Music Critic Ninke van Tonder gives a brief introduction to Appalachian Folk Music, talking about its influences and giving her artist recommendations
The distinct sound of Appalachian folk music is arguably one of the greatest things to come out of the United States, encapsulating the history and rich culture originating from the Appalachian region. The genre, while characterised by its mountain ballad-style and rapid fiddle tunes, is really loved most for the lens it offers us as listeners into the lives and history of those living in those remote hills for centuries. Whether you’re an avid Appalachian-folk-freak, like me, or you’ve never even heard the word ‘Appalachia’ in your life, this article may be perfect for you to learn about what makes this genre so special.
To begin with, let me give you a little context. Despite being a self proclaimed ‘Appalachian-folk-freak’, I honestly still have a lot to learn. But, in the while I’ve been curating my playlists and researching some of my favourite artists, I’ve learned a few things that I would’ve never known before. For starters, the genre is hugely influenced by Scottish folk music; after immigrants from the Scottish Lowlands landed themselves in the wonderful region we now know as Appalachia around the 17th-18th century, they dragged along an abundance of brilliant traditional English and Scottish ballads. In fact, the entire tradition of the ballad in Appalachia was descended from English ballads of the period. These weren’t the only areas America plucked their roots from – we have Africa, Germany, Scandinavia, and Switzerland to thank for that!
“Because of this ballad tradition, storytelling is at the forefront of the genre
Because of this ballad tradition, storytelling is at the forefront of the genre. Artists and songwriters from Appalachia absolutely revelled in singing about their mountains, their families, love and most importantly the natural world. It’s all very whimsical and somehow makes me nostalgic for a time I didn’t even exist in.
What makes Appalachian folk music so wonderful, for me, is the actual process of the creation of the music. Songs of the genre are stripped down to their barebones, emphatically featuring only a handful of instruments. The banjo and the fiddle are probably the most unique sounding instruments, giving songs the distinct twang that, honestly, makes you want to move to the mountains and own a cattle farm (but maybe that’s just me). Guitars and mandolins are also very commonly featured, giving the music some extra layers while still keeping the sound raw.
“My personal artist recommendations include Tia Blake, The Kossoy Sisters and Jean Ritchie
If you’re wanting to get listening to the genre yourself, my personal artist recommendations include Tia Blake, The Kossoy Sisters and Jean Ritchie. Tia Blake has a yearning lyricism that I adore, and I think her music is perfect if you’re looking to dip your toes into these folk-infested waters. Admittedly I’m slightly biased in my preference for female artists, but if you’re looking for male artists there’s undeniably an abundance; Paul Clayton, Woody Guthrie, and Blaze Foley are amazing options, and I adore them equally as much.
If this has inspired you to have a listen for yourself, grab some headphones and a cowboy hat, lay back, and enjoy – which I’m sure you will!
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