Indie Folk, a sub-genre that spawned from the popular folk music genre, including components such as acoustic musical arrangements, simple but powerful melodies and raw lyrics.
Instruments are added into these compositions, such as the clarinet, accordion, banjo or electric guitar, and are layered together to evoke intense emotions and provoke deep thought in listeners.
Indie folk’s rise to popularity
The genre became popular in the mid-2000s when musicians began to blend components of rock and pop, with the light-hearted beats of folk.
Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Radiohead often inspired artists who experimented with the genre. Sufjan Stevens, Fleet Foxes, The Decemberists and Iron & Wine are often credited with being the first popular musicians in this genre.
New creators have entered the scene such as Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, Phoebe Bridgers, Hozier, Bon Iver and Lord Huron. These artists continue to blend banjo bluegrass, upbeat country, slow alternative and classic folk for a unique result.
Fleet Foxes’ 2008 debut album, “Fleet Foxes,” was a hit and a true introduction to the indie-folk genre. The album was recorded in Seattle, one of the many West Coast cities that are often credited with being the birthplace of indie folk.
Each song’s intricate structure and unconventional harmonies result from rigorous editing and artistry. “White Winter Hymnal,” a huge hit for Fleet Foxes, starts with the sweet blend of the band’s voices accompanied by a tambourine.
Covers of this song have been redone by many artists, including the popular acapella group Pentatonix, who use their hands beating on their chest for the captivating beat.
Indie folk in the 2010’s and now
In 2014, Hozier released his debut album, “Hozier,” produced by Rob Kirwan in collaboration with Rubyworks Records. “Take Me to Church” was Hozier’s breakthrough, which he wrote in the attic of his parents’ home as a struggling composer.
This song describes a romantic yet pained relationship between two men and how they are affected by religious discrimination. The song received worldwide applause and recognition, placing top 20 on the Hot Rock Songs chart for 21 weeks.
Lord Huron released their second album, “Strange Trails,” in 2015. This album was said to appeal to fans of Fleet Foxes and the indie folk genre with its enchanting lyricism and haunting instrumentation.
Recently, listeners might remember when the song “The Night We Met” blew up on TikTok. Lord Huron gained another round of applause five years later for their album after this sudden spike in listeners.
“The Night We Met” tells the story of longing for a lost lover that was met long ago, even if the memories seem like they are from yesterday. Some additional moving songs from this anthology are “Meet Me in the Woods,” “Fool for Love,” “La Belle Fleur Sauvage” and “Frozen Pines.”
2016 brought the release of “Cleopatra,” The Lumineers’ second album. Produced by Simone Felice, the album contains the hit song “Ophelia,” which is about having a brush with fame and the consequences that ensue when one is captivated by it.
The song “Ophelia” is said to be named after Sheakpeare’s “Hamlet,” due to the brief love affair between the two. Wesley Schultz, the lead singer of the band, said the name was actually coined because it fit the melody of the piece. Some popular songs on this record include “Sleep On The Floor,” “Cleopatra” and “Angela.”
Phoebe Bridgers, a well known indie artist, released “Punisher” in 2020. The album was recorded in Los Angeles and featured percussionist Jim Keltner, who worked with legend Bob Dylan.
The album features musical techniques such as voice fades, double tracking as well as instrumental sounds of the synth, groaning strings and ascending and descending guitar.
One deeply sad but popular song from this vinyl is “I Know The End,” which discusses mental health and how to confront it. Bridgers is also well known for the song “Kyoto,” which is a light-hearted tune highlighting the sights in the historic Japanese city. Some other notable ballads include “Chinese Satellite,” “Moon Song” and “Graceland Too.”
Indie folk, although relatively new to the modern music scene, provides a cozy interlude that is perfect for listening to in the colder months.
Indie folk’s soothing melodies, vividly emotional lyrics and traditional American folk undertones make it the perfect genre to dive into as the nights get longer.
This article was edited by Jessica Ackerman, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks, Emma Brown and Charlie Mennuti.
