Though folk is not as popular as it once was, a resurgence of the genre has been sparked through social media and activism as the forefront of social-political commentary. 

The basis of folk music consists of acoustic instruments, narrative lyrics and natural keys. Unlike jazz, it does not flirt with sharps, minor keys or major keys like in pop music. 

It is this that sets the genre apart from the current pop-dominated industry and what makes it the most accessible genre when it comes to creating social-political commentary.

Folk is constantly evolving and making way for new generations. Often when people think of the genre, giants of the 1960s come to mind like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Woody Guthrie. However, as the U.S. enters a similar time of political and social turmoil, new artists are using the folk style to make new commentary. 

“Folk is very accessible,” music history scholar Juliet Forshaw said of the resurgence. “All you need is a voice and a guitar. It is a way for people to make their voices heard, especially when they typically go unheard.” 

Forshaw, who also teaches music at SUNY Oswego, said many of her students are shying away from pop and electronic music in favor of folk. Inspirations vary, but big names like Hozier and Bon Iver are examples of artists who have brought folk into mainstream music.

According to Stevie Connor, a musician and music journalist, in his article “The Future of Folk Music: Tradition, Innovation and Breaking Free From the Old Guard,” the renewed interest in folk music comes from artists taking to social media and integrating digital aspects into their work.

“The digital age has democratized music distribution and promotion, offering artists direct access to their audiences without the need for intermediaries,” Connor wrote in his article. “Meanwhile, social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube offer powerful tools for building a fan base, sharing live performances and creating viral moments.” 

One musician who has used social media to leverage his audience is Jesse Welles. Welles began posting his original songs in early 2024. His songs “War Isn’t Murder” and “Trump Trailers” gained traction for being topically relevant. The speed in which he created the songs also attracted people while the news is still fresh in their minds. 

Since going viral, he quickly released two albums, headlined Farm Aid and has gone on multiple sold-out tours. His music has resonated with listeners of all ages with his witty narrative songs that have strong social commentary attached.

Welles’s attack on the current administration mirrors that of Dylan and Guthrie’s, which paved the way for social movements in the 1960s and ‘70s. Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, Welles has used his platform to make comments on the handling of foreign affairs, like the ongoing war in Gaza or internal affairs like the management of fentanyl throughout the country.

“The job of an artist is to tell people what is happening,” Forshaw said. “They are telling stories that need to be told.”

More of the musicians, both students and professionals, Forhsaw has seen recently have been centering their platforms on social commentary. Chrys Matthews, a folk musician Forshaw enjoys, uses her music to discuss racial inequality, LGBTQ+ issues and other problems that appear in everyday life. In Forshaw’s eyes, folk is the easiest musical form to express these issues because it is rooted in storytelling.

Similarly, musician Adam Ezra believes that the draw to folk is due to the inclusivity and acceptance within the genre. Connecting with others on a personal level outside of the social and political commentary is important, as it brings communities together.

“It is easy to be drawn into preaching about our ideals and to people who share beliefs,” Ezra said. “Besides that we can do more and believe in the power of community.”

The folk community is connected through common causes and their own humanity. Both Ezra and Forshaw target human issues, whether they be personal, social or political. In today’s current climate, those in the community find a sense of belonging in standing up for what they believe is right.

For Forshaw, the rawness of the acoustic aspects of folk help to emphasize the messages of the artists. 

“So much of pop music is mechanical and polished. Folk pushes people to connect with the roughest parts of themselves,” she said.

Ezra believes that music and art are vehicles of expression for the human condition. Not only is it a way of carrying over stories and values of a culture overtime, but Ezra believes that folk music is honest and “truth to power.” 

Although Ezra’s music is not specifically or solely folk, he views himself as a folk musician because of his focus on messages and activism in his music and actions. 

“To me,” said Ezra, “what makes me a folk musician is the message and power. That means writing as honestly as I can. Whether it’s my story or someone else’s. It gives us perspective and that is so powerful.”

Regardless of how the music itself sounds, folk is more than just acoustics. It is a platform for people to find community, take a stand and express their thoughts on current issues to like-minded people. 

Ezra’s concerts often double as charity events. Every summer, his band participates in a festival aimed at raising money for homeless veterans. Last year, $150,000 were raised for the cause.

“Right now, my mission is to bring people together through all walks of life,” Ezra said. “Through music and causes we can all get behind [like homes for veterans].”

Image from The Fire Within via SUNY Oswego website