A friend of mine recently sent me a message on Farcebook asking my thoughts on “folk/roots” bands…
I’m by no means an expert on the subject, but it certainly got me thinking about how music has to be pigeon-holed to even be considered.
Anyway, here’s how it went.
Michael
Hoppy new year to you and your family. It is now the year of the rabbits and Blues Fest is about the start.
What are you thoughts on an awesome list of folk/roots bands given most are on independent labels and people have their secret passion which isn’t heard frequently? So much good stuff doesn’t get seen or heard due to not being in a particular place or time.
Henry
As a genre I find folk/roots to be very broad. I actually think the genre itself was born out of the need to pigeon-hole groups.
Once upon a time Mumford & Sons would’ve been considered “folk” music, yet now you’ll find them in alternative, popular and/or rock sections in the record store. Also, if you speak to a folk enthusiast they’ll vehemently deny M & S of being folk.
One could also even consider Sepultura to be a “roots” band (although definitely not folk) because their music is all about Brazil and it’s heritage. In the same manner Ladysmith Black Mambazo are roots.
I guess it also depends whether you’re talking Australian bands or abroad acts included. Again, with my interpretation of “roots” to be that of the national heritage and it’s ancestors, I would almost consider colonial music to be as rooted as Aboriginal music (as such).
If you want to hear decent folk/roots music 3PBS is the place to hear it. “What The Folk,” is on Thursdays from 9-11am. If I remember rightly, you live in Sydney now? You can stream it on the net if you want to hear ‘real’ folk music. I also like what Susi has to say about folk as a genre.
So anyway, what kind of thoughts of mine are you after?
Your words and link do certainly reveal my level of naivety in this area. Folk certainly doesnt apply to my question. More roots from the australian perspective perhaps, but even then, I agree with you on the definition after reading you awesome response re aboriginal music.
Bands like Dave Matthews Band, the Fumes, Ash Grunwald, JBT were forming my initial idea, but the more I think of this the more it seems alternative.
Thanks heaps Henry, your gold in this is amazing.
I will certainly try and tune in this Thursday evening
