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Anti-folk

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Anti-folk is a genre of music related to punk rock and American folk music that originated in the mid-1980s in New York City.

Anti-folk had its roots in punk rock, and is still considered by some to be an active subgenre within that scene. By a loose definition, Anti-folk combines the raw, abrasive, and frequently politically charged attitudes of the punk scene with the sounds of American folk tradition.

Anti-folk, as pioneered by Beck on albums such as Mellow Gold and Stereopathetic Soul Manure, mixes the musical style of folk music with punk, as well as ironic and often nonsensical lyrics. This genre takes the earnestness of politically charged '60s hippie music and subverts it into something completely different: music that sounds raw and authentic, but mocks the seriousness and pretension of the established mainstream folk scene. The Moldy Peaches, Ani DiFranco, and Beck are considered influential artists in this genre, primarily responsible for its popularity. Contemporary anti-folk music is popular in many parts of United States and has also broke the scene in Europe. The New York City anti-folk scene mostly revolves around the Rough Trade record label, home to The Moldy Peaches and other anti-folk groups and artists. Anti-folk is a sister genre of Urban Folk and Counterfolk. Anti-folkers Dufus eventually broke off from the scene, along with Need New Body, Man Man and others.

Some examples of anti-folk performers:

See also


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