Synthfolk

Synthfolk is a musical genre that arose in the 1970s and 1980s as a fusion of folk music with synthesizer technology. Early synthfolk artists often incorporated traditional folk instruments, such as acoustic guitar and fiddle, alongside synthesizers to create a distinctive sound.

The genre gained momentum in the United Kingdom during the mid-to-late 1970s, where musicians such as Nick Drake, Pentangle, and Roy Harper experimented with synthesizers. These artists sought to push the boundaries of traditional folk music, incorporating elements of psychedelic rock, folk rock, and electronic music.

Synthfolk artists often explored themes of social commentary, environmentalism, and mysticism in their lyrics, reflecting the countercultural values of the time. Their music frequently featured complex, layered soundscapes, created using multiple synthesizers and effects pedals.

One of the characteristic features of synthfolk is its use of atmospheric textures and sonic landscapes, often to evoke a sense of place or mood. This approach was heavily influenced by the avant-garde and experimental music of the time, particularly the works of composers such as Kraftwerk and Brian Eno.

While synthfolk never gained widespread commercial success, it has had a lasting influence on a range of musical styles, including new age, ambient, and EDM. Modern artists continue to draw on the sonic and introspective qualities of synthfolk, incorporating its sounds and themes into their own work.