Folk Files

Welcome to Part II of Folk Files’ exploration of the history of folk instruments! Learn about the origins and etymology of accordions, concertinas, harmonicas, bagpipes, whistles, and a sampling of percussion! (Recorded with a head cold - please excuse any stuffiness).

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: Duo Synkro

WORK...

This episode of Folk Files takes a departure from folk songs to talk about folk instruments! Learn about the history, ancestors, and etymology of folky string instruments, including the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and guitar!

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Support Folk Files: https://www.patreon.com/c/FolkFilesPodcast?redirect=true

Musical excerpts:

ARTI...

This episode explores the variations, history, and geography of the bluegrass song “The Roving Gambler.”

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Ashford King, The Cecil Sharp House/Ralph Vaughan Williams Library, and Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Listen to Ashford King: https://open.spotify.com/album/1IZwE0c1mzOQtd3nnWn8nE?si=A5AenKxXRvmAiM_duUVHPg

Support Folk Files: https://www.p...

From 1986-1991, a “Singing Revolution” took place in the Baltic states, leading to their independence from the Soviet Union. This episode of Folk Files looks at the rich musical history that paved the way for the Singing Revolution to occur and provides an introduction to Estonian folk and choral music. (Apologies for any horrible Estonian pronunciation).

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Cliff S., Ramona Holmes, and Aaron J. M...

Surprise! This is not an episode of Folk Files: It's an episode of Basic Folk! Basic Folk, produced by the Bluegrass Situation, is a podcast that features honest conversations with folk musicians. Hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No, Basic Folk approaches interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. Since 2018, this podcast has dignified under the radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwis...

He goes bare, he lives by the air, and he wants no drink nor money…or does he? In this episode, we explore the songs and stories surrounding Tom of Bedlam. Where did the modern tune come from? And why is the title misleading? Hold on to your hat and your sanity for this musical journey to Pluto’s kitchen and beyond.

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to: Aaron J. Morton

Check out Basic Folk: https://basicfolk.com/

Musical excerpts:

ART...

Greenland Whale Fisheries is the featured song in this episode of Folk Files. While delving into the origins of the song, we will explore other ballads about Greenland and dip our toes into the extensive history of whaling. Well row’d, jolly trouts! 

Happy Holidays! In this episode of Folk Files, we will explore the history, lore, and significance of plants in Christmas carols, with a special emphasis on the Holly and the Ivy!

Welcome to Filk Files! But what is Filk? And why are there so many aliens, adventurers, hobbits, muppets, and nerds in this episode?

This episode of Folk Files discusses songs involving infanticide. “The Well Below the Valley” and “The Cruel Mother” stand at the center of this heartbreaking voyage through historical records, Scandinavian folklore, and murder ballads.

Host: Olivia Harding

Join the Folk FIles Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FolkFilesPodcast

Special Thanks To: Aaron J. Morton

Note: Because it’s always true in folk songs, when I refer to pregnant peopl...

Episode 9 is all about birds! Embark on a journey around the world to sample bird songs and birdsong. Along the way, listen to the mockingbird, help the blackbird find his missing pieces, and rumple up the cuckoo’s nest. Note: This was recorded on the road (away from the studio) so please excuse any loss of audio quality!

“Shady Grove” is an Appalachian folk song that is often linked to the English ballad “Matty Groves”. But what is the actual relationship between them? This episode of Folk Files discusses the meaning of “Shady Grove” and untangles the origins of these two songs.

This month’s episode focuses on folk songs from the British Isles where the main character dresses, acts, or lives in a way that challenges gender norms. It also offers a glimpse into the work of “Queer Folk”, an English organization that highlights traditional songs with LGBTQIA+ themes.

April is dead and summer is a-coming in! This episode of Folk Files explores the tradition of May songs and festivals, specifically focusing on Hal an Tow and the Flora Day celebrations in Cornwall. Morris dancing, maypoles, and the origin of May Day are also discussed.

Wayfaring Stranger is the featured song in this episode of Folk Files, which explores the history of Appalachia, shape note tradition, and the difficulties of tracing the origins of early American folk music. 

This episode of Folk Files traces the roots of popular sea shanties to Black work songs and African folk traditions.

Ahoy! This episode of Folk Files explores the strange history of Mingulay, the island at the center of the Mingulay Boat Song. The episode also delves into the difference between sea shanties and fo’c’sle songs and discusses the tradition of naming songs “[Scottish Island] Boat Song”. 

In this holiday episode of Folk Files, we explore the old, wild, wonderful world of wassailing. Wæs hæl!

Welcome to Folk Files, a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music throughout the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music that has withstood the test of time!