There is something authentic to listeners about an artist and their guitar on stage, something so relatable and captivating that we allow it to consume us in ways that modern pop does not.
A quiet revolution of guitars and ukuleles comes to us in the shape of current chart toppers Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan and of course Taylor Swift.
Soul-stirring soundtracks defining “sad-girl” autumns are what’s in, fun acoustic riffs with heartfelt lyrics are reshaping the charts
If we step back to the early 2010s, we see a similar revival. As The Lumineers and Florence and The Machine stormed the charts, indie-folk and folk-pop became part of your drivetime listening. This certainly took a step back, however it’s hard to deny one woman’s hand in its return.
Taylor Swift’s turn to indie-folk with ‘Folklore’ and ‘Evermore’ marked a radical departure from the glittering realms of pop, and a small step back to her country roots. Penned in the uncertainties of a global pandemic, these sister albums unveiled a raw, introspective side of Swift. She created characters and storylines, introducing us to narratives that were so simple they became universal. Everyone had a highschool crush, we all imagined ourselves living a fairytale sometimes.
This was only the beginning of a yearn for authenticity.
Quietly in the background, folk enjoyers would pin some honour on Irish singer-songwriter, Hozier. Rising to fame for his stirring hit ‘Take Me to Church’ Hozier hit the charts with an almighty bang. Showing an element of genius in his song writing, as braids storylines with literature to create lyrics that have many levels. He continually sits in the music world, an inoffensive name to many, exploring socially conscious narratives with depth unlike most.
Hozier’s ability to infuse folk with an orchestral grandeur and thought-provoking lyricism adds a unique layer to the genre’s evolving tapestry.
While folk welcomes the return of the guitar to the mainstream, the country sound follows along. Emerging with a distinct voice, Zach Bryan infuses country into the genre. He brings an element of heartfelt storytelling to his writing, reflecting on his life through his often painful lyrics. He bridges the gap between traditional folk and country, in tracks such as ‘Condemned’ or ‘Heading South’. Even collaborating with the likes of Bon Iver and The Lumineers, both of which have been previous chart-toppers, have showcased Bryan’s ability to blend the genres.
Of course, the man of the moment is Vermont’s own Noah Kahan. Taking social media by storm, the youngster is the face of the indie-folk resurgence. His haunting lyrics often disguised in beautiful riffs can often capture the essence of real life, something many artists cover up. Kahan has an ability to wear his life on his sleeve, in a way that draws people to him. His honesty keeps him grounded and is potentially the reason for his success. Following the release of his ‘Stick Season’ album he rose to fame across social media. Since then his name has skyrocketed the genre. From covers by pop favourite Olivia Rodrigo, to collaborations with fellow folk favourites Hozier and Zach Bryan, even rap star Post Malone has worked alongside the Vermonter. Noah Kahan is at the forefront of the resurgence of indie-folk, and vulnerability should not only be celebrated but embraced.
This is far more than just a musical trend, it’s a cultural and emotional telling. These artists and their work resonate with a society yearning for connection with their icons in a world that can often seem so exclusive. Their realism and honesty creates a sanctuary that can offer solace for many, something that cannot always be found in the mainstream.
As these artists continue to climb the charts with their authentic storytelling and soul-stirring melodies, they are not just reclaiming a genre – they are reinventing it. They stand as testament to the power of authentic storytelling, and the desire to relate. Indie-folk is back for good.
