Indie folk draws inspiration from traditional folk music while embracing the songwriting, production, and DIY ethos of modern indie music. Unlike traditional folk, which is rooted in the oral traditions and cultural heritage of different regions around the world, contemporary indie folk is a modern genre shaped by singer-songwriters and bands blending acoustic instrumentation with intimate, personal storytelling.

Often confused with acoustic music, indie folk is defined less by the instruments it uses—such as acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and piano, and more by its emphasis on heartfelt songwriting, rich melodies, and organic arrangements. The genre spans everything from stripped-back solo performances to lush, harmony-driven productions, with artists like Ben Howard, Fleet Foxes, and The Tallest Man on Earth carrying the torch of influential predecessors such as Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, and Joni Mitchell.