Folktronica: An Unlikely Blend of Two Very Different Genres

Written by Joel Lesher and Joanna Thomas, Photo by Javon Swaby

The early 90s saw the combination of acoustic folk and electronic rhythm combine to create the distinct and hypnotic genre of Folktronica. The name sounds like a fan-made mashup but was supposedly coined by the British Press in 2001 to recount a new type of production, one that had elements of electronica, folk, jazz, and hip-hop. “Folktronica” may elicit several responses from readers. It could induce a sense of dread as many abhor the idea of folk and electronica meeting within the same track… or it could prompt you to remember the otherworldly artists that have employed this combination on stage, including names like Avicii and Bon Iver. Individual songs are lengthy and allow the complex layers to climax naturally to draw the listener into the culture of the creator’s art, with a popping electric backdrop. Audiences can expect elements of tribal folk music or modern hip-hop and jazz as this genre draws from many influences and covers a wide range despite its rather specific nomenclature. Argentinian singer-songwriter Juana Molina frequently takes from traditional South American folk music to form her distinctive sound. It is undeniable that Folktronica has made its mark throughout the music space.

Underground success was reached in the early 2000s with Madonna’s help as she incorporated aspects of Folktronica into her 2003 album, American Life. Mainstream success wasn’t reached until shortly following 2010 with artists like alt-J and Bon Iver introducing the sound to a new generation. However, if it weren’t for bands like Tunng and artists such as Four Tet, this unique blend wouldn’t exist as we know it today. Folktronica’s debut at the Homefires and Green Man festivals established the sound as an underground staple beginning in the late 1990’s and continuing on to the early 2000’s. With great roots and new talented artists embracing Folktronica, we can be sure the genre will be cemented as a mainstay within the current era of music.

ULTRAMARINE

Often credited as the pioneer of Folktronica, Ultramarine began combining techno and ambient music for their first release Folk in 1990. By 1992, they had finished and released their second album Every Man and Woman Is A Star. John Bergstrom of PopMatters described it as “translat[ing] that pastoral ethos into music that was full of breezy, mid-tempo rhythms and shaded in with traditional instruments like violin and harmonica,” effectively the first and best amalgamation of the two contradicting types. Ultramarine began international tours in ‘92 and produced three more albums: United Kingdoms (1993), Bel Air (1995), and A User’s Guide (1998). The group took a fifteen-year sabbatical but came back with three more albums following Folktronica reaching mainstream status: This Time Last Year (2013), Signals Into Space (2019), and Meditations (2019).

Check out the video of Ultramarine’s song “Honey” from Every Man and Woman Is A Star (1992). 

CARIBOU

Dan Snaith, who also performs under the stage names Manitoba and Daphni, is the heart and mind behind Caribou. With a doctorate in mathematics, Snaith uses complex visual projections with an upbeat synth dance track to create a psychedelic listening experience. Snaith’s first album under the Caribou moniker, Milk of Human Kindness (2005), began his introduction into the kaleidoscope of sounds that is Folktronica. After Andorra (2007) and Swim (2010), his songs explored personal struggle; notably his struggle with marriage and fatherhood in Our Love (2014). Most recently, his album Suddenly (2020) took his sound a step further with stylistically varied and sharp sounds using precise notes and motions to engage the audience.

Watch the video of Caribou’s song “Odessa” from Swim (2010).

TUNNG

The founders, Mike Lindsay and Sam Genders, began a musical collaboration in the early 2000s rooted in gentle vocals and acoustic guitar. As they filled out the group with more members, the U.K. experimental indie band coupled acoustic instruments with found-sound sampling, such as seashells and electronic samples. They released multiple singles together before releasing their debut album Mother’s Daughter and Other Songs in 2005. This album was met with critical praise, and Tunng continued to explore their blended approach over the release of seven more albums. Their most recent album titled Tunng presents…DEAD CLUB in 2020 explored the topic of death along with an eight-episode podcast of interviews with philosophers and writers. This record left no aspect of death uncovered in a frank musical conversation tempering the weight of the topic with upbeat, whimsical sounds. They truly embody the range that Folktronica brings to the music scene.

Take in the video of Tunng’s song “Flatland” from Songs You Make at Night (2018).

BON IVER

After being diagnosed with mononucleosis and resting in the relative solitude of his father’s Wisconsin cabin, Justin Vernon found solace in his guitar and simple recording equipment. All of the instrumentation, vocals, and production were completed by him. He was subsequently signed with a label and debuted his first album, For Emma, Forever Ago in 2007. While remaining the primary producer of his music, Justin incorporated other musicians to change the voice and feel of his music. It wasn’t until Bon Iver, Bon Iver in 2011, that he began receiving massive attention which garnered him two Grammy awards: Best Alternative Music Album and Best New Artist. Bon Iver’s trademark, a collage of swelling sound with an honest voice overlaying acoustic guitar, horns, piano, and electric synths made it into his next two albums, 22, A Million (2016) and I, I (2019), also receiving rave reviews.

Experience it for yourself in the video of “Perth” from Bon Iver, Bon Iver (2011).