Singer-Songwriter, Indie Folk & Americana

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Singer-songwriter: A genre that encompasses a wide range of musical styles, but generally refers to music that is written and performed by a single individual. This individual typically writes the lyrics and melody, and performs the song with accompanying instrumentation, often on guitar or piano. Singer-songwriters often draw on personal experiences and emotions for inspiration, and the lyrics of their songs often tell stories or express feelings and thoughts. Folk and indie rock are popular sub-genres of singer-songwriter music, but many famous singers like Elton John, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and many others have also been considered as singer-songwriters as well.
Indie Folk: A subgenre of music that combines elements of traditional folk music with the DIY aesthetic and independent spirit of indie rock. Indie folk often features acoustic instruments like guitar, banjo, and piano, and the songwriting is typically focused on personal stories and emotions, as well as social and political issues. Many indie folk artists are singer-songwriters who perform their own material, often with sparse instrumentation. Famous indie folk artists include Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, and Iron & Wine. The genre has been gaining popularity since 2000s and many musicians started to blend it with other subgenres like indie rock, alternative, and indie-pop to create a unique sound.
Americana: A genre of music that encompasses a wide range of styles and subgenres that are rooted in American roots music, including country, folk, blues, and rock. The term "Americana" was coined in the late 1990s to describe a new generation of musicians who were drawing inspiration from traditional American music forms, but were also incorporating elements of rock, pop, and other contemporary styles.

Musicians who are considered part of the Americana genre often focus on storytelling, both in their lyrics and in their music. The genre often features a mix of traditional instruments such as guitar, banjo, and harmonica, with a strong emphasis on melody and songwriting. Famous Americana musicians include Wilco, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams, and The Avett Brothers. It's a broad term that also covers other subgenres like alt-country, roots rock, and southern rock, and it's often used to describe music that is made by artists who are not necessarily associated with mainstream country music or commercial folk music.