Contemporary Folk

Contemporary folk is a genre characterized by earthy, acoustic soundscapes, often featuring instrumentation like guitars, ukuleles, and harmonicas, alongside soothing vocal styles that range from introspective whispers to soaring, emotive deliveries. Emerging in the 1990s and 2000s, contemporary folk drew inspiration from traditional folk, indie rock, and world music, with a focus on storytelling and poetic lyrics. This genre thrived in the 2010s, particularly among younger audiences seeking authentic, rootsy sounds. Contemporary folk's cultural significance lies in its role as a platform for social commentary, personal expression, and community building, often incorporating elements of psychedelic, ambient, and experimental music. Its distinctive blend of intimacy, experimentation, and global influences sets it apart from traditional folk and other acoustic-based genres, offering a unique, captivating sound that resonates with listeners seeking depth and emotional connection.

Latest Contemporary Folk Release
undefined album image
בחורות טובות
Single - Released August 4, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Zach Bryan
Bernadya
Natanzinho Lima
Roxy Dekker
Michael Marcagi
Iwan Fals
Top Playlists
OCTA - Folk / Singer-songwriter / Misc 50 Contemporary Folk artists
OCTA - Songs of the Year 2023 47 Contemporary Folk artists
Inspiring Singer Songwriters 28 Contemporary Folk artists
The Sound of Russian Chanson 19 Contemporary Folk artists
The Needle / Ireland 17 Contemporary Folk artists
OCTA New Music Weekly - Episode #247 (archived) 16 Contemporary Folk artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 4876 Contemporary Folk artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 78,042 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Contemporary Folk artists you love!

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. August 4, 2025
  2. August 1
  3. August 1
  4. August 1
  5. July 31
  6. July 30
  7. July 30
    undefined album image
    5.0
    12 tracks
  8. July 30
  9. July 30
  10. July 30
  11. July 30
  12. July 29
  13. July 28
  14. July 26
  15. July 26
  16. July 25
  17. July 25
  18. July 25
  19. July 25
  20. July 25
  21. July 25
  22. July 25
  23. July 25
  24. July 25
  25. July 25
  26. July 25
  27. July 25
  28. July 25
  29. July 25
  30. July 25
  31. July 25
  32. July 25
  33. July 24
  34. July 24
  35. July 24
  36. July 23
  37. July 23
  38. July 23
  39. July 23
  40. July 22