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Anti-Folk Guide

Anti-folk is a sub-genre of punk music that originated in the 1980s in New York City. It is characterized by its raw and often lo-fi sound, its focus on personal and political lyrics, and its DIY ethos.

Anti-folk artists typically perform in small venues, such as coffeehouses and bars, and they often record their music on independent labels. Some of the most well-known anti-folk artists include Ani DiFranco, Jeffrey Lewis, and Kimya Dawson.

The anti-folk movement began as a reaction to the perceived commercialism and slickness of mainstream punk rock. Anti-folk artists wanted to create music that was more personal and authentic, and they were not afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles.

As a result, anti-folk music is often eclectic and unpredictable. It can be acoustic or electric, folky or punk, political or personal. The one thing that all anti-folk music has in common is its raw energy and its honesty.

The anti-folk scene continues to thrive today, and there are anti-folk musicians and bands in cities all over the world. Anti-folk has also had a significant influence on other genres of music, such as indie rock and alternative country.

Here are some of the key characteristics of anti-folk music:

The History Of Anti-Folk

Anti-folk emerged in the early 1980s as a reaction against the perceived commercialism and superficiality of the mainstream folk scene. It was characterised by its raw, unpolished sound, its DIY ethos, and its focus on personal and political expression.

The term "anti-folk" was first used by singer-songwriter Lach to describe the music of his friends and peers in New York City's East Village. These artists, including early pioneers such as David Peel, John S. Hall, and Jeff Mangum, were united by their shared rejection of the traditional folk aesthetic and their embrace of a more experimental and confrontational approach to music.

The anti-folk scene quickly spread to other cities, including Boston, San Francisco, and London. In each of these cities, anti-folk artists formed their own communities and venues, where they could perform their music and share ideas.

One of the most important anti-folk venues was New York City's Sidewalk Cafe. This small, unassuming club became a hub for the city's anti-folk scene, and it helped to launch the careers of many influential artists, including Ani DiFranco, Syd Straw, and Beck.

The anti-folk movement reached its peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this time, anti-folk artists began to gain wider recognition, and their music began to be played on college radio stations and in independent music stores. Some anti-folk artists, such as Beck and Ani DiFranco, even signed major record deals.

In the mid-1990s, the anti-folk scene began to decline. This was due in part to the rise of grunge and alternative rock, which drew attention away from the more experimental sounds of anti-folk. Additionally, many of the original anti-folk artists began to move on to other projects.

Despite its decline in popularity, anti-folk has continued to exert an influence on contemporary music. Many of the artists who emerged from the anti-folk scene have gone on to successful careers in other genres, and their music continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Some key characteristics of anti-folk music include:

Some notable anti-folk artists include:

Anti-Folk Band