Stylistic origins Psychedelic folk | ||
Cultural origins Late 1990s, United States Typical instruments Acoustic guitar
percussion | ||
Freak folk is a loosely defined synonym or subgenre of psychedelic folk which involves acoustic sounds, pastoral lyrics, and a neo-hippie aesthetic. The label originated from the "lost treasure" reissue culture of the late 1990s.
Pioneers
Vashti Bunyan has been labelled "the Godmother of Freak Folk" for her role in inspiring the new crop of folk experimentalists. Other major influences on later freak folk artists include Linda Perhacs, Anne Briggs, Shirley & Dolly Collins, the Incredible String Band, and Pearls Before Swine. Devendra Banhart would become one of the leaders of the 2000s freak folk movement, along with Joanna Newsom.
References
Freak folk Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA