By Sarika Kabra

Folk music as an art form is a tradition handed down to us down the generations. Not something to be found in the history books, this music reflects the struggles of society as it evolved. The working class, which was the originator of most folk songs, is as omnipresent today as it always was. Even someone at the top of the corporate ladder today will be surprised how well a song that was composed during the slave age reflects on his struggle. Therein lies the beauty of these timeless lyrics.

One of the most underestimated, yet essential forms of music, folk music acts as a safety valve for the society. By giving an outlet to the feelings of the people, it perhaps avoids other possibly violent forms of dissent.

So what is this folk music all about? While you may have heard about jazz, the blues, and of course rock and pop, no serious music buff can afford to ignore this form of music.
Some of this music deals with folk stories that have been handed down the generations, again by word of mouth. They may not even be found in books, yet recount in graphic detail the victories of the heroes of the age in which they originated. To the extent, that you may even call it ‘oral history’ of the sect to which the song belongs.

Most folk music reflects the times in which it was composed. Thus you are sure to find music talking about slave culture, the civil war, the great depression, and so on. While you may not find it being played very often by your favorite disc jockey, songs like ‘We Shall Overcome’ are extremely popular otherwise, and reflect the struggle of life that is common to any age irrespective of the times in which they were composed. The songs reflect the eternal hope of the human race, that hardships shall not last and the world has much more to offer than the current set of struggles.

In recent times in American history, the depressing thirties gave rise to a number of contemporary folk songs. The songs pertaining to this period reflect the American psyche of the age, talking about workers struggle, child labor laws, and the eight-hour working day. The songs worked as a counter to the rough environment in which the workers found themselves, and hordes of them would gather around a fire or in community halls to sing songs that would give them hope.

Folk music is now commercially available in music stores, though you may have to ask around a bit as everyone may not be keeping it. A little more research, and you would definitely find folk music relating to your own community, and you can relate to it all the more. Play it on your car audio to perk up your spirits when you are feeling down. The extremely simple lyrics and tunes that are easy to hum along make them interesting companions that have the potential of making you feel lighter as well. Just about any music software will play the songs, and you can play whether you are in your car, or feeling down in your office after the boss just gave you a dressing down.

Folk music doesn’t restrict itself to only struggles, but touches other aspects of life as well such as the intricate human family relationships, love etc. After a wonderful date with your beloved, you will be surprised how beautiful the lyrics sound, and how true they seem to your own happy situation! For that, of course, you have to fall in love first. The lucky ones that already are know what I am talking about – don’t you?

So go ahead and widen your horizons about your perceptions of music. If you feel better during low times in the bargain, well, I would have achieved my aim of writing this article.

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

By Kevin Cantera

Online music is finally getting in tune and it sure is an exciting time to be a music fan.

Downloaded songs, once the scourge of the music industry, have gone completely legitimate and now the next great wave crossing the Internet is all about sharing music over the World Wide Web. It is a great place to be! With the industry's support, some of the biggest computing and Internet companies have launched music-download stores and portable digital-music players.

Downloading and sharing songs through file-sharing programs was once a dangerous pastime back when the recording industry began filing lawsuits against hundreds of users for copyright infringement. Several surveys by research firms suggested that file-sharing activity slowed after the Recording Industry Association of America launched its legal campaign. In a recent poll, taken by the Pew Internet & American Life Project in November and December, only 14 percent of respondents said they downloaded music (through file-sharing networks or for-pay services), compared to 29 percent in the spring.

Even the most successful download service, Apple's iTunes Music Store, is dwarfed by the traffic on file-sharing networks. The trend, which is catching on from coast to coast and everywhere in between, is a reflection of just how portable music has become – and how sharing it with others is becoming easier than ever. It's fairly basic stuff.

Experts who track technology trends say they're not surprised people are sharing more music. It's the same thing as sharing a hot new 45 or tape or CD. Some have accused a new wave of music listeners of shutting out the world with their headphones but technology is actually encouraging people to socialize because it is set up for people to meet other people – not isolate them.

The Internet has also changed the dynamics of music sales, with musicians no longer having to rely on distributors or chain stores. They can sell their music on their own Web site, through sites that offer downloads, and through new retailers. The Internet is a great equalizer in a lot of ways. A lot more people can participate. In fact, some musicians grumble that the business has become a little too open, with so much music available that it supersaturates the market.

But there are a lot of people for whom this music is important. And now, you can share with, and meet those people, people just like you, at a great new site that will change the way you think about music forever.

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com