Folk Revivalism in the 21st Century
In the early years of the 2010s, a quiet but powerful revolution was taking place in the music world. Folk music, with its roots deeply embedded in storytelling and acoustic simplicity, experienced a revival that resonated with a new generation of listeners. In this blog revival, we'll journey through the folk revival of 2010 and explore the artists who defined it, as well as glimpse into the ongoing resurgence that continues to shape the musical landscape.
The Folk Revival of the 2010’s: A Quiet Roar
At the dawn of the decade, there was a palpable shift in the air. A longing for authenticity and a return to the raw, unfiltered essence of music led to the folk revival of 2010. This resurgence saw a blending of traditional folk elements with contemporary influences, giving birth to a sound that felt both timeless and fresh.
Artists Who Defined the Era:
Mumford & Sons: Hailing from London, Mumford & Sons catapulted to the forefront of the folk revival with their debut album, "Sigh No More" (2009). Songs like "Little Lion Man" and "The Cave" showcased their foot-stomping, anthemic style, earning them widespread acclaim.
The Lumineers: The Lumineers, based in Denver, brought a rustic charm to the folk revival with their self-titled debut album in 2012. "Ho Hey" became an anthem of the era, and the band's blend of Americana and indie-folk resonated with audiences worldwide.
Of Monsters and Men: Hailing from Iceland, Of Monsters and Men gained international acclaim with their debut album, "My Head Is an Animal" (2011). Tracks like "Little Talks" enchanted listeners with their whimsical yet introspective storytelling.
Bon Iver: Justin Vernon, the mastermind behind Bon Iver, garnered attention with the haunting beauty of "For Emma, Forever Ago" (2007), but his influence continued to shape the folk revival with subsequent albums like "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" (2011).
The Head and the Heart: Formed in Seattle, The Head and the Heart captured hearts with their eponymous debut album in 2011. Their harmonies and emotive songwriting, as heard in tracks like "Rivers and Roads," contributed to the folk revival's narrative.
The Evolution Continues: Today's Folk Revival
In the late 2010’s, the folk revival was replaced by other dominant styles: trap music, dark pop, edm drops. As our technology became more complex, our desire for a more electrified sound increased. However, we seem to, once again, be turning our ear toward the analog. In the past few years, the mainstream has welcomed a new set of folk revivalists.
Artists Paving the Way Today:
Jade Bird: British singer-songwriter Jade Bird gained attention for her self-titled debut album in 2019, but her influence has continued to grow in the subsequent years. Known for her powerful vocals and a blend of folk, country, and rock influences, she might be considered among the emerging talents in folk.
Adrienne Lenker (Solo): While Adrienne Lenker has been active with Big Thief, her solo work has received acclaim in recent years. Her albums "songs" (2020) and "instrumentals" (2020) showcase her raw and intimate approach to folk music.
Noah Kahan: With his Vermont roots and soulful voice, emerged into the folk-pop scene with the breakout single "Hurt Somebody" in 2017. Since then, he has continued to grow and gain national acclaim through songs like ‘Stick Season” which recalls the folk revivalist production of the early 2010’s.
The folk revival of 2010 served as a reminder that, in an era dominated by digital sounds and electronic beats, the timeless simplicity of acoustic storytelling still holds immense power. As folk revivalism reemerges again in the present day, the folk revival is not just a nostalgic glance backward; it's a living, breathing movement that evolves with each strum of the guitar and every heartfelt lyric. The echoes of Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and their folk brethren are still heard in the music of today's troubadours, weaving a musical tapestry that connects generations and transcends time.
