Woody Guthrie is the OG of Contemporary Folk Music. He was the one who took the Traditional Folk Music of the South Central region of the United States and put his own spin on it. He was like a candle wick, lighting the Contemporary Folk craze that took over the US and other Anglo-Saxon countries in the 60s and 70s.
What Makes Contemporary Folk Music Unique?
Contemporary Folk Music is a living genre, unlike Traditional Folk Music which is rooted in ancient cultures. It’s usually associated with the American folk revival of the 60s and 70s, when artists like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan followed in Guthrie’s footsteps. Here’s what makes Contemporary Folk Music stand out:
- It’s song-based, with lyrics playing a major role.
- It usually involves one or more acoustic instruments (usually an acoustic guitar).
- It has elements of Traditional Folk Music, like the singer’s vocal melody or the theme of the lyrics.
- It adds something new to the Traditional Folk Music it’s inspired by.
So, What Is Contemporary Folk Music?
Contemporary Folk Music is like a time machine. It takes us back to the days of Guthrie, Baez, and Dylan, and it’s still relevant today. It’s a mix of old and new, of Traditional Folk Music and the modern-day singer-songwriter. It’s a genre that’s always evolving, and it’s definitely worth a listen.
Exploring the Sounds of European Contemporary Folk Music
What is European Contemporary Folk Music?
European contemporary folk music is a genre of music that has its roots in traditional folk music, but has been adapted to fit modern tastes. It’s a combination of many different styles, including Czech traditional music, English-language country and contemporary-folk music, spirituals and traditionals, bluegrass, and chanson. It’s often used as a form of protest against more mainstream genres, such as pop and rock.
Where Did It Come From?
The genre of European contemporary folk music has been around since the second half of the 20th century. It was popularized by the “Porta” festival, which began in 1967 and was originally focused on country & western & tramping music. Acoustic guitars are the most commonly used instrument in this genre.
What Does It Sound Like?
European contemporary folk music has a unique sound that can be described as:
- Lively and upbeat
- Melodic and soulful
- Emotional and passionate
- Uplifting and inspiring
It’s a genre of music that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and it’s sure to get your toes tapping!
The Folk Music Revival: A Look Back
The History
Ah, the folk music revival. It’s a time in history that will never be forgotten. It all started in the 1930s when a group of passionate musicians decided to bring traditional folk music back to the mainstream. They wanted to make sure that folk music was accessible to everyone, not just the elite.
The Impact
The folk music revival had a huge impact on American identity. It brought together people of all backgrounds and allowed them to connect through music. It also gave rise to a new generation of musicians who were inspired by the traditional sounds of folk music.
The Legacy
The legacy of the folk music revival lives on today. It’s still influencing the music we listen to, from the classic folk songs of Bob Dylan to the modern folk-pop of Taylor Swift. It’s a reminder that music can bring people together and that traditional sounds can still be relevant in today’s world.
A Look at Some of the Most Popular Contemporary Folk Artists
John Prine
John Prine is a legendary folk artist who has been making music since the 1970s. He’s known for his witty lyrics and catchy tunes, and his songs often tell stories about everyday life. He’s been called “the Mark Twain of American songwriting” and has won numerous awards, including two Grammys.
Loudon Wainwright III
Loudon Wainwright III has been making music since the late 1960s and is known for his humorous and often self-deprecating lyrics. He’s released over 20 albums and has collaborated with many other artists, including Rufus Wainwright and his daughter Martha Wainwright.
Lucinda Williams
Lucinda Williams is a singer-songwriter who has been making music since the late 1970s. Her music is often described as “alt-country” and she has won three Grammys. Her songs often explore themes of heartbreak and loss, but they also have a strong sense of hope and resilience.
Townes Van Zandt
Townes Van Zandt was a singer-songwriter who was active from the 1960s until his death in 1997. He was known for his melancholic lyrics and his unique fingerpicking style. His songs have been covered by many other artists, including Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan.
Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie is a folk singer and songwriter who is best known for his 1967 hit “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree.” He’s released over 20 albums and has collaborated with many other artists, including Pete Seeger and his son Abe Guthrie.
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman is a singer-songwriter who has been making music since the late 1980s. Her songs often explore themes of social justice and human rights, and she has won four Grammys. Her songs have been covered by many other artists, including John Legend and Aretha Franklin.
Essential Contemporary Folk Albums
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
- Get ready to feel the feels with Dancer with Bruised Knees! This album is sure to make you cry, laugh, and everything in between.
Arlo Guthrie
- Get ready to take a trip down memory lane with Alice’s Restaurant! This classic album will take you back to the good ol’ days.
Townes Van Zandt
- Get ready to experience a musical masterpiece with For the Sake of the Song! This album is sure to leave you in awe.
Gordon Lightfoot
- Get ready to be swept away with The United Artists Collection! This album is sure to take you on a journey.
John Prine
- Get ready to get your groove on with John Prine! This album is sure to get your feet tapping.
Joan Baez
- Get ready to be mesmerized with Diamonds & Rust! This album is sure to leave you in a trance.
If you’re looking for some great contemporary folk music, look no further! These essential albums are sure to provide you with hours of entertainment. So grab your headphones and get ready to be taken on a musical journey!
The Best Contemporary Folk Songs of All Time
Alice’s Restaurant Massacree
This classic folk tune by Arlo Guthrie is the perfect way to kick off any party. It’s a fun and upbeat song that will have everyone singing along in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your friends to the folk genre.
Angel from Montgomery
John Prine’s classic folk song is a timeless classic. It’s a heartfelt and emotional song that will tug at your heartstrings. It’s a great way to show your friends the power of folk music.
I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
Richard & Linda Thompson’s classic folk song is a great way to get your friends into the folk genre. It’s a beautiful and uplifting song that will have everyone singing along in no time.
Tom’s Diner
Suzanne Vega’s classic folk song is a great way to show your friends the beauty of folk music. It’s a catchy and upbeat song that will have everyone singing along in no time.
Dead Flowers
Townes Van Zandt’s classic folk song is a great way to show your friends the power of folk music. It’s a beautiful and emotional song that will tug at your heartstrings.
She’s That Kind of Mystery
Bill Morrissey’s classic folk song is a great way to introduce your friends to the folk genre. It’s a beautiful and uplifting song that will have everyone singing along in no time.
Sunny Came Home
Shawn Colvin’s classic folk song is a great way to show your friends the beauty of folk music. It’s a catchy and upbeat song that will have everyone singing along in no time.
Now That the Buffalo’s Gone
Buffy Sainte-Marie’s classic folk song is a great way to show your friends the power of folk music. It’s a beautiful and emotional song that will tug at your heartstrings.
Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking)
Janis Ian’s classic folk song is a great way to introduce your friends to the folk genre. It’s a heartfelt and uplifting song that will have everyone singing along in no time.
Love at the Five and Dime
Nanci Griffith’s classic folk song is a great way to show your friends the beauty of folk music. It’s a catchy and upbeat song that will have everyone singing along in no time.
If you’re looking for the best contemporary folk songs of all time, look no further! Here’s a list of some of the most popular and beloved folk songs of the past few decades:
- Alice’s Restaurant Massacree – Arlo Guthrie
- Angel from Montgomery – John Prine
- I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight – Richard & Linda Thompson
- Tom’s Diner – Suzanne Vega
- Dead Flowers – Townes Van Zandt
- She’s That Kind of Mystery – Bill Morrissey
- Sunny Came Home – Shawn Colvin
- Now That the Buffalo’s Gone – Buffy Sainte-Marie
- Society’s Child (Baby I’ve Been Thinking) – Janis Ian
- Love at the Five and Dime – Nanci Griffith
These classic folk songs are perfect for introducing your friends to the genre. Whether you’re looking for a fun and upbeat song to kick off a party or a heartfelt and emotional song to tug at your heartstrings, these songs have it all. So, grab your guitar and start strumming!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
