Folktronica

Folktronica, also known as electro-folk or folktronic, is a relatively new yet rapidly evolving musical genre that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a hybrid genre that blends elements of folk music with electronic and experimental sounds, creating a unique and unconventional sound that has captivated listeners around the world. The history of folktronica can be traced back to the early 2000s, when musicians began to experiment with blending traditional folk instruments such as guitars, banjos, and fiddles with electronic instruments. The genre gained momentum in 2005 when the British band Tunng released their debut album "Mother's Daughter and Other Songs," which incorporated electronic beats, synthesizers, and samples alongside traditional folk instruments. Tunng's success paved the way for other folktronica artists, such as Manitoba (now known as Caribou), Four Tet, and Animal Collective. These artists continued to experiment with the fusion of folk and electronic music, sometimes also incorporating elements of psychedelic rock or world music into their sound. By the late 2000s, folktronica had become a full-fledged genre, with its own dedicated fan base and numerous artists exploring its possibilities. The genre continued to evolve, with musicians experimenting with new sounds and incorporating elements from other genres such as hip-hop and R&B. One notable example of this evolution is the Swedish band Little Dragon, which emerged in the late 2000s and incorporated elements of electronic music, R&B, and soul into their folk-inspired sound. The band's unique approach to folktronica has made them a popular act on the international music scene. Another significant development in the history of folktronica is the rise of female artists in the genre. Artists such as Joanna Newsom, El Perro Del Mar, and St. Vincent have all brought their own unique perspective and style to the genre, adding a new level of creativity and diversity to the folktronica sound. Today, folktronica is a thriving and diverse genre that brings together traditional folk instruments and electronic music to create a sound that is both innovative and accessible. Artists such as Bon Iver, James Blake, and Sufjan Stevens continue to push the boundaries of the genre, expanding its possibilities and experimenting with new ways to blend electronic and acoustic sounds.

The Books - Formed in New York City in the early 2000s, The Books are a collaboration between guitarist/singer Nick Zammuto and cellist Paul de Jong. They merge found sounds and samples with acoustic instrumentation such as cello, guitar, and banjo. Their unique sound is characterized by complex rhythmic patterns and playful arrangements. Tunng - This English band formed in 2003 and has released six full-length albums. Their music features electronic beats, folky instrumentation, and close harmonies. They often incorporate field recordings and found sounds into their music to create a unique atmosphere. Beth Orton - An English singer-songwriter, Beth Orton has released six albums since her debut in 1993. Her music blends acoustic folk with electronic elements, often incorporating synthesizers, drum machines, and samples. Her music is known for its introspective lyrics and haunting melodies. James Blake - Though often classified as electronic or indie, James Blake also incorporates folk elements in his music. His haunting and soulful voice often sits atop sparse piano or guitar backgrounds, accompanied by electronic beats, samples, and soundscapes. Four Tet - This electronic artist from England has released over ten full-length albums since his debut in the late 1990s. Though he is known for his experimental electronic music, his early work also featured acoustic instrumentation and folk influences. He often incorporates field recordings and found sounds into his music. Panda Bear - A founding member of the experimental pop group Animal Collective, Panda Bear has also released several solo albums. His music incorporates folk and electronic elements, layering samples and acoustic instrumentation over electronic beats and soundscapes. Caribou - A Canadian musician, Caribou blends electronic, folk and pop elements in his music. His music often features complex rhythms, organic instrumentation, and found sounds that are combined with electronic beats and samples. The Postal Service - This American band was a collaboration between electronic musician Jimmy Tamborello and singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie. Their music fuses electronic music with indie and folk elements, creating a unique sound that was highly influential in the early 2000s. Bon Iver - This American band, led by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, is known for their soulful and introspective lyrics, layered harmonies, and unique instrumentation. Their music blends acoustic folk with electronic elements, often featuring autotuned vocals and manipulated acoustic sounds. Sufjan Stevens - An American singer-songwriter, Sufjan Stevens' music is known for its intricate arrangements and emotive lyrics. Though he is often classified as folk or indie, his music often features electronic elements and soundscapes. He is known for his distinctive voice, intricate guitar work, and use of various folk instruments.

1. Bonobo - Black Sands 2. Caribou - Swim 3. Four Tet - Rounds 4. Boards of Canada - Music Has The Right To Children 5. The Postal Service - Give Up 6. Tunng - Comments Of The Inner Chorus 7. The Notwist - Neon Golden 8. Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue 9. Cornelius - Point 10. Aphex Twin - Windowlicker 11. Plaid - Double Figure 12. Ulrich Schnauss - A Strangely Isolated Place 13. Lali Puna - I Thought I Was Over That 14. Manitoba - Up In Flames 15. Múm - Finally We Are No One 16. The Books - The Lemon Of Pink 17. Mouse On Mars - Glam 18. The Radio Dept. - Pet Grief 19. Gold Panda - Lucky Shiner 20. Animal Collective - Feels 21. DJ Shadow - The Private Press 22. The Beta Band - The 3 EPs 23. James Holden - The Idiots Are Winning 24. Nathan Fake - Drowning In A Sea Of Love 25. Battles - Mirrored

One of the earliest written works on Folktronica is a 2002 article published by The Guardian, titled "The Folktronica Revolution." Author Ben Beaumont-Thomas introduced the term while discussing the album "Is a Woman" by Lambchop, noting its use of "acoustic instruments in an electronic context." He wrote, "Folktronica encompasses the ways in which music-making has become increasingly democratic: from powerful computers that allow for endless experimentation to the democratization of music production via MP3 sharing and internet file-swap sites." Similarly, in his book "The Wire Primers: A Guide To Modern Music," Rob Young credits Lambchop as pioneers of the genre, describing Folktronica as "a hybrid micro-genre of electro-acoustic music, which embraces both the avant-garde and the traditional, and promises a brave new world of organic sound manipulation." He also mentions artists such as Four Tet and Tunng as prominent names in Folktronica. In 2011, The Quietus published an article titled "Why I Hate Folktronica" by John Tatlock, stating, "Folktronica is a meaningless portmanteau, a toothless musical misnomer that smacks of the kind of lazy marketing designed to trap beardy indie boys in Sheffield." He criticized the genre as representing nothing new or innovative, arguing that "no one's ever managed to make folktronica and infuse it with any real passion or vitality." On the other hand, writer Laura Snapes praised the genre in an article for Pitchfork titled "Here's Your Genre: Folktronica," describing it as "music that sounds like it has grown out of the soil, been soaked in the streams, and pulsed with the energy of electronics." She mentions artists like Beth Orton, The Books, and James Blake, praising their ability to blend the organic and synthetic elements of music. In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Sam Shepherd (aka Floating Points) talked about his use of traditional instruments in his music, stating, "I was always frustrated when I made music just on a laptop. I wanted to have that immediacy of playing an instrument." He went on to describe Folktronica as a "natural collaboration" between electronic and folk musicians. Many other musicians have also commented on the genre, with opinions varying from praise to dismissal. Singer-songwriter Beth Orton, whose music is often categorized as Folktronica, spoke about the term in an interview with The Telegraph, saying, "It can be so reductive - 'folktronica' - for me, it's about exploring the possibilities - it's not about labelling."

The social context of this genre played a vital role in its emergence. Folktronica emerged at a time when electronic music, especially in Europe, was gaining popularity. The emergence of electronic music was mainly due to the growth of technology, which allowed for the production of electronic music and the dissemination of music through the internet. Also, this was a period when the internet was gaining popularity, and musicians could easily connect with their fan base. Culturally, folk music and electronic music were seen as two different genres that could not coexist. Folk music was associated with traditions, culture, and heritage, while electronic music was considered modern, rebellious, and futuristic. However, the fusion of the two genres brought about a new narrative, where the traditional and the contemporary could coexist. Folktronica is a reflection of cultural change, where traditional genres can evolve and adapt to modern times. Technologically, the genre emerged from the availability of music-making software and electronic instruments, which allowed for experimentation and the creation of new sounds. The development of digital audio workstations allowed musicians to produce music from their laptops and home studios. This led to the emergence of new artists who were not signed to major record labels but could produce and distribute their music through online platforms. Notable record labels that played a significant role in promoting and distributing Folktronica include Domino Records, Warp Records, Bella Union, and Rough Trade Records. These record companies brought Folktronica to the mainstream by supporting emerging artists and promoting their music to a wider audience. The music press also played a critical role in promoting the genre, with journalists from music magazines such as NME, The Wire, and Mojo featuring Folktronica acts. Notable figures in the genre include British musician Four Tet, who is considered one of the pioneers of the genre. His album 'Rounds' released in 2003, is regarded as one of the best Folktronica albums of all time. Other notable figures include Múm, Animal Collective, and The Postal Service, who combined folk elements with electronic music to create unique sounds.