Ambient Folk

Ambient Folk is a subgenre of music that marries the atmospheric textures of ambient music with the traditional and narrative elements of folk.

Table of Contents

Key Characteristics

Atmospheric Layers: This genre employs the usage of reverb, delay, and other effects to create an expansive sound. The environment created is both immersive and ethereal.
Traditional Instruments: Unlike purely electronic ambient music, ambient folk uses traditional folk instruments like acoustic guitars, violins, and sometimes even traditional percussions.
Narrative Lyrics: Drawing from its folk roots, ambient folk often carries storytelling elements. The lyrics tell tales of ancient lands, nature, love, loss, or introspective journeys.
Mood Over Rhythm: Unlike many popular genres that rely on catchy beats or prominent rhythms, ambient folk prioritizes the overall mood and atmosphere.

Influential Artists and Albums

Bon Iver with the albums like “For Emma, Forever Ago” and “22, A Million.”
Grouper: Liz Harris, under her moniker Grouper, blends ethereal vocals with dreamy instruments.
Sigur Rós: While they often lean more towards post-rock, the Icelandic band’s incorporation of ethereal soundscapes and folk elements makes them a notable mention in the ambient folk.

The Cultural Impact

Ambient Folk, like its parent genres, has always been deeply connected to nature, introspection, and spirituality.

Its growth can be attributed to the following cultural movements:

Mindfulness and Meditation: The calming properties of ambient combined with the grounding nature of folk make this genre perfect for meditation and introspective practices.
Return to Nature: With the increasing chaos of modern life, many seek solace in nature. Ambient folk often serves as a soundtrack to this escape.