A deep dive on folk

Chloe Rawlinson 

Local music journalist 

In my time here at KTSW, I’ve learned that while we play folk music on our station, it isn’t a very well covered genre on our blog. As a folk lover myself, I figured that it would be a good time to change that, giving you some good context for the genre, as well as new fantastic music to dive into. 

In its most basic form, folk music was born from oral tradition, passing on stories through songs and acoustic instruments. While it’s come a very long way since then, the traditional acoustic sound has gripped the genre for centuries.  

More recently than literal centuries ago, folk music started gaining more rapid popularity around the 1960s with artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, John Denver, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Texas legend Willie Nelson. During the 1960s, artists used their music to make political statements, calling for peace and equality, which produced some of the most iconic songs of the era. The genre, usually also influenced by then newly growing rock and roll, became the sound of the sixties.  

Music has always been an incredibly powerful tool in uniting the masses and with folk’s common-man sound, it truly spoke to generations, explaining why the genre has continued to the modern day without much change. 

When it comes to folk music today, especially around San Marcos, most people probably imagine the plethora of sighs when Mumford and Sons is revealed to be headlining ACL for the umpteenth time. While Mumford and Sons is an example of more modern folk, there are SO many more artists to listen to. 

I’ve been listening to Gregory Alan Isakov for almost a decade at this point. His 2013 album The Weatherman has had me in a chokehold for the greater part of my life. He has an absolutely beautiful voice, and his music really hails from more traditional folk. The composition of his music blows me away, especially in tracks like, “Amsterdam.” Overall, he’s a great artist. Luckily, he’s playing at ACL this year; weekend two only! I couldn’t recommend his music more. Even if you just happen to stroll by his set at ACL, give him some of your time.

On another note, Mon Rovîa is an up and coming folk artist, having released a couple new songs this year including the very popular “crooked the road.” His music follows the same vein of Isakov, staying acoustic with introspective lyrics and mellow vocals. Funnily enough, I found him on Tik Tok not too long ago, really enjoying a clip of a song he released last year. Mon Rovîa will be going on tour later this year, stopping in Austin this October.   

Like so many people nowadays, I’m also a loud and proud Adrianne Lenker fan. “Wait, I thought her music was indie?” You’re also right, but she’s another great example of modern folk. Her album Songs is life changing, and so is her newest full album Bright Future. If you haven’t taken the time to dive into Lenker’s discography, this is your sign. Do it.  

If you’re interested in listening to more folk, here’s a playlist with some of my favorites! 

Click Here for Folk Playlist