The Future of Folk
Posted: Mon Feb 15, 2010 5:58 pm

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World music, folk music, International music – Whatever you may call it, the time when it was the realm of bearded, woollen vest wearing types is long gone.

Generalisation as that may be, it is clearly the way this diverse music form is still perceived in Aotearoa by many people. In fact it seems that the average Kiwi’s world music tastes still extend as far as an extensive Bob Marley collection and maybe a copy of Simon and Garfunkel’s Graceland on vinyl in a swappa-crate in the garage.

The reality is that 'world music' is the most exciting and diverse musical movement of this century with young artists from around the world experimenting with fusions of traditional sounds and modern cutting edge technology. Globalisation and the associated information technology boom has made more and more music from exotic and far flung places accessible to the mainstream music listeners in New Zealand and if the growing success of the WOMAD festivals in New Plymouth is anything to go by, we are liking it.
Today most NZ record shops boast huge sections dedicated to music of the diverse range of artists many of whom have performed to packed out crowds here at WOMAD over the 13 years since it first came to New Zealand in 1997. It could help that the Bowl of Brooklands site in New Plymouth which has hosted the last 5 festivals is the one of the most beautiful places in the country to watch music but the content certainly plays its part.

This years’ WOMAD line-up is even more cutting edge than previous years with a large range of artists who are fusing world influences with modern technology and contemporary styles to create a futuristic folk sound. Highlights his year include the insanely good Spanish Gypsy/Flamenco/Hip-Hop group ‘Ojos de Brujo’ who blend together Flamenco guitar, percussion, turntablism, and Hip-Hop and amazing gypsy Vocals. Also pushing the electro vibe on the dancefloor are Mexican Electro geniuses ‘Nortec Collective’ who double-handedly invented an entire genre ‘Nortec’ mixing traditional ‘Norteno’ and techno in Mexico in the early part of this century. Their live show has now come full circle back to its folk influences and includes a blend of electronics and acoustic instruments. Rounding off a solid night on the dancefloor beneath the Southern cross will be New York DJ ‘Nicodemus’ who has been smashing up dancefloors in urban warehouses around the world since the mid 90’s with a truly diverse style embracing world music styles, Urban beats and live percussion.

Other notable world - electro acts in the country this year are LA's 'the Gaslamp Killer' who fuses psychedelic world music with dub-step and hip Hop and will headline ‘Splore 2010’ and ‘The Very Best,’ a London based fusion of traditional African music and dirty Euro electro who were one of the big Indie music hits of 2009 and are rumoured to be touring later this year.

The message is if you are into music – genre is not important. There are amazing artists both residing locally and touring here who are mixing an amazing amount of influences and genres into their performances to create a truly futuristic Global sound. Many see it as the rebirth or repackaging of traditional folk music which has languished in dusty backrooms for decades and is now emerging in a modern and relevant context. The internet, cheap recording technology and a growing worldwide appreciation for cultural diversity are all feeding the growth of this new movement in music which can only continue to become stronger. Immerse yourself in this ‘Global’ world of music and you will never see or hear music the same way again.


The Overseas Experiment

RE: The Future of Folk
Posted: Tue Mar 9, 2010 12:05 pm

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I would like to inform that, at the end of June 15 2010, in Alanya (Turkey) we are holding international folklore festival-competition, which prize money will be 50 000 USD.

In this festival-competition takes part the folklore ensembles from all over the world.
We desire to invite your folklore ensembles in this unprecedented competition and hope that festival will be unforgettable and impressionable.
In order to send you detailed information about festival, please inform us about your readiness to participate in this event.

http://world-folk.com

RE: The Future of Folk
Posted: Tue Oct 5, 2010 4:50 pm

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