Folk songs are a genre of music that has its own characteristics. Folk songs usually tell stories about everyday life, personal experiences, or historical events that have an influence on society. Folk songs also often use acoustic musical instruments, such as guitar, violin, or harmonica, which gives a simple and warm impression. What is the history of folk songs?
History of Folk Songs
Folk songs are a type of music that originates from the oral traditions of rural communities in various parts of the world. Folk songs usually contain elements of stories, legends, history, culture, religion, or daily life from a group or region. Folk songs also often use traditional musical instruments such as acoustic guitar, violin, harmonica, banjo, or mandolin.
The history of folk songs cannot be separated from the history of human civilization. Since prehistoric times, humans have used singing as a way to communicate, express and entertain themselves. These songs then developed into songs that were passed down from generation to generation. These songs are also influenced by various factors such as social, political, economic, cultural or environmental changes.
One example of a famous folk song is "This Land Is Your Land" which was created by Woody Guthrie in 1940. This song was a protest against social and economic inequality in the United States at that time. This song is also a symbol of patriotism and national unity. This song has been sung by many famous musicians such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger, and others.
Important role
Folk songs also play an important role in social and political movements around the world. For example, folk songs became a medium for voicing aspirations and criticism of authoritarian regimes in Latin America in the 1960s and 1970s. Some of the folk song figures involved in this movement were Victor Jara, Violeta Parra, Mercedes Sosa, and Atahualpa Yupanqui.
Folk songs also experience development and variation along with the times. Several modern music genres such as rock, pop, country, blues, jazz, or hip hop are also influenced by elements of folk songs. Some musicians who combined folk songs with other musical genres were Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Tracy Chapman, and many more.
Characteristics of Folk Songs
Folk songs are a genre of music that has its own characteristics. Here are some characteristics of folk songs that differentiate them from other music genres:
It usually comes from folk oral traditions, which are passed down from generation to generation
Folk songs often contain stories, messages, or cultural values related to people's daily lives.
Generally using acoustic musical instruments, such as guitar, violin, harmonica, or banjo
This musical instrument was chosen because it is easy to carry and play anywhere, without the need for electronic equipment. Folk songs also tend to have simple and not too complicated musical arrangements.
Folk songs have a natural and expressive vocal style
Folk singers usually sing songs with their original voices, without using effects or voice modifications. Folk singers also often convey their emotions or feelings through songs, be they sad, happy, angry or ironic.
Folk songs are often social and critical
Many folk songs raise issues related to society, such as politics, the environment, human rights, or war. Folk songs also often voice people's aspirations or protests against social conditions that are unfair or do not meet their expectations.
Folk Song Subgenres
Folk songs have many variations and subgenres, depending on regional origin, culture, or other musical influences. Some subgenres of folk songs are:
Folk rock
A combination of folk music with rock elements, such as the use of drums, bass and electric guitar. This subgenre emerged in the 1960s in the United States and England as a form of protest against the Vietnam war and social discontent. Examples of folk rock musicians are Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Lumineers. Examples of folk rock songs are "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan, "Mr. Tambourine Man" by The Byrds, and "Ho Hey" by The Lumineers.
Indie folk
A combination of folk music with indie elements, such as the use of unconventional instruments, experimentation with sound or harmony, and a freer and more independent musical style. This subgenre emerged in the 2000s in the United States and Canada as part of the indie movement that rejected the mainstream music industry. Examples of indie folk musicians are Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Iron & Wine, and Of Monsters and Men. Examples of indie folk songs are "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver, "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens, and "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men.
Folk pop
A combination of folk music with pop elements, such as the use of catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and more modern and commercial production. This subgenre emerged in the 2010s in various countries as a form of adapting folk music to wider market tastes. Examples of folk pop musicians are Ed Sheeran, Passenger, Vance Joy, and Jason Mraz. Examples of folk pop songs are "The A Team" by Ed Sheeran, "Let Her Go" by Passenger, and "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz.
Folk metal
A combination of folk music with metal elements, such as the use of distortion, heavy riffs, and loud or growling vocals. This subgenre emerged in the 1990s in Europe as a form of exploration of metal music with elements of local culture or history. Examples of folk metal musicians are Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Eluveitie, and Ensiferum. Examples of folk metal songs are "Trollhammaren" by Finntroll, "Vodka" by Korpiklaani, and "Inis Mona" by Eluveitie.
Psychedelic folk
A combination of folk music with psychedelic elements, such as the use of strange sound effects, absurd or mystical lyrics, and hallucinatory or exotic atmospheres. This subgenre emerged in the 1960s in the United States and England as part of a countercultural movement seeking spiritual or alternative experiences. Examples of psychedelic folk musicians are Donovan, Incredible String Band, Syd Barrett, and Devendra Banhart. Examples of psychedelic folk songs are "Hurdy Gurdy Man" by Donovan, "A Very Cellular Song" by the Incredible String Band, and "Baby Lemonade" by Syd Barrett.
Folk songs are an interesting and diverse musical genre. Folk songs can give us insight into the culture, history and values of people in various parts of the world. Folk songs can also inspire us to create meaningful works of art and have a positive impact on the surrounding environment.
