How to Find New Artists in the Folk-Pop Scene

Folk-pop music has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past decade, blending traditional folk melodies with the catchy, accessible sounds of pop. It's a genre that speaks to a broad audience, offering lyrical depth, acoustic instrumentation, and a fusion of old and new that resonates with listeners. With the rise of streaming platforms and social media, discovering new folk-pop artists has never been easier---or more challenging. In this article, we'll explore how to find new artists in the folk-pop scene, considering various platforms, approaches, and strategies to uncover fresh talent.

Understanding Folk-Pop Music

Before diving into how to find new artists, it's important to understand what folk-pop music is and why it resonates with so many listeners.

Folk-pop is a genre that combines elements of folk music with the structures and rhythms of pop. Folk music itself is characterized by storytelling lyrics, acoustic instrumentation, and often, a connection to culture or tradition. Pop music, on the other hand, is designed to be catchy, appealing to a wide audience with accessible melodies and repetitive hooks.

In folk-pop, you'll often hear the use of traditional instruments like acoustic guitars, banjos, fiddles, and mandolins, paired with polished pop production. Artists in this genre blend the introspective, soulful lyricism of folk with the broad appeal of pop melodies, creating songs that are both emotionally resonant and commercially viable.

Platforms for Discovering New Folk-Pop Artists

1. Streaming Services: Spotify, Apple Music, and More

Streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube are powerful tools for discovering new artists in any genre, including folk-pop. These services use algorithms that recommend songs and artists based on your listening habits, making them an easy and effective way to explore new music.

Playlists and Curated Recommendations

One of the easiest ways to find folk-pop artists is by following genre-specific playlists. Both Spotify and Apple Music feature curated playlists like "Folk Pop" or "Indie Folk," which are updated regularly with fresh tracks from up-and-coming artists. These playlists are a great way to hear new releases and discover lesser-known musicians.

Additionally, both platforms offer "radio" features, where the algorithm suggests music based on a particular song or artist you enjoy. If you listen to a well-known folk-pop artist, you'll be recommended other artists with similar sounds and styles.

Discover Weekly and Release Radar

Spotify's "Discover Weekly" playlist and Apple Music's "New Music Mix" are personalized playlists that introduce you to songs and artists tailored to your tastes. These playlists update regularly, allowing you to explore new folk-pop music every week.

Release Radar is another feature that informs you of new releases from artists you already follow, which can be particularly helpful when you're trying to keep up with emerging talent in the folk-pop scene.

2. Social Media: Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok

In today's digital age, social media is a goldmine for discovering new artists. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have democratized the music discovery process, allowing independent artists to reach audiences directly.

Instagram

Instagram is a great place to find folk-pop artists, as many musicians share their work through posts, stories, and reels. By following hashtags like #folkpop or #indiefolk, you can uncover a wide variety of new talent. Artists often use Instagram to promote their music, behind-the-scenes content, and live performances, offering a personal connection to their fans.

You can also engage with music bloggers, influencers, and record labels who frequently highlight new folk-pop releases.

TikTok

TikTok has become a major platform for music discovery, with many songs going viral due to trends and challenges. For folk-pop, the platform offers a unique opportunity to find new artists through short, engaging clips of their music. Many musicians post snippets of their songs, songwriting processes, or live performances, giving you a glimpse into their style.

Hashtags like #folkpop, #newmusic, and #independentartist often lead to hidden gems in the folk-pop genre. TikTok's algorithm also recommends content based on your interests, so once you start engaging with folk-pop videos, it will curate your feed to show more content from similar artists.

Twitter

Twitter is another useful platform for discovering new folk-pop talent. Many independent artists use Twitter to promote their music and engage with their followers. Following music-related hashtags like #folkpop or #indiemusic can lead you to new artists. Additionally, Twitter has a thriving music community, including fans, critics, and bloggers who regularly share new music discoveries.

3. Music Blogs and Websites

There are countless music blogs and websites dedicated to discovering and showcasing new artists. Websites like Consequence of Sound, NME, and Pitchfork frequently feature up-and-coming folk-pop artists in their reviews and features.

If you're specifically interested in the folk-pop genre, look for niche blogs that focus on indie, folk, and acoustic music. These smaller, specialized websites often have a keen eye for new talent and may introduce you to emerging artists who haven't yet broken into the mainstream.

Bandcamp

Bandcamp is a platform that allows independent musicians to release and sell their music directly to fans. The site is known for fostering a strong sense of community and supporting artists financially. Bandcamp's "Discover" feature is a great tool for finding new folk-pop artists, as it allows you to browse music by genre, location, and even "tags" like folk-pop.

By following the artists you like, Bandcamp will suggest similar musicians, helping you uncover new talent. You can also sign up for their newsletter, which features new releases and recommendations.

4. YouTube and Live Performances

YouTube is still one of the best platforms for discovering new music, particularly for visual artists who use music videos as an extension of their creative work. Many folk-pop musicians share their music videos, live performances, and acoustic sessions on YouTube, offering a glimpse into their creative process.

Searching for Live Performances

Another way to discover new folk-pop artists on YouTube is by watching live performances. Many independent artists post their live shows or intimate sessions, which provide an authentic and raw experience of their music. YouTube's algorithm also recommends new artists based on what you've watched before, making it easy to stumble upon hidden folk-pop gems.

Engaging with the Folk-Pop Community

1. Attend Folk Music Festivals

Live music festivals are a fantastic way to experience folk-pop music firsthand and discover new artists. Folk festivals, in particular, tend to showcase a wide variety of folk-pop artists, ranging from well-known names to emerging talent.

In addition to larger events like the Newport Folk Festival or Americana Fest, there are many smaller, more intimate folk festivals where you can hear new artists perform live. Attending these events allows you to connect with other music fans, share recommendations, and explore the music scene in person.

2. Join Music Communities and Forums

There are many online communities and forums dedicated to folk music and indie folk-pop. Websites like Reddit host subreddits such as r/folk and r/indiefolk, where users share new releases, recommendations, and news about upcoming artists.

Engaging with these communities gives you access to a wealth of knowledge about the genre, as well as suggestions for new folk-pop artists. Reddit also allows you to interact with fellow music enthusiasts, ask questions, and share your own discoveries.

3. Collaborate with Independent Artists

Many folk-pop musicians work independently or with small record labels, meaning they often rely on fan support to get their music heard. You can help these artists by sharing their music on social media, attending their live shows, or purchasing their music directly from platforms like Bandcamp.

When you support independent artists, you become part of a community that values the artistry and authenticity of folk-pop music. You might even have the opportunity to connect with the artists themselves and gain exclusive insights into their creative processes.

Tips for Finding Hidden Folk-Pop Gems

1. Be Open to Different Styles: Folk-pop can encompass a wide variety of sounds, from soft, acoustic ballads to upbeat, radio-friendly pop songs. Don't limit yourself to one particular sound---explore the full range of what the genre has to offer.
2. Use Music Discovery Tools: Platforms like Spotify, Bandcamp, and YouTube have built-in tools that help you discover new artists. Make use of these tools to explore playlists, recommendations, and new releases.
3. Follow Independent Record Labels: Many indie labels specialize in folk-pop music and are a great source of new artists. Follow these labels on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to stay updated on new releases.
4. Engage with the Artist's Community: Once you find a new artist you like, follow them on social media, join their fan communities, and share their music with others. Supporting new artists not only helps their careers but also keeps you connected to the folk-pop scene.

Conclusion

Finding new folk-pop artists requires a combination of strategy, exploration, and engagement with the music community. Whether you're using streaming platforms, social media, music blogs, or attending live performances, there are countless ways to uncover hidden gems in the folk-pop scene. By staying curious, using the right tools, and engaging with the music community, you'll be able to discover fresh talent and enjoy the evolving sounds of this captivating genre.

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