Anti-folk - Definition and Overview

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 Soulmanure, mixes the musical style of folk music with 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 also fun to listen to.

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.

Some examples of anti-folk performers:

• Adam Flaherty
• Adam Green
• Ani DiFranco
• The Baptist Generals
• Beck
• Billy Bragg
• Brer Brian
• Centromatic
• Cheese On Bread
• G. Lucas Crane Vs. Non-Horse
• Dufus
• Filthy Pedro
• Calvin Johnson
• Joie/Dead Blonde Girlfriend
• Jeffrey Lewis
• Kimya Dawson
• Lach
• Little Grizzly
• Ish Marquez
• Michelle Shocked
• Milk Kan
• The Moldy Peaches
• Nellie McKay
• Paleface
• Phranc
• The Plastic Assassins
• Prewar Yardsale
• Grey Revell
• Son Volt
• Turner Cody
• Uncle Tupelo
• The Waco Brothers
• The Washington Squares