Dark Folk

Dark Folk, also known as Gothic Folk or Death Folk, is a musical genre that combines elements of traditional folk music with dark and melancholic themes. The genre emerged in the 1960s and has since gained a cult following, particularly among fans of alternative and underground music. The origins of Dark Folk can be traced back to a handful of influential artists who popularized the incorporation of macabre imagery and introspective lyricism into folk music. One of the most prominent figures of this movement was Nick Drake, whose introspective lyrics and guitar-driven sound captured the attention of listeners in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Drake's music, which was characterized by its sparse arrangements and somber tones, would go on to inspire countless artists in the decades that followed. Another pivotal figure in the development of Dark Folk was Leonard Cohen, whose brooding lyrics and haunting melodies explored themes of love, loss, and mortality. Cohen's music, which blended elements of folk, rock, and pop, was marked by its emotional depth and poetic sensibility. In the 1980s and 1990s, a wave of Dark Folk artists emerged, drawing inspiration from the work of Drake and Cohen as well as the gothic and post-punk movements of the era. Artists like Current 93, Death in June, and Sol Invictus embraced a more theatrical approach to folk music, incorporating overlapping layers of instrumentation and chanting vocals into their compositions. During the 2000s and 2010s, Dark Folk continued to evolve, with artists experimenting with a range of sounds and styles. At the same time, the genre became more closely associated with the broader neofolk movement, which emphasized a similar fusion of folk music with darker, more ominous themes. Today, Dark Folk remains a vital and thriving genre within the alternative music scene, with a growing number of artists exploring its sonic possibilities. From the minimalist balladry of artists like Emma Ruth Rundle and Joan Shelley to the experimental soundscapes of groups like Chelsea Wolfe and King Dude, Dark Folk continues to captivate listeners with its haunting melodies and introspective lyricism.

Current 93: Led by David Tibet, Current 93 has been a staple in dark folk since the early 1980s. Their music often blends elements of neofolk, industrial, and experimental styles. Tibet's lyrics and vocals explore themes of death, religion, and spirituality. Death in June: Another early contributor to the genre, Death in June is a neofolk band led by Douglas Pearce. The band's music often incorporates martial rhythms and historical references, with a strong interest in fascist aesthetics. Sol Invictus: Founded in 1987 by Tony Wakeford, Sol Invictus is a UK-based neofolk band that has explored a variety of styles over the years, including traditional folk, rock, and experimental music. Lyrics often focus on pagan symbolism and historical events. Nature and Organisation: A solo project of David Tibet, Nature and Organisation explores the darker side of neoclassical music. The music often incorporates orchestral elements and features guest musicians. Rome: A neofolk band led by Jerome Reuter, Rome's music explores themes of war, politics, and religion. The band incorporates influences from punk, rock, and experimental music. King Dude: A newer addition to the genre, King Dude (aka TJ Cowgill) combines traditional folk instruments with electronic elements to create a unique sound. Lyrics explore themes of faith, death, and devil worship. Spleen and Ideal: Led by Richard Leviathan, Spleen and Ideal creates ethereal neofolk music. The band explores themes of mythology, fantasy, and darkness, often featuring haunting female vocals. Of the Wand & the Moon: Led by Danish musician Kim Larsen, Of the Wand & the Moon combines neofolk with elements of post-punk and darkwave. Lyrics often explore themes of love and loss. Blood Axis: A neofolk band led by Michael Moynihan, Blood Axis incorporates elements of industrial music and spoken word into their music. The band explores themes of power, violence, and religion. Faun: A German band that combines medieval and folk music with elements of rock and electronic music. They sing in both German and English and their lyrics often explore nature, fantasy, and mythology.

1. "The Tain" by The Decemberists 2. "The Mariner's Revenge Song" by The Decemberists 3. "O Death" by Ralph Stanley 4. "The Trees They Do Grow High" by Pentangle 5. "St. James Infirmary" by Cab Calloway 6. "The House Carpenter" by Alasdair Roberts 7. "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone 8. "O' Sailor" by Fiona Apple 9. "In the Pines" by Lead Belly 10. "Barbara Allen" by Shirley Collins 11. "Kathy's Song" by Simon & Garfunkel 12. "All Souls' Night" by Loreena McKennitt 13. "Gabriel's Message" by Sting 14. "Black Waterside" by Bert Jansch 15. "The Unquiet Grave" by Shirley and Dolly Collins 16. "Long Black Veil" by The Chieftains with Mick Jagger 17. "Gloomy Sunday" by Billie Holiday 18. "Dry Bones" by Delta Rhythm Boys 19. "Death Letter Blues" by Son House 20. "Seven Curses" by Bob Dylan 21. "Ommie Wise" by Dock Boggs 22. "The Parting Glass" by The Dubliners 23. "Gallows Pole" by Led Zeppelin 24. "The Ballad of Hollis Brown" by Bob Dylan 25. "Hells Bells" by AC/DC

Several books have been written that explore the concept of Dark Folk and the evolution of the genre. In his book, "American Gothic: Sixty Years of Horror Cinema," renowned American film critic Jonathan Rigby describes Dark Folk as a music genre that "exposes the darker aspects of humanity through the use of traditional Americana instruments and a mournful vocal style." Rigby's description of Dark Folk brings to light the genre's core elements and what sets it apart from other sub-genres of Folk music. In "The Pain That Shapes Your Politics: A Critical Theory of Dark Folk," author Matthew Bolton suggests that Dark Folk is a music genre that reflects much of the pain and angst felt by ordinary people who seek solace in their music. Bolton argues that Dark Folk is an overtly political genre that addresses issues such as injustice, inequality, and oppression. Notable quotes about Dark Folk also attest to its influence. Musikreviews.de describes Dark Folk as "an excellent example of music that seeks to mine the depths of human suffering and create something beautiful from it." This statement encapsulates the essence of Dark Folk and the way in which it uses sadness and melancholy to create something truly unique. Rob Hughes of The Guardian describes Dark Folk as a "movement towards elegiac protest and a reflection of societal ills." Hughes points out that Dark Folk's roots can be traced back to older strains of traditional music that represented the voice of the oppressed. This quote highlights how Dark Folk is not just an isolated musical phenomenon, but also a reflection of the world around us. One of the most influential performers in Dark Folk is Nick Drake. His music is often cited as a defining element of the genre, and his ethereal sound continues to resonate with audiences today. Folk artist Will Oldham pays tribute to Drake in his song, "A Minor Place", with the lyric "I can't help but think of Nick Drake/When I try to explain." This tribute is an acknowledgement of Drake's lasting impact on the genre. Dark Folk has also influenced other genres, like indie music. In an interview with The A.V. Club, indie artist Bonnie "Prince" Billy describes how he uses elements of Dark Folk in his music, stating that "It just seems like some traditional styles lend themselves to this sound, and Folk music is one of them." Billy's music incorporates the unique elements of Dark Folk and merges them with a distinctly indie sensibility.

Socially, the mid-2000s were marked by a growing dissonance among individuals. A lot of people were grappling with feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and depression, which led to a rising interest in alternative, introspective music. The music scene was flooded with emo, goth, and darkwave bands, which catered to the emotional sensitivities of young people. These bands found an eager audience among folks who were looking for a sense of belonging and authenticity. Dark Folk, with its haunting soundscapes and emotionally raw lyrics, appealed to this audience and provided an outlet for their feelings of loneliness, melancholy, and existential angst. Culturally, Dark Folk was a response to the increasing homogenization of popular culture. Traditional genres like rock, pop, and hip hop had become too commercialized and formulaic, leaving little room for experimentation and creativity. In contrast, Dark Folk drew inspiration from traditional folk music, with its emphasis on storytelling and authenticity. This genre aimed to preserve the spirit of folk music while incorporating modern elements from other genres like post-punk, ambient, and experimental music. As a result, Dark Folk became a way for artists to distinguish themselves from the mainstream and create a distinctive identity in the music industry. Technologically, the advent of the internet played a vital role in the rise of Dark Folk. The internet allowed artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers like record labels and establish their presence on social media and online platforms. This gave them more autonomy and control over their artistic output, allowing them to create music that truly resonated with their audience. Moreover, the internet also facilitated the spread of Dark Folk across the world, connecting fans and artists from different regions and nationalities. Notable record labels played a crucial role in shaping the sound and identity of Dark Folk. Some of the notable labels include World Serpent, which released seminal albums by artists like Current 93, Death in June, and Sol Invictus. Equally essential was the Cold Meat Industry record label, which was responsible for releasing music by artists such as Rome, Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio, and Arcana. The involvement of these labels helped legitimize Dark Folk as a distinct genre and made it more accessible to a broader audience. The role of journalists in the rise of Dark Folk cannot be overstated. Writers like Simon Reynolds, David Keenan, and Ned Raggett championed the genre and introduced it to a wider audience. Their critical essays and reviews gave artists the recognition they needed to establish themselves within the music industry and build a dedicated fanbase.