Progressive folk music and contemporary folk music are two interrelated sub-genres of folk which have evolved over the last few decades and which are both very much alive today. In some respects progressive folk is aimed at retaining some of the stylistic features of traditional folk whilst modernizing the genre through set structures and instrument usage. Rather than being reflective of a particular culture, era or class, progressive folk can be more generic – it is not uncommon for a song that features a guitar and single vocalist to be described as prog-folk or contemporary folk (sometimes called ‘contemporary adult’).
Music from artists such as Nick Drake (recently featured in the television series ‘Scrubs’ and in the movie ‘Garden State’), Bright Eyes, Iron and Wine and Patrick Wolf are good examples of the music which is commonly grouped into the ‘progressive’ category. Often the term ‘singer-songwriter’ is used to describe the same group of artists and bands which are also grouped into ‘progressive folk’.
Another feature of progressive folk is that it generally tries to free itself from folk’s tie to tradition and culture. This can mean that the lyrics are more generally concerned with issues of love, life and other emotions rather than about seasons, traditions, religion or regional beliefs.
Another feature of progressive folk is that it generally tries to free itself from folk’s tie to tradition and culture. This can mean that the lyrics are more generally concerned with issues of love, life and other emotions rather than about seasons, traditions, religion or regional beliefs.
Another way progressive folk cuts its ties from traditional folk is through the instruments and scales used – rather than relying solely on traditional or regional instruments, progressive folk may use piano, symphonic instruments, melodic percussive instruments and some computerised or electronic features (but only sparingly).
In essence, progressive and contemporary folk music is intended to maintain the spirit of traditional folk – being by the people for the people – but without being restricted to particular techniques or genre-constructs.