Contemporary British Folk

Contemporary British Folk

• Contemporary British Folk is a genre of music that has evolved and changed over time. It incorporates traditional elements of folk music but also takes influence from other popular music styles.

• Key performers such as Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling have made substantial contributions to the genre.

• Instrumentation in Contemporary British Folk usually includes traditional acoustic instruments such as guitar, violin/fiddle, and sometimes more unconventional instruments like the banjo or mandolin. However, unlike Traditional Folk, Contemporary Folk often includes drums and electric guitars.

• The lyrics in this genre often tell stories or provide commentary on social or political issues, aligning it with the folk tradition.

• It is important to note the use of harmony and melody in this genre. There will usually be a clear melody line, and vocal harmonies are common. The harmony is often diatonic.

• Contemporary British Folk maintains some elements of traditional folk music, such as the use of repeated musical themes and a focus on storytelling, but it also incorporates elements of rock and pop music.

• It is common for songs to use a verse-chorus structure, although other structures can also be used.

Key Aspects to Remember:

• Instrumentation: Look out for the use of traditional instruments, but also note when electronic or unconventional instruments are included.

• Lyrics and Themes: Pay attention to the topics of the songs. Stories, social issues, and political commentary are all common themes.

• Melody and Harmony: Listen for clear melody lines and vocal harmonies.

• Traditional Elements vs. Modern Influences: Note how the song has elements of traditional folk but also incorporates aspects of contemporary music genres.

• Song Structure: Be aware of the way the song is organised - common forms include verse-chorus structures.

Please use this guide as a starting point for understanding Contemporary British Folk. It’s also important to listen to lots of examples of the genre to develop an understanding of the unique characteristics and nuances that it has.