folk music

In this article, analyzing Noah Kahan's hit song "Dial Drunk" and debating how we define "country music" as a whole, a cowboy in orange pants looks confusedly at a bearded man with long hair and an tropical turquoise jacket. The scene is a combination of a desert and an island, the oranges and yellows of the former seamlessly melding with the blues and greens of the latter. The cowboy rides a horse, a dog sits by the bearded man's side and music notes dance around their head as the sun sets in the background.

Noah Kahan’s “Dial Drunk” and What Makes Country Music

Noah Kahan’s music, although labeled alternative, sounds country through acoustic instrumentation and allusions to alcohol.…

February 4, 2024

In an article about The Backseat Lovers, the band's guitarist plays in front of what appears to be a white sheet. A drummer can be seen in the background.

How The Backseat Lovers Reflect the State of Bands

Alexander Landgraf, The University of Chicago

Their success proves that classic avenues of band recognition still exist and are a positive sign for talented, aspiring musicians.…

February 8, 2023

A colorful illustration stylizing the album cover of Olivia Rodrigo's debut album 'Sour' highlights the diversity and youthfulness of the tracks' sounds and subjects.

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Sour’ Exemplifies the Female Voice in the Music Industry

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

This Disney star and up-and-coming musician has become an inspiration with the release of her debut album, which explores anger, jealousy and heartbreak in a variety of genres.…

June 10, 2021

An illustration of Del Rey's latest album, Chemtrails Over the Country Club

‘Chemtrails Over the Country Club’ Is a Powerful and Complex Album

Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

The American singer-songwriter's most recent album perfectly encapsulates the continually escalating peak of her musical prowess.…

April 11, 2021

For an article on Rough and Rowdy Way, a photo of Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan Proves His Music Is Timeless With ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’

Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

Even at 79 years old, the singer's poetic lyrics and modern ideologies are still resonating with younger generations.…

September 23, 2020

Illustration by Baz Pugmire of Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens’ Exploration of America Continues in His Upcoming Album

Caleb Mullenneaux, St. Olaf College

The singer-songwriter is painting a complex picture of the United States in his soon to be released album, 'The Ascension.'…

September 16, 2020

The Storytelling of Taylor Swift Includes a Rainbow of Colors

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

The artist’s renowned songwriting has gone from red to monochrome to the full spectrum of colors to create vivid imagery in every line.…

August 18, 2020

Overlooked Music Festivals You Should Attend for Summer 2020

Kayla Carson, Simon Fraser University

Skip Coachella. Here's why these festivals with under 10,000 attendees are the best.…

January 27, 2020

Elliott Brood Is the Best Canadian Band That You’ve Never Heard Before

Kayla Carson, Simon Fraser University

This folk trio has been releasing quality music for nearly two decades, but still sits just below the radar.…

January 9, 2020

The Band Joseph Is Bringing The Pacific Northwest to Life

Marie Christensen, George Fox University

This family band is writing beautiful harmonies that evoke their Oregon home.…

September 24, 2019

Mandolin Orange Plays Americana With Their Heart on Their Sleeve

Rebecca McKinley Parsons, Wake Forest University

The duo's music combines their Appalachian influences with poignant lyrics about nostalgia and loss.…

July 1, 2019

‘A Black Man in a White World,’ Michael Kiwanuka Is Pioneering Neo-Folk

Emma Uk, Brookdale Community College

He’s one of the few artists creating new, old, soul music.…

February 21, 2019

Female Black Metal Artist Myrkur Is Modernizing Scandinavian Folk

Tabitha Prisinzano, Columbia College of Missouri

Despite being surrounded by controversy, Myrkur continues to surprise audiences with her undeniably beautiful sound.…

May 14, 2018

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