Freak Folk

Freak Folk is a subgenre of folk music that emerged in the 21st century. It is characterized by a psychedelic and experimental approach to music, incorporating elements of folk, psychedelic rock, and avant-garde. Freak Folk artists are known for their unorthodox song structures, unusual instrumentation and vocal stylings. The origins of Freak Folk can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s, during the heyday of the psychedelic rock movement. Bands like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, and The Doors incorporated elements of Indian classical music, folk music, and experimental noise into their songs. These bands inspired a new generation of musicians who shared a similar experimental spirit. One of the earliest precursors to Freak Folk was the British folk revival of the 1960s, which blended traditional folk music with modern instrumentation and experimental arrangements. Artists like Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, and Davy Graham were influential in this movement. Jansch and Renbourn later formed the band Pentangle, which blended traditional folk music with jazz, blues, and rock elements. In the 1990s, a new wave of psychedelic folk emerged, with artists like Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, and Espers incorporating elements of traditional folk, psych rock, and avant-garde into their music. These artists were associated with the so-called "New Weird America" movement, which sought to create a new, experimental form of folk music for the modern age. Freak Folk reached its peak in the mid-2000s, with bands like Animal Collective, Akron/Family, and Grizzly Bear incorporating elements of folk, psychedelic, and experimental music into their sound. Animal Collective's album Sung Tongs is often cited as a key influence on the Freak Folk movement. Freak Folk was characterized by a DIY, anti-commercial ethos, with many artists self-releasing their music on small labels or through DIY networks. Many Freak Folk artists were associated with the Brooklyn-based label and arts collective, The Social Registry, which released albums by bands like Gang Gang Dance, Psychic Ills, and Growing. Freak Folk has had a lasting impact on contemporary music, with many artists drawing inspiration from its experimental approach to folk music. Recent acts like Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty, and Cass McCombs have incorporated elements of Freak Folk into their music, while still retaining a traditional folk sound.

Joanna Newsom: Known for her intricate harp playing and distinctive vocal style, Newsom's music is a blend of folk, indie and avant-garde. Her 2004 debut album "The Milk-Eyed Mender" was highly acclaimed, and she has since released several more critically acclaimed albums. Devendra Banhart: With his unique blend of avant-garde folk and bedroom pop, Banhart has become a leading figure in the freak folk movement. His music has been compared to greats like Bob Dylan and Marc Bolan, but with a whimsical twist that is all his own. Fleet Foxes: This Seattle-based band burst onto the scene in 2008 with their self-titled debut album, which blended intricate vocal harmonies with classic folk instrumentation and psychedelic flourishes. Their subsequent albums have continued to build on this sound, earning them a devoted following. Vashti Bunyan: One of the pioneers of the freak folk movement, Bunyan's debut album "Just Another Diamond Day" was released in 1970 to critical acclaim but little commercial success. In recent years, her music has been rediscovered by a new generation of listeners and her influence on modern folk music is undeniable. Espers: This Philadelphia-based band draws on a wide range of influences, from traditional folk music to 60s psychedelia to medieval choral music. Their music is often haunting and ethereal, with intricate arrangements and layered textures. Animal Collective: Although not strictly a folk band, Animal Collective's music has been heavily influenced by the freak folk movement. On albums like "Feels" and "Merriweather Post Pavilion," they combine vibrant, layered instrumentation with abstract lyrics and unconventional song structures. Grizzly Bear: This Brooklyn-based band has been a key player in the indie folk revival of the 2000s. Their music is marked by intricate harmonies, lush arrangements, and experimental song structures that often subvert traditional folk tropes. CocoRosie: Comprised of sisters Bianca and Sierra Cassady, CocoRosie's music is a blend of folk, hip-hop, and experimental pop. Their lyrics often deal with themes of childhood trauma and mental illness, and their music is marked by lush instrumentation and haunting vocal harmonies. AkronFamily: This experimental folk band's music draws on a wide range of influences, from classic rock to avant-garde jazz to world music. Their sound is marked by intricate vocal harmonies, unconventional instrumentation, and a willingness to experiment with song structure and form. Sufjan Stevens: Although best known for his sprawling concept albums and lush orchestrations, Stevens' early music drew heavily on traditional folk and indie rock. On albums like "Michigan" and "Illinoise," he combined introspective lyrics with intricate instrumentation and lush harmonies.

1. The Moldy Peaches - The Moldy Peaches 2. Devendra Banhart - Rejoicing in the Hands 3. Joanna Newsom - The Milk-Eyed Mender 4. Animal Collective - Sung Tongs 5. Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days 6. Vashti Bunyan - Just Another Diamond Day 7. CocoRosie - La Maison de Mon Rêve 8. Sufjan Stevens - Seven Swans 9. Akron/Family - Akron/Family 10. Vetiver - Vetiver 11. Six Organs of Admittance - School of the Flower 12. Diane Cluck - Oh Vanille / ova nil 13. Brightblack Morning Light - Brightblack Morning Light 14. Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice - Blood Oaths of the New Blues 15. Grizzly Bear - Yellow House 16. Meg Baird - Dear Companion 17. Espers - Espers II 18. Antony and the Johnsons - I Am a Bird Now 19. The Unthanks - Here's the Tender Coming 20. The Incredible String Band - The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter 21. The Holy Modal Rounders - The Holy Modal Rounders 22. Linda Perhacs - Parallelograms 23. Alasdair Roberts - Farewell Sorrow 24. Grouper - Ruins 25. Jolie Holland - Springtime Can Kill You

In his book Electric Eden: Unearthing Britain's Visionary Music, writer and musician Rob Young devotes a chapter to what he calls the "new Weird Britain," a movement that includes a number of Freak Folk artists. Young describes this scene as a reaction to the "cool Britannia" era of the 90s, which he sees as a shallow, commercialized version of British culture. According to Young, artists like Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom represent a return to a more authentic, idiosyncratic form of folk music, drawing on the tradition of British eccentrics like Syd Barrett and Robert Wyatt. Other writers have emphasized the relationship between Freak Folk and the broader countercultural movements of the 1960s. In her book Hippie Chick: A Tale of Love, Devotion & Surrender, journalist Jayne Fenton Keane argues that the Freak Folk revival is part of a larger "spiritual reawakening" that has been taking place since the turn of the millennium. Keane sees this movement as a response to the "deadly conformity" of modern society, and praises the music of Banhart, Newsom, and others for its ability to inspire "introspection, empathy, and compassion." Not everyone is convinced that Freak Folk is a meaningful or useful category, however. In a 2005 review of Devendra Banhart's album Cripple Crow, critic Sasha Frere-Jones wrote that "Freak Folk isn't a movement, it's a name that journalists can use to group together a bunch of artists who don't fit easily into any other category." Frere-Jones goes on to describe the album as "an assemblage of singer-songwriter styles" with no clear sense of direction or purpose. Despite these criticisms, Freak Folk has continued to attract a dedicated following of fans and musicians. In a recent interview with The Guardian, singer-songwriter Emma Tricca spoke about the appeal of the genre: "Freak Folk is a space where you can be yourself, and where there's a lot of experimentation and improvisation. It's a community of people who are curious and open-minded, and who want to explore different ways of making music."

At its core, Freak Folk is a reaction to the commercial and mainstream music industry. Many artists who became associated with the genre were disillusioned with the music industry and disillusioned by the dominance of mainstream music acts. Freak Folk emerged as a way for these artists to create an independent musical community that could challenge the dominant commercial music industry. Freak Folk also reflects cultural changes that were taking place during this period. It emerged at a time when individuals were becoming increasingly interested in exploring alternative lifestyles and experiences. Many artists associated with the genre were part of a counterculture movement that sought to challenge social norms and expectations. Technological advances also played a significant role in the emergence of Freak Folk. The widespread adoption of home recording equipment and electronic instruments meant that musicians could experiment with a range of sounds and styles without the constraints of traditional recording studios and record labels. This facilitated the creation of a vibrant alternative music scene that was characterized by experimentation and innovation. One of the key figures in the emergence of Freak Folk was Devendra Banhart. Banhart was one of the first artists to be associated with the genre and is widely regarded as one of its leading protagonists. His early recordings were characterized by their unusual musical structures and poetic lyrics, and they helped to establish a new musical aesthetic that would go on to inspire a whole generation of artists. Another important figure in the development of Freak Folk is Joanna Newsom. Newsom is an accomplished musician and songwriter who has been instrumental in shaping the aesthetics of the genre. Her early recordings were notable for their complex musical structures and unconventional lyrical themes, and they helped to establish the genre as a space for experimentation and innovation. Several record labels have played an important role in promoting Freak Folk. One of the most important is Drag City, which has released numerous albums by artists associated with the genre, including Banhart, Newsom, and Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Other notable record labels include K Records, which helped to establish the genre, and Woodsist, which has released recordings by many newer artists associated with Freak Folk. In addition to record labels, several journalists and critics have been instrumental in promoting the genre. One of the most notable is Byron Coley, who has written extensively about the genre and has been an important voice in shaping its aesthetic. Other influential critics include Anthony Carew and Steven Hyden, both of whom have written extensively about the genre and its cultural significance.