“Who are the best folk rock artists to listen to right now?”

Here are folk rock artists that feel especially “right now” as of October 2026—acclaimed lately, active, and great entry points:

Essentials right now

• Waxahatchee — Tigers Blood was one of 2024’s most-praised Americana/folk-rock records; start with Right Back to It and Bored. (pitchfork.com)
• Adrianne Lenker (of Big Thief) — her 2024 solo album Bright Future is stunning, intimate folk rock; try Sadness as a Gift and Real House. (pitchfork.com)
• Hurray for the Riff Raff — The Past Is Still Alive (2024) drew year‑end “best of” attention; cue up Hawkmoon and Colossus of Roads. (pitchfork.com)

Crossover and chart-adjacent

• Noah Kahan — folk-pop/rock that’s dominated festivals and airplay; recent Grammy recognition underscores the moment. Start with Stick Season (Forever) and Dial Drunk. (grammy.com)
• Zach Bryan — rugged folk-rock/Americana with massive crossover; hear I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves) and Dawns. (en.wikipedia.org)

More to dig into (current or recently active)

• Big Thief — modern folk rock touchstone; try Not and Simulation Swarm. (Lenker’s solo acclaim also spotlights the band.) (en.wikipedia.org)
• Bonny Light Horseman — gorgeous, harmony-rich folk rock; try Exile and Comrade Sweetheart. (theguardian.com)
• The Guardian’s “best folk albums of 2024” list is a great mine for newer names to sample next. (theguardian.com)

Want me to tailor this to a specific vibe (more electric vs acoustic, moodier vs upbeat) or make you a starter playlist on your streaming service?

If you want the best folk rock artists to listen to right now, the strongest current names from the available sources are Mitski, Neil Young, Chuck Prophet, Pieta Brown, The Steel Wheels, Rainbow Girls, Henry Jamison, Jana Horn, and Mumford & Sons.^16781217

A practical short list by vibe:

• Modern indie-folk rock: Mitski, Henry Jamison, Jana Horn, Rainbow Girls.¹⁷⁸⁶
• Veteran folk rock / roots rock: Neil Young, Chuck Prophet, Pieta Brown, The Steel Wheels.¹⁶
• Big, mainstream folk rock: Mumford & Sons.¹²
• Traditional-leaning contemporary folk rock: Pressing Strings, Karney, Abbie Gardner, I’m With Her, Carsie Blanton.³¹⁰¹⁴

If you want a more curated “start here” list, I’d suggest these five first:

• Mitski — current folk-rock coverage places her in the genre conversation now.¹
• Neil Young — still actively present in folk rock album coverage.¹
• Chuck Prophet — named among 2026 official showcase artists, signaling current relevance in the folk scene.⁶
• Henry Jamison — highlighted as a standout indie-folk artist to discover in 2026.⁷
• Jana Horn — described as a strong, understated folk singer in a 2026 best-albums roundup.⁸

If you want, I can also turn this into:

• a more mainstream folk-rock playlist,
• a modern indie-folk-rock starter pack, or
• a classic-to-current listening guide.

Best is subjective, but if you want a current folk-rock / indie-folk shortlist, these are the names that keep coming up in recent roundups and 2026 reviews.

Start with Noah Kahan. His fourth album, The Great Divide, is out now and is being framed as a post-Stick Season evolution: folk-pop with contemporary folk touches, big emotional swings, and a complete-album feel. The review highlights “End of August,” “Headed North,” “Deny Deny Deny,” “Haircut,” “We Go Way Back,” and “American Cars,” and compares him to Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and Boygenius. clutchpoints.com

Indie-folk / alt-rock essentials

• Gregory Alan Isakov — Colorado indie-folk staple; melancholy but often uplifting, especially live. Try “That Moon Song,” “Stable Song,” and “Time Will Tell.” amusingfoodie.com
• Mumford & Sons — British folk-rock with banjo, big harmonies, and a strong live reputation. Sigh No More and Babel are the entry points. amusingfoodie.com
• The Avett Brothers — North Carolina folk/bluegrass with a Southern twang, sharp songwriting, and lots of instrument-swapping. amusingfoodie.com
• Lord Huron — Cinematic indie folk/alt-rock; “The Night We Met” is the obvious gateway, but their soundtrack-friendly sound runs deeper. amusingfoodie.com

Singer-songwriter / folk-pop side

• Vance Joy — Lilting, acoustic folk-pop; “Riptide” is the hook, but the catalog is easy to sink into. amusingfoodie.com
• Ray LaMontagne — Soulful, warm, old-soul folk rock; Trouble is still the classic starting point. amusingfoodie.com
• Feist — Dreamy, folky indie pop/rock; The Reminder and “1234” remain a good intro. amusingfoodie.com
• Ingrid Michaelson — Smooth, relatable singer-songwriter folk-pop. amusingfoodie.com

Worth digging deeper

• Eddie Vedder — His solo/soundtrack work, especially Into the Wild, is haunting folk-rock. amusingfoodie.com
• Vandaveer — Folk-leaning songwriting with real depth; Grace & Speed is the debut to try. amusingfoodie.com
• Eric Hutchinson — “Intelligent pop” with piano/guitar and a strong live show. amusingfoodie.com

For newer/rising artists in 2026, Spotify’s “New Folk, Americana, Country - Rising Artists [2026]” playlist is a good discovery companion — it leans into soft folk, indie folk, singer-songwriter, and alt-country. open.spotify.com

If you only try three: Noah Kahan, Gregory Alan Isakov, and The Avett Brothers.

Here's a solid lineup of folk rock artists worth checking out right now, spanning both established acts still putting out great work and newer names making waves:

Established/Veteran Artists Still Active

• Kurt Vile – His 2026 release Philadelphia's been good to me leans into

folk rock, singer-songwriter, and slacker rock styles , blending in alt-country and jangle pop influences.

• Neil Young – Still releasing folk rock material, including Prairie Wind.
• Bruce Hornsby – His recent Indigo Park mixes

folk rock, piano rock, and pop rock .

• Mumford & Sons –

A British folk rock band formed in London in 2007, currently consisting of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, and Ted Dwane .

Contemporary/Rising Stars

• The Lumineers –

Blending soul-stirring melodies with storytelling, they've crafted a niche in the indie folk rock scene .

• Fleet Foxes –

Originating in Seattle in 2006, they've emerged as a leading force in indie folk with earthy harmonies and profound lyricism .

• Gregory Alan Isakov –

Captivates audiences by painting rich, sweeping landscapes with his music .

• Caamp –

Blends folk with rock and roots music, with songs like "By and By" and "Peach Fuzz" becoming streaming favorites while maintaining underground credibility .

• Kevin Morby – His 2026 album Little Wide Open sits in the

Americana, singer-songwriter, and folk rock space.

• Hiss Golden Messenger – Known for blending

folk rock and Americana , with strong critical reception on recent releases.

• Brandi Carlile –

Her music draws from folk, rock, and country without settling into any single category .

• Jason Isbell –

A former Drive-By Truckers guitarist who's become one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters working today, known for confessional songwriting about addiction, recovery, and love, with guitar work mixing fingerpicking folk technique with southern rock grit .

• Phoebe Bridgers –

Represents the younger generation of folk-influenced songwriters who grew up with indie rock and emo as much as acoustic traditions .

Deeper Cuts Worth Exploring

• Lily Seabird, Zoh Amba, Cut Worms, and Foy Vance all released well-received folk rock albums in 2026, per critic rankings.
• Gun Outfit – Mixes folk rock with psychedelic rock textures.
• Darlingside – Charting well with Everything is Alive, blending intricate harmonies into the genre.

If you want, I can tailor this list further toward a specific flavor of folk rock you enjoy — e.g., more acoustic/traditional, indie-leaning, psychedelic, or Americana-tinged.

The folk rock landscape is in the middle of a massive resurgence, blending traditional acoustic storytelling with raw indie-rock energy, Americana, and modern production.

Here are the best folk rock artists you should be listening to right now, broken down by their style:

The Chart-Toppers & Modern Heavyweights

• Noah Kahan
• The Vibe: Vulnerable, cathartic, small-town storytelling with anthemic, banjo-driven choruses.
• Why listen now: He spearheaded the current mainstream folk-rock boom. His smash album Stick Season proved that stripped-down, confessional folk rock could fill stadiums.
• Where to start: "Dial Drunk," "Northern Attitude," "Stick Season"
• Hozier
• The Vibe: Cinematic, blues-infused, literary folk rock with thunderous vocals.
• Why listen now: Beyond classics like "Take Me to Church," his recent work (Unreal Unearth) has pushed his sound into sweeping, mythological territory while dominating global charts.
• Where to start: "Too Sweet," "Francesca," "Work Song"
• Mt. Joy
• The Vibe: Sunny, soulful, jam-adjacent indie folk rock made for summer festivals.
• Why listen now: They’ve built an enormous grassroots following on the back of infectious grooves, catchy hooks, and vibrant dual vocals.
• Where to start: "Silver Lining," "Strangers," "Lemon Tree"

The Critical Darlings (Indie Folk-Rock)

• Big Thief (and Adrianne Lenker)
• The Vibe: Raw, intimate, unconventional, and poetic.
• Why listen now: Big Thief is widely considered one of the defining bands of the modern era. Their music shifts effortlessly between whisper-quiet acoustic picking and abrasive, distorted rock.
• Where to start: "Spud Infinity," "Simulation Swarm," "Not"
• Waxahatchee (Katie Crutchfield)
• The Vibe: Heartfelt Southern roots rock with pristine hooks and alt-country flair.
• Why listen now: Her albums Saint Cloud and Tigers Blood are modern masterpieces of Americana and folk rock, channeling the best of Lucinda Williams and Tom Petty with contemporary indie songwriting.
• Where to start: "Right Back to It," "Fire," "365"
• Fleet Foxes
• The Vibe: Lush, baroque, multi-part vocal harmonies and orchestral acoustics.
• Why listen now: The band that helped define 2010s indie folk has aged gracefully into masters of pastoral, sun-drenched folk rock (epitomized by their acclaimed album Shore).
• Where to start: "Can I Believe You," "Helplessness Blues," "Sunblind"

Atmospheric, Western & Cinematic

• Lord Huron
• The Vibe: Dusty Western noir, vintage reverb, and haunting romanticism.
• Why listen now: If you like folk rock that sounds like an eerie, beautiful road trip through the desert at midnight, their albums Strange Trails and Long Lost are unmatched.
• Where to start: "The Night We Met," "Meet Me in the Woods," "Not Dead Yet"
• Gregory Alan Isakov
• The Vibe: Melancholic, orchestral, slow-burning folk poetry.
• Why listen now: A master of subtlety, Isakov blends gorgeous fingerpicking with swelling string arrangements and electric grit that creates an intensely atmospheric sound.
• Where to start: "The Stable Song," "Big Black Car," "Miles to Go"

Grit, Roots & Heartland Storytelling

• Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
• The Vibe: Razor-sharp Southern lyricism backed by roaring, twin-guitar rock.
• Why listen now: Isbell is arguably the finest living songwriter in American roots music. Supported by his formidable rock band, his music cuts to the heart of working-class reality, love, and recovery.
• Where to start: "King of Oklahoma," "Cover Me Up," "Cast Iron Skillet"
• The War on Drugs
• The Vibe: Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen filtered through shimmering, hypnotic, dream-rock layers.
• Why listen now: For those who lean heavily toward the "rock" half of folk rock, their sweeping, driving anthems are best experienced with headphones or on an open highway.
• Where to start: "Red Eyes," "Under the Pressure," "I Don't Live Here Anymore"

Quick Starter Playlist Recommendation:

If you want a mix of these different flavors to figure out what you like best, try this 5-song mini-queue:

• 1.Waxahatchee – "Right Back to It" (Earthy, warm, effortless)
• 2.Noah Kahan – "Northern Attitude" (Energetic, anthemic folk)
• 3.Lord Huron – "Ends of the Earth" (Cinematic, driving Americana)
• 4.Big Thief – "Simulation Swarm" (Intricate, boundary-pushing indie folk)
• 5.Jason Isbell – "King of Oklahoma" (Gripping, hard-edged roots rock)

Folk rock is in a strong place right now, with both the big revival-era names still active and sharper indie voices leading critically. Here are some of the best to start with, mixing popularity, recent activity, and lasting quality.

Essential right now

• Big Thief — The strongest contemporary folk-rock act by critical consensus. Adrianne Lenker’s songwriting moves easily between intimate acoustic moments and electric, expansive rock. They remain highly active on the road and keep releasing strong work (including the well-received Double Infinity). Start with Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You or their earlier albums U.F.O.F. and Two Hands.
• The Lumineers — Still one of the most popular modern folk-rock bands, known for raw, sing-along songwriting and energetic live shows. They continue releasing and touring at a high level (recent album Automatic). Easy entry points: “Ho Hey,” “Ophelia,” and “Cleopatra.”
• Mumford & Sons — The band that helped define the 2010s folk-rock wave with banjo-driven dynamics and big choruses. They remain a major live act and put out new material (Rushmere). Sigh No More and Babel are the classic starting points.
• Fleet Foxes — Lush, harmony-rich folk rock that feels both ancient and modern. Their self-titled debut and Helplessness Blues are widely regarded as high points of the late-2000s/2010s indie folk-rock boom; later work like Shore holds up well too.
• Lord Huron — Cinematic, narrative-driven folk rock with a strong atmospheric pull. Strange Trails and Long Lost are excellent full-album listens if you want something immersive.

Also worth your time

• The Avett Brothers — Energetic mix of folk, rock, and bluegrass spirit; they regularly appear on folk-rock charts and deliver strong live shows.
• Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats — Grittier, soul-tinged folk rock with real emotional weight.
• Of Monsters and Men and Vance Joy — More accessible, melodic takes that sit comfortably in the broader folk-rock / indie-folk space.
• Deeper cuts that reward exploration: Kevin Morby, Kurt Vile, The Decemberists, Houndmouth, Dawes, and Hiss Golden Messenger.

If you want the foundations

Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Band, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young still define the genre and remain worth regular listening (Young in particular has stayed active).

Quick guide by mood: Go to Big Thief or Fleet Foxes for depth and atmosphere; The Lumineers or Mumford & Sons for anthemic, communal energy; Lord Huron if you want storytelling and mood. Playlists mixing these artists are an easy way to find what clicks.

I'll search for the best folk rock artists making waves right now.

Right now is a great moment for folk-rock — there's a full-on folk revival happening, with bands like Lankum and The Mary Wallopers taking old songs and making them relevant to modern anxiety, from housing to general unease.

Here are the best listens, from arena headliners to revivalists:

1. The heavy-hitters still defining the genre

Noah Kahan The Vermont troubadour is unavoidable in 2026. He released “The Great Divide” Friday, April 24, 2026, the follow-up to his 2022 commercial breakthrough Stick Season. It landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 389,000 equivalent units, delivering the biggest streaming debut of 2026. Start with the title-track and then Stick Season if you're new.

Mumford & Sons + Hozier British folk-rock band's sixth studio release, will arrive via Island Records on February 13, 2026 — Prizefighter. It arrived only seven months after Rushmere, which was Mumford & Sons' first new release in seven years. Lead single is “Rubber Band Man,” featuring their longtime collaborator Hozier.

Described as the British folk-rock powerhouse, they showcased the new album on SNL with Hozier + Sierra Ferrell and launched a North American tour.

Hozier himself remains essential live: Known for his powerful vocals, deeply emotional storytelling, and mesmerizing live performances, with a setlist featuring fan favorites and new music.

The Lumineers The beloved American folk-rockers released their new album, 'Automatic', which came out this Friday, with a deluxe edition following in June. The band extended the global trek around their new album Automatic into 2026, hitting New Zealand, Australia, Asia and South Africa early next year, including Christchurch, Auckland, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, and Perth – their first visit since 2022's sold-out run.

2. Indie folk-rock essentials

Big Thief US indie-folk band Big Thief released Double Infinity, their sixth studio album, on 5 September. It was their first new album in over five years. It’s the follow-up to 2022's Grammy-nominated Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, recorded live with a 10-piece ensemble. They’re celebrating it with 27 dates across the US and Canada from Aug. 2 to Oct. 6. Start with “Incomprehensible,” “Grandmother” and “Los Angeles.”

Emma Ruth Rundle Listed in 2026 new-music picks as: Emma Ruth Rundle - These Killing Times (Folk Rock) — heavier, doom-tinged folk-rock for fans of Chelsea Wolfe and Big Thief’s darker side.

3. Irish / UK revival – trad + rock + punk

The Mary Wallopers Irish folk rock group The Mary Wallopers share their latest single, “Kit Kat Club,” ahead of their upcoming album Paddywhackery, which comes out September 18 on BC Records. Described as a poignant combination of Irish trad, rock and punk from Dundalk's The Mary Wallopers, debuting at No.3 on the folk chart. Paddywhackery follows 2023's acclaimed Irish Rock'n'Roll, the first album to feature original songs, and brings new album 'Paddywhackery' to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver next March. If you like Lankum, The Pogues, or pub-choir energy with punk bite, start here.

Rusty Shackle, Lankum, Aysanabee

• South Wales folk-rock favourites Rusty Shackle's sixth album Mayfield landed at No.8, pushing into a heavier, more ambitious new territory on top of folk and Celtic roots.
• Yellowknife's Folk on the Rocks festival set to take place July 17 to 19 announced first wave of artists for this year's festival including Aysanabee — great for discovering Canadian Indigenous folk-rock.
• Lucy Dacus and Real Estate are among the artists performing in Winnipeg from July 9 to July 12 at Winnipeg Folk Festival 2026 — perfect indie-to-folk-rock bridge.

4. Americana / folk-rock crossover you shouldn't miss

At the 24th Americana Honors & Awards: Americana Honors & Awards Recognize Sierra Ferrell, Nathaniel Rateliff, I'm With Her, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, MJ Lenderman and More

• Sierra Ferrell – up for Artist of the Year, honky-tonk + folk + busking soul. Check her SNL appearance with Mumford & Sons.
• MJ Lenderman – up for Album, Song, and Emerging Artist Of The Year with his recent album, Manning Fireworks. Slacker-rock meets Neil Young / Drive-By Truckers folk-rock.
• Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Charley Crockett, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Billy Strings, Jason Isbell also led nominations — all ideal if you like songwriting-forward folk-rock.

5. New voices for 2026

In the world of folk, there is arguably no up-and-coming voice as staggeringly beautiful as Pem's and Imogen and the Knife as well, with her own debut finally landing in 2026.

Quick starter playlist:

• 1.Noah Kahan – The Great Divide
• 2.Mumford & Sons ft. Hozier – Rubber Band Man
• 3.The Lumineers – from Automatic
• 4.Big Thief – Incomprehensible / All Night All Day
• 5.The Mary Wallopers – The Big Mixer / Kit Kat Club
• 6.MJ Lenderman – Joker Lips
• 7.Sierra Ferrell – anything live
• 8.Rusty Shackle – from Mayfield

Want me to tailor this? Tell me if you lean more anthemic (Mumford, Lumineers, Kahan), indie / experimental (Big Thief, Lankum), or trad-punk (Mary Wallopers) and I'll build a 20-song queue.