Why are classic folk songs becoming popular among younger audiences?

Folk Music is a kind of music passed on as a family legacy. It preserves the memories of people, places and traditions that existed long ago. Folk music was viewed as the primary genre for older generations over the years. However, everything has changed in the recent months. Now, each Karan khan new song of the ghazal genre earns over 10M+ views. Thus, an increasing number of youngsters are enjoying these folk songs.

However, it is quite a mystery how folk music found its way into the limelight. One possibility is that many talented artists merge genres to create fusion music. This requires the said vocalist to have command of multiple genres of music. Consider Shah Farooq song collection; it reflects that he is the skilled vocalist of ghazal, blues, and folk music. Therefore, let’s dive deeper into this and discover other reasons as well.

New Era of Folk Songs

1. Folk Songs: Timeless Tales

First of all, folk songs narrate simple stories. Therefore, the lyrical composition remains quite understandable and pleasant to listen to. Furthermore, the subject revolves around emotional topics about everyday struggles, feelings, and experiences. Thus, these are quite commonplace topics that people from all walks of life can relate to.

· Tales of Romance, Hardships, and Hope

A lot of folk songs sketch tales about love, hardship and hope. However, folk music speaks of loss or communities coming together to resolve an issue. Since these feelings are mutual across humans, the tracks resonate well. These songs were composed ages ago. However, their central idea makes these stand out even today.

· Easy to Understand

Folk songs usually consist of simple lyrics. Moreover, this makes it more appealing to music lovers of our generation. However, in folk songs, this can just be conveyed in simple wordings so it is easy to digest and fun to enjoy.

2. Authentic Works

Many young people are eager to find something authentic nowadays. Additionally, folk songs are not brought out to advertise and sell. These function as an outlet for the writer’s feelings. Therefore, classical music is preferred more under the banner of genuine music.

· Honest Lyrics

Folk music lyrics are crystal clear throughout the song. Additionally, the song-writers openly express their innermost feelings. Apart from this, these compositions are solely based on topics like battered hearts, free spirit, and societal problems. Thus conveying relatable sentiments through melodies. This is what has captivated the youth of our nation. A great example is that of Saira Naseem’s Kabhi Kitabon May Phool. This ghazal could literally engulf you into a world of its own.

· Meaningful Folk Songs

Folk songs relay quite meaningful notions. These melodies are even soothing and like honey to the ears. Additionally, these songs are way different than mainstream music. This is another factor that caters to the music listener’s taste in music. Modern audiophiles enjoy powerful songs with messages on the front instead of between the lines. Besides this, youth seem inclined towards sentimental works rather than ones produced for the sake of publicity.

3. Folk Music is Universal

These melodies carry universal themes. Thus, anyone anywhere can relate to them.

· Easy to Adapt and Modernize

Another reason is the fusion of genres today. Contemporary artists blend different types of music genres, such as rock and pop or electronic. Therefore, elements of folk music and, say, pop music’s elements get mixed up. It creates a fusion between the past and present that breathes new energy into folk. Modernizing a classic folk song is something that emerging artists do when they aim to make it more accessible and enjoyed by contemporary listeners.

4. Social Media Craze

The revival of folk songs is thanks to social media platforms. Furthermore, it is also due to the impact of streaming platforms as well. Currently, young people spend a lot of time browsing platforms such as YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, where they find all the music genres. There are so many new talented artists using these platforms to share their love of folk songs.

· Sharing Folk Music Online

Many people share music through online platforms. Music lovers edit their video content with their favorite folk songs. This makes it more appealing. Thus, folk songs are being recognized for their true essence. It is all thanks to online content creators. Additionally, these virtual platforms spread music everywhere around the globe.

· Viral Trends

Today, a song or video can become popular in a few minutes. And with TikTok, we have seen folk songs and other traditional music start to pop up in various viral challenges or trends. Young people get curious about folk songs after seeing them shared by their favorite influencers or artists. With that, any age-old folk song can become a viral sensation among youth.

5. Nature and Simplicity

Often, folk music reflects the splendor of nature. Traditional folk music often highlights the outdoors and community. Moreover, in the fast-paced age, people find themselves burdened by the weight of their everyday struggles. Therefore, they seek to slow down and immerse themselves in nature and simplicity. Folk music brings fills one’s life with peaceful melodies. Hence sheltering them from the noise of the modern world.

· Admiration for Environment

Several folk songs portray natural life, plants and wildlife. This resonates with every individual who cares for his surroundings. These songs serve to remind young people of the importance of care and love for Mother Nature.

· A Relaxing Break

Everyone is glued to their phone screens these days. So, folk music makes use of simple acoustic sounds that provide relief from our hectic routines. Besides, the general population residing in regional areas prefers listening to folk music. As it makes them feel relaxed and, connect with their natural surroundings, and find inner peace.

6. Influence of Popular Artists

In recent years, a number of popular artists have helped folk music to bloom. Numerous popular artists—such as Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, and Taylor Swift—have also gained inspiration from this folk music. They are appealing and give life to some classic folk songs.

· Remakes of Classic Songs

Remakes of songs work like a charm. It is like the reincarnation of the whole genre. For instance, certain famous singers put out covers of popular folk songs from folk melodies. Gen Z hears these and explores the roots further on their own. A great example is that of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s songs. Just take his Mere Rashke Qamar, which is the most celebrated track worldwide. Presently, this track still lives on in the hearts of the people, thanks to its renditions.

7. The Role of Folk Music in Changing Society

Some classic folk songs deal with social issues. They aim to make the world a better place. Thus, these songs were written to create awareness. Therefore, these melodies shed light on the subjects of justice, equality and peace. This has now changed, with a great number of youngsters becoming diligent citizens. It’s where people believe their voices can make a change. Folk music speaks to this desire for change with its messages of hope and unity.

· Songs of Protest and Unity

There are numerous popular patriotic songs. For instance, Hum Ek Hain by Alamgir displays the notion of unity. Additionally, there are many others that encourage young minds to do something revolutionary. Besides, this creates a sense of brotherhood within the nation.

Conclusion

To conclude, folk music is making big waves among the youth. It has received immense appreciation in recent years. They share commonplace stories that leave an everlasting impression on your mind and soul. Furthermore, they offer you a safe haven from the chaos of this fast-paced world. Above all, folk songs carry the themes of nature, social dilemmas and authenticity. And music lovers love this aspect as well. These classic tracks are reaching new audiences, inspiring young fans thanks to social media and top-notch artists.