Various genres are being incorporated into pop music by the new generation. Folk, Country and also Blues are all growing immensely in the past few years.
Most people consider these genres’ success to be the result of their connection to popular music. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Almost every music genre has had its time in the limelight.
In my opinion, it’s because of many great independent musicians who continue to come out with refreshing music that gives listeners a new experience to enjoy and appreciate.
It’s true that there has been a revolution in music genres since the advent of pop music boosted by the Internet, which is largely accepted and considered by everyone worldwide to be easy to listen to.
Is this how pop music has always been? Believe it or not, before the 1980s pop music was actually very different from what we listen to today.
The ongoing musical revolution had changed the music industry—and it still goes on in the present time when some indie folk and country artists are trying hard to play their original music in the midst of widespread pop song influences. While other artists are embracing the music evolution and surfing the wave.
We can say it’s a good time to explore something new with the Music Genres Revolution series of posts. That’s why today we want to introduce you to some indie folk and country music to update your playlist.
If you are fairly new here (as if we are on a Facebook timeline), let me remind you that indie folk and country inspire creativity, experimentalism, and rule-breaking.
The artists from the Indie Folk and country community try to find their own unique style and sound that differs from mainstream genres.
Country music is a genre influenced by folk music traditions. It often tells a story through its songs using a rich history of Southern culture, but in a modern way. As a result, both genres merged with pop music, grabbing our attention.
You can listen to our full playlist which contains the artists’ music, and know more about their work by scrolling down the page.
1) THE FOREVER NOW – Lover’s City
Copenhagen-based indie folk band THE FOREVER NOW has just released a new single, “Lover’s City,” and it’s a dreamy banger that will have you feeling like you’re in love with the world.
“Lover’s City” is a song which evokes emotions and invites us to embrace love, which is something we could all use more of in this day and age. We can say this is a very emotional banger!
It’s got a dreamy guitar tone that makes me feel like I’m floating down a river on a boat made of marshmallows (or something like that), but it also has some powerful female vocals by Trine Lyngvig that give it a bit more edge and make it an anthem for empowerment.
This song is definitely worth checking out! The band also has some really cool previous releases, so check their website that showcases their cinematic style, and be sure to follow the band on Spotify!
2) JAYE MADISON – Ride Or Die
The soft band sound is back in full force with the latest single by best friends and twin sisters JAYE MADISON, Ride or Die. This Americana singer-songwriter has a classic country feel that brings to mind the likes of Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn.
Their voice is clear and strong, and they know how to use it to its fullest potential. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and they pull you right in.
The best part about this song is that it’s not just one thing—it’s everything you could want in a song. It’s got a kickass beat that makes you want to dance, but it also has enough heartbreak for you to cry over if you’re having a tough day.
It’s fun and upbeat, but also romantic and heartfelt. If you’re looking for something lighthearted yet still meaningful, this song is for you! Check out the duo’s website and follow them on Spotify.
3) GAVAN WALDBY – Thanks For That
The Australian singer-songwriter, Gavan Waldby, is back with his new single “Thanks For That”, which is a great piece of indie folk-pop music.
The song has a very relaxing vibe and it’s easy to listen to. The acoustic guitar and the soft percussion beats give this song an amazing peaceful vibe, but the orchestral style gives it an alternative pop sound. It’s anthemic, but the vocals are very smooth and they have an indie folk charm.
In the lyrics, it talks about taking things for granted in life, but when something bad happens, we are alone. To overcome, we need the support of our closest ones, and those are usually our families. As a tribute to the women who helped him in difficult times, the artist sings four verses.
“The first verse is for my wife. The second verse is for my daughter, the third for my sister, and the fourth verse is for my late mum. We should all be grateful there are many strong women in the world who look after us. I am truly blessed to have four of them.”
This single is perfect for those who want to relax after work, have a reflexive moment or just want to unwind with some good music! Check it out, visit the artist’s website, and follow him on Spotify.
4) GEOFF GIBBONS – Waitin’ On A Train
GEOFF GIBBONS is a singer-songwriter from Canada, who began his career years ago, has a lot of experience, which makes his songs stand out.
His new single “Waitin’ On A Train” is the perfect blend of acoustic, alt-country, and classic rock. Gibbons included guitar, piano and harmonica perfectly. The song starts out with a soft band sound that builds into a classic country-rock sound as the tempo increases.
Gibbons has been compared to artists like James Taylor and Leonard Cohen because of his soft tones and ability to tell stories through his music. I can imagine his live performances must be amazing.
If you are looking for an easy-listening song with classic rock sounds then check out Waitin’ On A Train by Geoff Gibbons, follow him on Spotify and visit his website for more.
5) KAREN HARDING – I’ve Got A Secret
I’ve Got A Secret by KAREN HARDING is a folk-pop song that has a catchy rhythm and lyrics, and is easy to sing along to. As mentioned by the artist, this song dives straight into the heart of fear and anxiety when sharing a less than perfect side, that you know leaves you open to judgement from others.
Karen Harding is an Australian singer-songwriter who performs acoustic and folk music focusing on life experiences. Her music style is folk-pop and art pop, which also combines indie rock vibes with a few electronic pop elements.
She has been compared by producers from PopHits.Co to artists like Regina Spektor because her music is so unique and different from other artists’ work. They loved it!
As someone who loves relaxing with some good music on my headphones, I highly recommend checking out this single from KAREN HARDING as well as her other releases on Spotify, follow her and visit her website for more information about upcoming shows!
6) JAKE ALDRIDGE – Rather Be Me
Jake Aldridge is a singer-songwriter from Harleston, Norfolk, who has recently released his single “Rather Be Me”. The single is a blend of country and pop that has a hip-hop vibe to it. With lyrics about the ups and downs of life and staying true to ourselves, this song is sure to be a hit with listeners looking for some commercial country-pop music.
We can confirm that the song is a great commercial pop track that would be perfect for radio play. It also has some indie rock influences, which you can hear in the guitar riffs throughout the song, this made the whole piece even more enjoyable.
Aldridge released this track last week and has been attracting a good audience on Spotify so far, which we really recommend you to explore, as his songs are an interesting fusion of genres. If you want to improve your playlist, check out more of Jake Aldridge’s music, watch his music video then visit his website and follow him on Spotify.
7) STONECABIN – Black Cactus
STONECABIN‘s Black Cactus EP is a perfect example of what happens when an artist takes their time and does things the right way. Prepare your ears as this one is special!
This 3-track EP is full of Americana that draws from the sounds of alt-country, country rock and indie folk. But what really makes these songs stand out is the vocals of the lead singer—his voice is absolutely gorgeous and has a unique tone that makes you want to hear more from him.
STONECABIN’s sound hasn’t changed much since their first single of the project, they’re still alt-country at heart, but they’ve managed to create something just as compelling as ever before with this one: The track Desert Heart is a must-listen.
If you’re into alternative rock, blues or indie folk music at all, check it out, visit their SoundCloud and follow them on Spotify!
8) JENNI DALE LORD – In The Dance
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the new album from JENNI DALE LORD.
In The Dance is a 13-track album that is a mix of country, Americana, acoustic rock, blues and commercial pop. It has elements of it all, is easy listening and brings a classic sound of country rock with pop in the mix.
The album comes with a personal touch from JENNI DALE LORD as she sings about her life experiences and views on love, friendship and family relationships. The songs are well written with intricate melodies to keep you entertained throughout the whole album.
JENNI DALE LORD is still grabbing attention in and outside of her hometown in Lubbock and the whole country, but she deserves to be heard internationally by everyone because her voice and music are amazing!
The track Once You Go Bourbon is a good bet, so listen to it now, check out her website and follow her on Spotify to see what else she has coming up next.
9) SARVES THIRU – Guru’s Greatness: Guru Brahma
SARVES THIRU is an artist from the UK who is a singer-songwriter and devotional musician. Her music has Asian influences and is relaxing, and her latest single, Guru’s Greatness: Guru Brahma, is no exception.
It’s Asian folk and features an acoustic guitar, a harmonium, and Sarves Thiru’s voice. In her native language, she sings about the greatness of God in a way that does not negatively impact the listening experience of English speakers in the slightest.
The lyrics are simple and peaceful: “Guru Brahma,” she sings twice in a row to invoke the representation of God in her culture. It’s definitely worth checking out!
If you like a piece of relaxing music after a day of hard work or a moment of meditation, we really recommend checking it out, visiting her website and following her on Spotify.
10) FERALMAN – Memories Remain
If you’re into the dreamy folk style of music, then Feralman is the band for you. They’re from Cardiff, Wales, and they create a kind of orchestral folk that’s cinematic and relaxing.
Their single “Memories Remain” is a perfect example of the kind of music they make, with acoustic guitars and some orchestral flourishes. The song is about loss and longing—about missing someone who’s gone out of your life and the emotion of it, but still feeling like they’re there with you in spirit.
It’s got a melancholy tone, but it’s not too dark—it’s more like an autumn afternoon than a midnight rainstorm. As the music video features an old couple in the snow, we encourage you to watch it and feel the great vibe they create.
If you like this track (and who doesn’t?), watch their music video below, check out their other songs on Spotify and visit their website.
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