In the last year, I have become a huge fan of folk music, but since leaning into this music, I have realized just how much it seems to be dying with our generation. And honestly, more people should be paying attention to it.
At its core, folk music is rooted in Americana traditions, but what really makes it stand out is how real it feels. The themes in folk songs like love, heartbreak, growing up, loss, politics, and identity are the same things people have been dealing with forever. That’s why a folk song can hit just as hard today as it did 20, 50, or even 100 years ago. It’s not trying to be trendy; it’s just telling the truth.
Another big reason people gravitate toward folk is how simple it is. There’s no overproduction or distractions, usually just a voice and a guitar. That simplicity makes everything feel more personal, like someone is telling you a story instead of performing for you.
And in a world where everything is fast and polished, that feels refreshing.
Folk music is like a living time capsule. It’s always been a way for people to pass down stories, traditions, and perspectives. Even now, newer artists are continuing that, just in their own voice.
A lot of people are already listening to folk without even realizing it. Artists like Noah Kahan and Lizzy McAlpine have brought folk-inspired music into the mainstream. If you’ve had them on your playlists, you’re already in the door of folk.
If you want to go a little deeper, there are so many artists worth checking out. Jake Minch has a raw, emotional vibe that sticks with you, while Conall Cafferty leans into storytelling in a really authentic way.
Fleet Foxes bring a fuller, almost dreamy sound if you want something a little bigger. And artists like Emma Andersen, Andrew Lucier, Annie O’Malley, and Abby Powledge are all adding their own spin to the genre.
–May 15, 2026–
