Folk in Scotland

Although we can see the heavy influence of house music and pop from the clubbing scene throughout Europe. Folk Music has led as a strong contender for the making of Scottish music history and has even been an international reputation and identity to this day. Folk music is our intangible cultural heritage, but how much do you know about the modern history? 

The eventual rise in folk music throughout not just Scotland but also the UK in the 1960s gave way to musicians adapting past Traditional Scottish Music. Eventually moving on to be more experimental and forward with their composition of music. This opened the way for young emerging artists to take hold of this opportunity and tour, find new venues, practice performing and eventually make a living through their passion. Bands such as Battlefield Band, The Corries and The JSD band.

Venues known as “Flat-Floor” typically were smaller venues such as pubs, that allowed smaller bands to play. These were easily the most common and accessible to musicians and audiences alike. Reflecting the same circumstances of current Edinburgh, where smaller artists play in venues such as smaller pubs like Finnegans Wake and Stramash. 

Movements surrounding instrumental music and its influence on Scottish traditional music echoed throughout the 1970s and the 1980s. Further becoming commodified by the transitions from acoustic to electric. Becoming much more appealing to a wider global audience. Only being amplified by the radio and eventual platforming of Television.

Although you may not be a fan, the niche interest of Folk music is in fact what catapulted the genre into popularity during the 80s. The othering and independence of the genre took appeal to those looking for something beyond the international norm and also kept those within Scotland close to their cultural roots. 

This establishment within the international market had Scottish bands touring everywhere, especially in Italy, Germany and Spain.  

Now a days, despite the easy access to streaming sites, festivals are where you will find most folk music. The Royal National Mod, founded in 1891 in Oban, still celebrates and teaches Gaelic folk music today! 

In Edinburgh there are plenty of venues that host regular Folk events such as the Edinburgh Folk Club, Summer Hall and The Black Cat. Edinburgh even offers folk music and dining experiences. 

In the 21st century there are still so many thriving trad-folk musicians that are mixing and experimenting with the meaning of the genre. If you aren't familiar with the bands of the past or want a fresh look into what the genre has become, looking into Rachel Newton may be a great place to start. The artist has won the Folk Award in 2017 from the BBC and has a devoted following of 33.7k on Spotify. Talisk is also another option for those looking for boundary pushers, having 52.4k monthly listeners and performing at BBC Ones Hogmanay Show in 2022. They guarantee solid talent and a reflection of modern Scotland. 

Get in touch with Scottish vibes and surprise yourself with how much you will love it.