Looking forward to this. I've been quite a big David Tibet fan and C93 is an influence on my music. "Earth covers earth" just had that ambience and atmosphere back in 91, it was a different level
My 90s band initially drew from industrial influences, but as we developed, we shed the abrasive noise elements, allowing our electronic and post-rock roots to surface. Most of us, including myself, hailed from rural areas or the hilly outskirts north of the city. A significant part of our enjoyment came from performing outdoors, setting up wherever we could access power.
To me, the essence of "neofolk" (a term I encountered later, in the 2000s, when MySpace exposed millennials to a vast array of musical genres) is primarily about this aesthetic: music played in nature, often with acoustic instruments that don't require electricity. It embodies a return to the folk origins of music—created for the soul and community rather than commercial gain or ego gratification.
Good conversation. Brought to mind Laibach and NSK movement. I have something of a fascination for Laibach's interpretation of The Sound of Music album, particularly their uber-creepy rendition of The Lonely Goatherd. They have a gift for shining the klieg light on the the shadow side of culture, and in a way that creates an uncomfortable space in which you don't quite know whether they are being approving or critical. In the U.S., "political" art (or political anything) implies that it is about something, taking a side and making a point. I am keen to find artists whose work generates more questions than answers - sounds like that is the scene you are describing at your festival. Looking forward to exploring this genre.
Thanks for the jovial insight into this world! My origins are from a traditional music/cultural background too. I'd like to consider my own music a form of NeoFolk despite it having a very modern industrial electronic sound. My lyrics also aspire to reveal uncomfortable unconscious aspects of our history & current political dilemmas. Its reassuring to know there is a movement that perpetuates these topics for cultural reasons beyond making money or adhering to social norms. Thanks guys. Really enjoyed it!
Looking forward to this. I've been quite a big David Tibet fan and C93 is an influence on my music. "Earth covers earth" just had that ambience and atmosphere back in 91, it was a different level
Also, this came up in my YT algo, just the other day. The history of neo-folk. https://youtu.be/5m9cMdQmHZ4?si=lSKFd3nk95s352Kr
My 90s band initially drew from industrial influences, but as we developed, we shed the abrasive noise elements, allowing our electronic and post-rock roots to surface. Most of us, including myself, hailed from rural areas or the hilly outskirts north of the city. A significant part of our enjoyment came from performing outdoors, setting up wherever we could access power.
To me, the essence of "neofolk" (a term I encountered later, in the 2000s, when MySpace exposed millennials to a vast array of musical genres) is primarily about this aesthetic: music played in nature, often with acoustic instruments that don't require electricity. It embodies a return to the folk origins of music—created for the soul and community rather than commercial gain or ego gratification.
Good conversation. Brought to mind Laibach and NSK movement. I have something of a fascination for Laibach's interpretation of The Sound of Music album, particularly their uber-creepy rendition of The Lonely Goatherd. They have a gift for shining the klieg light on the the shadow side of culture, and in a way that creates an uncomfortable space in which you don't quite know whether they are being approving or critical. In the U.S., "political" art (or political anything) implies that it is about something, taking a side and making a point. I am keen to find artists whose work generates more questions than answers - sounds like that is the scene you are describing at your festival. Looking forward to exploring this genre.
Yes! Laibach is definitely a major reference point for these artists. Thanks for listening!
Wouldn't mind a mixtape if someone has one handy.
Thanks for the jovial insight into this world! My origins are from a traditional music/cultural background too. I'd like to consider my own music a form of NeoFolk despite it having a very modern industrial electronic sound. My lyrics also aspire to reveal uncomfortable unconscious aspects of our history & current political dilemmas. Its reassuring to know there is a movement that perpetuates these topics for cultural reasons beyond making money or adhering to social norms. Thanks guys. Really enjoyed it!
Thanks Phil! I sense Elon Mask-neofolk collabs may be on the cards in the near future...