Neo-Balkan

Neo-Balkan is an umbrella term for music spanning from indie rock to gypsy punk that is heavily influenced by the traditional gypsy and folk music of Eastern Europe. Common instruments used in Neo-Balkan music are piano, drums, trumpets, trombones and acoustic guitars.

Progressive Balkan folk

Progressive Balkan folk has seen rise in many western countries, particularly the United States. It has had its greatest success in large urbanized areas and cities in the United States such as Los Angeles, California and New York City, New York. It is most commonly played at local alternative coffee houses or at tribal fusion dance conventions. The bellydancer Rachel Brice has been known for her delicate obsession with this form of music in her shows and with her tours with The Indigo Girls. While tribal fusion bellydancing costume does not necessarily draw influence from Southeastern European costume, Rachel Brice incorporates sashes reminiscent of native folk. Though relatively obscure, the group The Toids are the headliners of the genre. The Yard Dogs Road Show are also influential.

Use of 'Neo-Balkan' and 'Progressive Balkan folk'

Neo-Balkan tends to subjugate a variety of fusion genres. For example, gypsy punk tends to denote a fusion of a Balkan style of music, Roma, and a clearly modern western style, punk rock. Because it is a vague umbrella term, it may be used to lump sum all modern forms of non-domestic Balkan folk.

Progressive Balkan folk describes the style of Balkan folk that is not fused with completely divergent genres. The term progressive denotes that the music tends to not be traditional folk; that is, the song and style is not inkempt to that of the Balkan people. Rather, the music's structure and composition are newly composed or reinvented. Progressive Balkan folk may include elements of electronica or other modern forms of music, yet does not compound the forms or shift its focus off of the folk music.

Notable Neo-Balkan artists

* Beirut
* DeVotchKa
* Gogol Bordello
* Golem!
* Kocani Orkestar
* A Hawk and a Hacksaw
* Balkan Beat Box
* The Toids
* Yard Dogs Road Show

ee also

* Balkan music
* Progressive Balkan folk

External links

* [http://www.emusic.com/lists/showlist.html?lid=19924181&nickname=ToddBurns&cs=1 eMusic Dozens - Neo-Balkan]