I plan to write some French folk-inspired music in the not-too-distant future, and am trying to pin down some basic ‘‘rules’’. For instance, Russian folk music is usually in minor keys, a usual example would be Am A7 Dm Am E7 Am, with melodies that fit well into the Red Choir. I’m most familair with Sur le Ciel de Paris… is it typical of the genre?
It’s not all slithery accordions and protestations of unrequited love.
I would say that that is more modern chanson than folk. For the more traditional stuff you need to listen to bands like Malicorne.
French folk also tends to be very regional (and the Breton region has more in common with other Celtic areas than the rest of France) More here - its all very complicated.
Ah. Well, I guess I want to write chanson-type stuff! 