What is Cajun Music?
Cajun music has a distinctive backwoods folksy sound. The original music was sung by the settlers of the Louisiana territory who were forced to leave their homes in Nova Scotia. They brought their music with them, and the traditional music was sung in ballad form in the French language. Fiddles have remained a predominant feature of this musical genre. Variations have developed over the years, and new artists are using different accompanying instruments.
- Research the background of Cajun music so you can fully appreciate the style and sound. The Arcadians were forced to leave Nova Scotia and eventually migrated to the French settlement in Louisiana.
- Learn about the themes of the music. Much of the music is upbeat and there are many dances that have evolved from the music. The original Cajun music is mostly ballads sung in French. These ballads described their lifestyles and have a soulful lost kind of sound. The music is distinctly upbeat and has certain rhythms that make the distinctive sound.
- Listen to some of the original instruments which featured fiddles, accordions and washboards. Various other instruments have been added to the newer musical sounds. The fiddle is still a very strong feature in this music tradition.
- Attend some Cajun music festivals and experience the varieties of music that have developed from the original form. Country music, along with blues and other sounds have combined to form newer sounds. These varieties tend to use additional musical instruments such as guitars and drums. Sometimes harmonicas and banjos are featured as well.
- Search the Internet and experience different versions of Cajun music. See what form you like the most. The music has retained its down home folksy sound. New artists are putting their spin on this traditional backwoods musical form.
- Experience the music by listening to the various artists. There are videos online where you can see the performers in action and get the feel of the crowd. Different CDs are available at music stores.