Folk music what's it all about? (February 02, 2007)
How often do I hear: "It's just that finger in the earhole style with some old beardy in a flowery waistcoat droning on." Actually, no it bloody well isn't! It's the music of everyday people who put their feelings, emotions, observations and individual way of life into music and song.
Of course, the old beardy has a prefect right to sing about what he wants in the style he wants - and still be part of the 'folk' genre. However, (and this is the important bit) so does the folk-punk with the blue mohican haircut, the celtic goth, the thrash metal folk and the electronic folk-hippie.
That's the beauty of folk music. If you don't believe me, just turn up at any folk festival and glory in the wealth of musical styles, fashions and tastes. You won't find a single 'fashionista' scared to show their own identity in case they're no longer considered to be 'one of the in crowd'.
Long may the international richness of music continue to cross borders and build relationships. And long may all 'folkies' (whatever their take on the genre) keep their minds as open as the skies above them.
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