What is Filk?

. . . A subject of some argument: ongoing, loud and opinionated argument at that.

The easy answer is that it is science fiction folk music, which may explain nothing! Okay, so it’s music based on themes in science fiction and/or fantasy writing; or on the space program, modern technology, computers, cats, food… or just about any subject people in SF fandom like to talk about.

It’s also primarily “folk”-ish in style: mostly the lyrics are important and have something to say that is worth hearing. But the musical style may be anything from “trad” to last week’s top of the chart. Not surprisingly, there is a strong influence of popular music.

In Southern Ontario the quality of filk thus far is pretty high and we’re proud of our local filk community, aka UFO.

For a more extensive discussion try Interfilk’s “What is filk?” page.

Check out our First-timers page, as well!