Anti-folk

Anti-folk is a genre characterized by its lo-fi, DIY ethos and eclectic blend of folk, punk, and indie rock elements. Emerging in the 1980s, it gained momentum in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in New York City's East Village scene. Anti-folk music often features simplistic, storytelling-style lyrics, acoustic instrumentation, and a rejection of traditional folk music's polished production values. The genre's cultural significance lies in its raw, emotive, and often humorous critique of societal norms, politics, and personal relationships. Drawing from punk's energy and folk's narrative tradition, anti-folk also incorporates elements of psychedelia, country, and avant-garde music. Notable for its anti-establishment stance and emphasis on creative freedom, anti-folk has influenced a range of genres, from indie rock to singer-songwriter styles, and continues to inspire artists who value authenticity and experimentation over commercial polish.

Top Sub-Genres
Acoustic Punk
Latest Anti-folk Release
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Now Would Be A Good Time
Album - 10 Tracks - Released July 25, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Beck
Regina Spektor
Penelope Scott
The Mountain Goats
AJJ
Billy Bragg
Top Playlists
Imogen Heap Top Radio 3 Anti-folk artists
weird girl music 3 Anti-folk artists
OCTA - Folk / Singer-songwriter / Misc 2 Anti-folk artists
The Sound of Hamburg Indie 2 Anti-folk artists
Björk Top Radio 2 Anti-folk artists
triple j's New Music Hitlist 1 Anti-folk artist

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  1. July 25, 2025
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  37. December 16, 2024
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