All of the shoes are piled in the front entrance, and no lights are on in the house. There is a couple in the kitchen talking about their day and what they like to drink. Through the back door you can see lights dangling from trees, a commotion of colour, and you can hear a muffled hum.
The backyard is a festival of life and love, people are dancing in circles barefoot, and a guitar, a violin, and banjo are all being plucked to the beat of stomping feet. The three musicians harmonize with each other to deliver an upbeat melody about their lives, leaving home and seeing the world they live in. Glasses clink together in cheer of happiness and good times, and another group of people enjoy a different recreational activity in another part of the yard. Laughter is abundant, lovers hold each other with affection, and a broken heart sings its song.
This setting is one in which folk music thrives, being enjoyed by friends in a quaint atmosphere. The raw delivery of folk music is part of what defines it: no need for amplified instruments or microphones. A loud voice and an instrument which doesn’t need to plug in, is all one needs. The experience is meant to be personal, meant to be one-on-one, for both the musicians and the listeners.
The “down to earth” mentality folk music pervades is that you can play anytime or anywhere. All you need is an instrument and a voice. What better way to make a personal experience like listening to music even more so, by singing songs that are relatable? Those who love, those who lose, and those who find happiness and strength in their lives, will be part of a musical event that is much more personal than watching someone on a stage. The feeling you get when the performer can look you in the eyes and not be looking down, and really see you because the stage lighting doesn’t exist, really says it all. This is as personal as live music gets, and it’s amazing.
