"What's in a name? A tune by any other name would sound as sweet"

It matters not what we call the music/song/dance styles currently referred to as 'folk'. Those who know and like 'folk' will still recognise it, and be able to tell the good from the not-so-good. And those who don't like it won't be fooled by a new label - they'll keep on picking on the least attractive examples of the genre, claiming that they're typical, and mocking them.

Moreover,the Bastards in Suits who run the commercial music industry will continue to hate 'folk', whatever flag it sails under. Because 'folk' is home-made music, produced by the people, for the people. The industry needs us all to be docile consumers of their mass-produced wares. Any form of home-made music (especially when it's given away for free) is a threat to their profits. So they rarely miss a chance to sneer at it.

And the majority of music journalists and media-persons will continue to dislike 'folk' whatever name we dream up for it. Because, although the 'folk' genre has always had some space for growth and innovation, it's basically about continuity and tradition. And continuity and tradition are BORING! Especially if you earn your living writing a weekly column praising everything that's shiny-new, and trashing everything that's been around longer than a few weeks.

So, call it 'folk' , or 'roots', or 'traditional', or what you like - but just keep on DOING it!

Wassail!