The autoharp, traditionally associated with folk and country music, is making waves in contemporary bands across various genres. Modern musicians are exploring its unique sound and integrating it into diverse musical styles, showcasing the instrument’s versatility and expanding its role in today’s music scene. This guide highlights some notable autoharp players in modern bands and explores how they are incorporating the instrument into their music.
1. The Decemberists
1.1. Band Overview
- Background: The Decemberists, an indie rock band formed in 2001, are known for their literary lyrics and eclectic musical style. Their sound often blends folk, rock, and orchestral elements.
- Autoharp Player: Jenny Conlee, the band’s multi-instrumentalist, plays the autoharp among other instruments. Her contributions add a distinctive folk and melodic layer to the band’s music.
1.2. Impact on Music
- Unique Sound: Conlee’s use of the autoharp enriches The Decemberists’ sound with its harmonic and textural qualities. It complements the band’s diverse instrumentation and contributes to their distinctive style.
- Influence: The Decemberists’ incorporation of the autoharp has introduced the instrument to indie rock audiences, demonstrating its versatility beyond traditional genres.
2. She & Him
2.1. Duo Overview
- Background: She & Him is a folk-pop duo consisting of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, known for their retro-inspired sound and harmonious vocals.
- Autoharp Player: Zooey Deschanel, the duo’s vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, plays the autoharp on several tracks, contributing to the group’s nostalgic and melodic sound.
2.2. Impact on Music
- Folk Influence: Deschanel’s use of the autoharp adds a vintage folk element to She & Him’s music, enhancing their retro aesthetic and providing a distinctive texture.
- Modern Appeal: The duo’s successful integration of the autoharp showcases its relevance in modern folk-pop music, appealing to contemporary audiences.
3. The Avett Brothers
3.1. Band Overview
- Background: The Avett Brothers are a folk-rock band known for their energetic performances and blend of folk, bluegrass, and rock influences.
- Autoharp Player: Scott Avett, one of the band’s founding members, occasionally plays the autoharp, adding a unique harmonic and rhythmic dimension to their sound.
2.2. Impact on Music
- Genre Fusion: The Avett Brothers’ use of the autoharp highlights its adaptability within folk-rock and bluegrass genres. It contributes to their dynamic sound and diverse musical arrangements.
- Audience Engagement: The autoharp’s inclusion in their music helps the band connect with both traditional and modern listeners, showcasing the instrument’s versatility.
4. Lumineers
4.1. Band Overview
- Background: The Lumineers are an indie folk band known for their catchy melodies and acoustic instrumentation. Their music often features a blend of folk, rock, and Americana influences.
- Autoharp Player: While not a regular fixture, the autoharp has appeared in some of The Lumineers’ recordings and live performances, adding a distinctive touch to their folk-inspired sound.
2.2. Impact on Music
- Folk Integration: The occasional use of the autoharp by The Lumineers underscores its compatibility with modern folk music. It enhances the band’s acoustic and roots-oriented sound.
- Genre Exploration: By incorporating the autoharp, The Lumineers demonstrate the instrument’s relevance in contemporary folk and indie music.
5. Fleet Foxes
5.1. Band Overview
- Background: Fleet Foxes are known for their rich harmonies and folk-influenced sound, blending elements of folk, baroque pop, and indie rock.
- Autoharp Player: The autoharp has been used in some of Fleet Foxes’ recordings to provide additional texture and harmonic support, contributing to their intricate and layered sound.
2.2. Impact on Music
- Textural Enhancement: Fleet Foxes’ use of the autoharp adds a unique layer to their music, enriching their folk and pop compositions with its distinctive timbre.
- Modern Folk Appeal: The band’s incorporation of the autoharp helps bridge traditional folk elements with modern indie and pop sounds, appealing to a broad audience.
Conclusion
Modern bands are increasingly incorporating the autoharp into their music, showcasing its versatility and expanding its role in contemporary genres. From indie rock to folk-pop, the autoharp adds unique textures and harmonies that enhance the soundscapes of various modern musical styles. Notable bands like The Decemberists, She & Him, The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and Fleet Foxes have demonstrated the instrument’s adaptability and relevance in today’s music scene. By exploring these examples, listeners can appreciate the autoharp’s continued impact and its ability to enrich and diversify modern music.
