User:JKruse101/sandbox

Punk-Folka is a genre of sub-cultured music that originated and evolved in the United States. Currently recognized as a genre through the local underground scenes of Boston, MA and New York, NY, the genre primarily originates from a combination of Klezmer, Swing, Garage Rock 'n Roll, and Punk music. Elements of Punk-Folka can be heard in many world records, and popular U.S. records. Although, Punk-Folka did not acquire it's name until recently. An early form of Punk-Folka was Jewish cultured music: Klezmer, which entailed many elements found in modern day Punk-Folka. The term "Punk-Folka" is derived from two separate words that can be found in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, and the online database Wiktionary. Folka- The Norwegian based plural term for folk. Punk- A teenager or young adult who is a performer (or enthusiast) of Punk Rock, and a member of the punk youth subculture. Subculture, in this context, represents fashion and general musical preferences. Although, Punk-Rock and Punk-Folka have separate fashion and musical preferences. The earliest styles of Punk-Folka date back to Klezmer, and Russian folk songs, the instrumentation hasn’t changed much, but on occasion the genre offers big band instrumentation. The main difference between these styles and the evolution of Punk-Folka is the emphasis on vocals, and the implementation of loud rock percussion. The beat is most often in the time signature of ¾ or 6/8, but not always. Some Polk-Folka artists play very fast, others play at a staggering pace. Punk-Folka is usually played with a minimum of a singer, and one accompanying instrument, usually piano or guitar. Punk-Folka continues to gain popularity, but has not gained national or international popularity. The term is so new that bands that would fall into Punk-Folka, or that have influenced modern-day Punk-Folka currently associate themselves as: experimental, folk, indie, alternative-punk, or experimental-rock. Bands such as: Tom Waits, ManMan, Golem, Squirrel Nut Zippers have been a major influence to the genre. Current working bands in the Boston, and New York scene that associate themselves with the genre are growing, but here are a few: Mighty Tiny, The Rex Complex, Holiday Mountain, Dr. Unclefish and Wizards of Speed and Time, Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys.

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