In the 6 short years since they've been around, British band Mumford & Sons have instigated what most would call a folk revolution. The entire genre has been redefined to fit a modern era, but not without keeping the heart and soul of what made it such a timeless style to begin with during the traditional age. Now, acts like The Lumineers are rising to prominence, and even artists outside of the genre, like Panic! At The Disco ("Folkin' Around") and One Direction ("Story of My Life") tend to play with its new bells and whistles when devising their next hits.
For those of you who call themselves fans of Mumford & Sons and the revolution which they've instigated, here's 10 more artists that you should hear now!
1. Noah has a throaty grit to his deep, Southern tone very much akin to Marcus Mumford's own if you listen well enough. His debut album, "Among the Wildest Things", is rooted in both alternative, soul, and folk influences, but on both, it's clear that Mumford and his sons have been a prime inspiration for the young singer/songwriter throughout his career.
Must-hear: "My Love Will Never Stray" (feat. Amy Stroup) , "Be With You" , "Adore"
2. Greensky Bluegrass knows how to get down with their incredible, fast-paced rip-roaring instrumentals involving all manner of banjo picking and impressive guitar licks that Mumford fans will feel at home with. Their harmonies are pretty solid, too, for voices so individually idiosyncratic when compared to one another.
Must-hear: "Don't Lie" , "Time/Breathe (Reprise)" , 'I'd Probably Kill You"
3. The Tallest Man On Earth takes a good amount of cues from the Bob Dylan era in terms of how to make good folk music, and Dylan is one of Marcus Mumford's very own most tremendous inspirations. There's a lo-fi relatability here in the band's production that is undeniable.
Must-hear: "The Gardener" , "The Dreamer" , "Love Is All"
4. Town Mountain features simplistic, yet lush instrumentals that bring listeners down to the true grit of what made traditional American folk so special. There's a cry in their lead singer's voice that is appealing in its world-weary, raw quality.
Must-hear: "Lawdog", "I'm On Fire", "Black-Eyed Susan"
5. Oscar Isaac actually starred in Inside Llewyn Davis, which Marcus had a tremendous hand in helping produce in terms of its killer soundtrack. Oscar himself has a beautiful, idiosyncratic voice that lends itself well to both the re-imagined folk songs present on the movie's soundtrack, as well as some original songs of his own.
Must-hear: "Hang Me, Oh Hang Me", "The Death of Queen Jane", "Never Had"
6. The Accidentals pull from several avenues of musical influence to craft their tunes that, for high school students especially, are truly impressive, featuring a lush set of instruments upon genius arrangements and often gorgeous dual vocals. They're a bit more playful than Mumford and company, but fall within the same lane of overall great songwriting.
Must-hear: "The Silence", "Us", "City of Cardboard"
7. The Greencards know how to play a darn good fiddle. Aside from that, they have impressive group harmonies paired with some darn good playing on all manner and means of various other instruments. When brought together, they really do make sweet, sweet, idiosyncratic music encompassing alternative, folk, bluegrass, and country styles.
Must-hear: "Love and Other Errors", "Once and Gone", "Adelaide"
8. Old Crow Medicine Show might be a band whose trademark song you've heard hundreds of time without even knowing it as they're the ones who originally penned and subsequently performed Darius Rucker's hit, "Wagon Wheel". They're extremely bluegrass-oriented and are never quite afraid to take on some daringly uptempo arrangements in their songs that are truly fun for those with an open mind.
Must-hear: "Wagon Wheel", "Carry Me Back to Virginia", "Angel From Montgomery"
9. Pert Near Sandstone summon upon Irish-influenced folk sounds to really bring a unique style back to the modern era. They have an impressive way of going about rearranging cover songs to fit their specific style, too, and it really is a joy to behold.
Must-hear: "Appalachian Girl", "Solid Gone", "Wild Bill Jones"
10. Lee DeWyze perhaps didn't have the best luck directly coming off of American Idol as its 9th winner, but, as history has decided, there would be irony in that his label dropping him after his post-Idol debut would be the best thing that ever could've happened for his music. He's now back to his roots, which is unadulterated folk/rock at its very finest. Definitely an artist you have to check out.
