Psychfolk Music is a Piece of History

Psychfolk music is a term not commonly known but one that should be. With album titles such as “Savage Life,” “Fun for Fairies,” “Coffee for my Captain,” or “I Conquered while Still in the Egg,” why not at least check it out?

Psychfolk usually leans toward acoustic instrumentation, but does incorporate other types of instrumentation. You will hear chanting or music from earlier times. Often times it is laced with world music influences. Psychfolk is often recognized for its trance-like sounds with rhythmic beats, interlaced with improvisational runs.

The lyrics of Psycfolk are concerned with subjects such as love, beauty, and the natural world and strive to evoke a higher state of mind. Reminiscent of the 1960’s with a folksy feel and the psychedelic rock beats, it is something to behold.

Pychfolk was particularly strong in the mid 60’s as a result of the British Invasion. It also was mixed with strong influences from the era, such as hippy music. Often times you can hear, if you listen closely, eastern instruments with little Irish riffs. Pychfolk is a mixture of so many different kinds of music it is hard to put into a nice little definition. Hearing is believing when it comes to Pyschfolk.

In the 1970’s Pychfolk began to fade from the scene as the artists transitioned naturally into more popular art forms. Many of the bands splintered, causing further distancing from their loyal followers. Pychfolk however had its place in history. It morphed into more traditional forms of rock, yet marginally held its position as folk music.

In the early 2000’s, Pychfolk began to make a comeback, only taking on new names for the old art form. Some called it the New Weird America of Freak Folk. Some of the bands that brought it back were The Dodos and Yeasayer.

If Psychfolk sounds intriguing, then you can find places online that will let you download entire albums in MP3 format for free or a nominal donation. If enjoyable, these sites ask that you contribute based on your enthusiasm for the music. Why not check them out. What an opportunity to take a musical walk down history, get tranced out and perhaps even enjoy a bit of musical history making a comeback.

What is a True Artist?

What is a true artist? That is a question with a varying answer depending on who you ask. Some people may define a true artist as simply a painter or sculptor, who uses their talent to create what we as a society call a classic form of art. Others may answer the question with another question: what do you consider to be art? Still others may shrug and say “I do not know. Anything, I guess.” None of these answers would be wrong or misguided. In fact, true art can encompass many things, and a true artist is one who produces that art. An artist may be a painter, a sculptor, a photographer. But what about the fashion designer who spends her days creating new and stylish clothing? Is she not an artist? Or what about the architect who devotes hours to making each of his buildings unique and useful? Is he not a true artist too? 

 

In fact, a true artist can be anyone who devotes time, energy, and skill into their preferred hobby or craft. There are many true artists in the world. For example, a musician is an artist when it comes to writing and performing musical lyrics. A pool player can be an artist when they turn playing a simple game of billiards into a beautiful work of art. Anyone can be a true artist if they follow their talent and put their heart into it. Art does not have to be a formal piece hung in a museum for people to admire. Art can be the scrapbook that you put together of your children and devoted you time and your love to its crafting. Art can be the wooden bookcase you built in your garage one spring weekend. 

 

What is a true artist? The answer to that question is everyone. Each person has the heart of an artist somewhere inside. Though many of us never tap that well of talent and skill, it exists. Maybe your art form is designing a company website or upgrading and personalizing your car until it is all your own. Anything can be an art form. And, yes, anyone can be a true artist. 

 

     What is a true artist? I am. You are. Your husband and wife and child and uncle and neighbor -- they all are true artists.