By Chloe Griffor
Folk music is deeply embedded with heartfelt narratives and longstanding traditions that have spoken to musical listeners for centuries, and with recent events, has gained a notable resurgence. Characterized by its authenticity, subtle sophistication, and rich connections with culturual heritage, these warm and rustic sounds have evolved and adapted to each generation, making a powerful impact on contemporary genres. In this blog, we’ll discuss the groundwork of everything that is folk, and our favorite artists both outside of Olivia Management, and the beloved ones within!
The Foundation of Folk…
When considering “folk” as a term, it finds itself as a newer expression, deriving from the term “folklore”, which described the customs and superstitions of the uncultured classes and was coined in 1846. On the same note, “folk” has also been defined as old, historical songs with no known composers, submitted to an evolutionary development of oral transmission, gifted down the generations and refashioned by each different community it came to exist within.
Traditional folk music originated in the early 20th century revival and was defined in several ways. Many recognize the acoustic melodies as music that highlight cultural and national identity, music that changes between generations, and music that is played on traditional instruments such as the mandolin, the banjo, the harp, thr ukulele, acoustic guitars, the violin or fiddle, and the double bass. Lyrics contained lines of sharp narrative verse and epic poetry, with the neccessity to convey themes of victory, tragedy, unity, and love. Some of the most legendary artists of this genre include Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Woody Guthrie, Laura Marling, Simon and Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, and more.
The Larger Scope…
While there are many artists coexsisting within this genre, there are a few standouts that have caught our eye here at Olivia Management. Within this space, we mention a few of our favorite stars and why we believe they have amassed their sucess, aside from their stellar music!
Bob Dylan- One of the most renowned and iconic artists in this lineup, Bob Dylan is recognized not only for a career that spans over six decades, but one that has perfectly blended the genres of folk, rock, blues, and country. He is widely celebrated for his profound impact on the industry and his ability to capture the social and political atmospheres of his time in his music. His flexible mindset has allowed him to continuously experiment with his career, allowing him to keep his work fresh and relevant and influence countless artists across multiple generations. His legacy is defined by his effervescent creativity, the timeless quality of his music, his distinctive voice, and his poetic lyrics that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Joni Mitchell - A legendary artist know for her lyrical depth, melodic complexity, and emotional honesty, Joni Mitchell has made a profound impact not only on the music industry itself, but on the culture of the entire enterprise. Having decades worth of experience, she is celebrated for her exceptional songwriting and innovative approach to the folk, jazz, pop, and rock genres. She naviagtes themes of love and heartbreak all the way to those of social matters and political topics. Her ability to mix different aspects of genres has made her a versatile figure in the industry and much of her work is considered to be masterpieces that will forever break through the bounds of their time.
Bon Iver - An American Indie folk band founded in 2006 by lead singer Justin Vernon, Bon Iver is known for his ethereal sound with vast amounts of emotional depth. Their music often features layered vocals and a blend of acoustic and electronic elements, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape to fall into as a listener. Their debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago was recorded in a remote cabin in Wisconsin, presenting a raw and intimate production as Vernon’s vocals capture what would come to be the band’s signature sound. Their further albums showcase a progression of musical experimentation and complexity, as they expanded their sonic palette, which eventually came to earn them multiple Grammy Awards. Their music often explores themes of love, loss, and existential reflection as it is conveyed through poetic and cryptic lyrics. Bon Iver’s ability to evoke deep emotional responses and create lasting impacts on their audiences has made them an extraordinary presence in the contemporary music scene and one that will not be forgotten.
Noah Kahan - A national fan favorite on the rise, Noah Kahan has made his mark on the music industry with his heartfelt storytelling and a sense of authenticity that resonates with his listeners. His songwriting often delves into his own personal experiences, topics of mental health, relationships, and the difficulties of growing up, offering a relatable narrative. He is complimented by his rich acoustic sounds combined with his distinctively raspy yet soulful vocals. Though he gained popularity early in his career with title tracks such as “Hurt Somebody” and his debut single “Young Blood”, his fame grew exponentially with his most recent album, Stick Season, where he was truly able to deliver the messages and lessons he has learned from this life. A young star who is sure to leave a legacy behind him, Noah Kahan carries the essence of the folk genre into the newest generations.
A Little Closer to Home…
Folk melodies are ones we gravitate towards as a company, and we believe the best sounds are created right here! These artists string together these acoustic histories with their warm voices and personal storylines, calling in every listener to sit beside their harmonies, and fully feel the lull of their words. Here are our top folk selections from right inside Olivia Management!
Mary Gauthier - Characterized by her raw honesty and vivid imagery, Mary Gauthier’s music is timeless in its ability to produce profound, passionate emotions from each listener. Like most folk artists, her artisy is rooted in storytelling, and she often speaks on themes of struggle, redemption, and the hardships of the human experience. She dives further into this by revealing some of the hardest challanges she has faced, such as her tumultuos upbringing, battles with addiction, and a journey towards healing and self-discovery. Her melodies are simple, but because of this, they are also very powerful. She plunges into the world that many fear to face, her lyrics marked by both empathy and insight, as she voices for the marginalized and the forgotton through her music. To us, this is what makes Mary so special.
Alex Blue - Recently debuting her newest album “Kin”, Alex Blue is known for blending different elements from folk, indie, and pop. Her sound is characterized by intricate guitar work, sincere lyrics, and expressive vocals. She often draws on personal experiences, intertwining them with her rich, cultural background and generational stories, grasping the attention of her audience and tenderly pulling them in. Unique in this way, her artistry is marked by her authenticity, vulnerability, and the intimate atmospheres she can create within her performances. Her style is the epitome of what folk is, and we simply can’t get enough!
Ruthie Collins - Renowned for her ability to blend traditional country melodies with unique contemporary twists, Ruthie creates music that is both nostalgic and fresh. Her lyrics consistently express themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth as she encourages her audience to follow her on the profound journeys she has experienced. She is a vocalist who uses both acoustic and electric instrumentation to highlight her songs and delivers every word with a passion and sincerity that resonates with her listeners. We appreciate Ruthie’s softness in this way, and are always looking forward to what she will release next!
Derek Webb - Recognized for his thought-provoking lyrics and ability to challenge conventional beliefs through his music, Derek has made his mark on the folk industry whilst displaying hints of rock and alternative genres, always testing the boundaries of his own limits. Often tackling the recurrent themes of faith, doubt, social justice, and personal introspection, his artistry is distinct in his willingness to take risks and explore new musical territories. All of this, as well as his honest and unflinching approach to songwriting, has earned him a dedicated following throughout the years of his career. With Derek, each listen of his is more enjoyable than the last!
Folk music continues to affect us throughout every generation, as more and more artists continue to express their voices. Without folk music, we would be a people without community, without long-running stories that carry the essence of who we are, and without the constant reminder of many of life’s most important lessons. Folk music brings us unity, growth, and a warm spirit that continuously keeps us connected to one another.