It’s a question we often ask, “What actually constitutes Folk Music?” Does it come down to the credentials of the composer or artist? The reason for song or the message behind it? It’s age? A particular playing or composition style? What’s left after the exclusion of particular better defined styles?
I’ve been toying with writing a piece on the question but then the BBCs interview with author Michael Morpurgo has some really nice discussions on the subject. The rest of the episode is also, as usual, well worth a listen.
BBC Folk Show – Michael Morpurgo Interview from 19:20ish.