before you go out buying random folk CDs.
Tired of the same annoying options everytime your cell phone rings? Pop and hip hop fans don't have to put up with it, and niether do you. Check out these fun, fabulous folk songs that you can download to your phone.
An excellent primer on Folk history for new fans.
If you're an avid i-podder, check out this fantastic podcast, which features fantastic folk music.
Comprehensive guide to all things folk.
Online record store featuring up-and-coming Folk artists.
A ring of 294 active sites about Folk music.
Folk & Roots Music Magazine.
A great resource for DJs and listeners interested in all Folk genres on the radio.
North America's biggest supporter of Folk music and dance.
