Stomp-clap-hey: Why folk-pop music is having a comeback
The scene at Osheaga was electric, with a sea of sweaty bodies singing along to Noah Kahan’s folk-pop hits “She Calls Me Back” and “Stick Season.” The crowd stood shoulder to sunscreened shoulder, clapping and bobbing their heads in unison. This moment signaled a revival of stomp-clap-hey music, a genre characterized by confessional lyrics, cheerful melodies, and a lot of acoustic guitar.
Stomp-clap-hey music, popularized by bands like Mumford & Sons and the Lumineers in the 2010s, features songs that start slowly with minimal instrumentation before building into an upbeat rhythm. Jada Watson, an associate professor at the University of Ottawa, describes it as a genre that allows listeners to express their feelings while keeping the tempo upbeat.
The resurgence of stomp-clap-hey music is evident not only through Kahan’s success but also through artists like the Strumbellas, Shawn Mendes, and Wild Rivers. These Canadian musicians are putting their own spin on the folk-pop sound, captivating audiences with their authentic storytelling and heartfelt lyricism.
The Strumbellas, known for their hit “Spirits,” have sharpened their rootsy sound with tracks like “Great Unknown” from their latest album, Part Time Believer. Wild Rivers, on the other hand, infuses bluesy soul into their music, creating a more expansive sound on songs like “Anyways, I Love You” and “Never Better.”
Shawn Mendes, with his latest album Shawn, has also embraced the folk-pop genre, showcasing vulnerability and personal storytelling in songs like “Why Why Why.” Watson sees Mendes as part of a musical language of vulnerability for male artists, alongside other folk-pop icons.
As Wild Rivers guitarist Andrew Oliver puts it, people are craving authenticity in music, seeking out songs that feel real and human. This emotional connection is at the core of the folk-pop genre, driving artists to be open and honest in their storytelling.
While the boundaries of stomp-clap-hey music may be shifting, the essence of the genre remains the same: heartfelt storytelling set to an infectious rhythm. Canadian artists like the Strumbellas, Wild Rivers, and Shawn Mendes continue to tour and captivate audiences worldwide, proving that the appetite for folk-pop music shows no signs of waning.
With a rich history of folk music in Canada, from Joni Mitchell to Great Big Sea, it’s no surprise that Canadian musicians are at the forefront of this stomp-clap-hey revival. As Watson notes, Canadians have always been cutting edge in music, and it’s time to celebrate and applaud them for their innovation in the folk-pop genre.
