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I recently heard that there was a sci-fi related music form called "Filk."

What is Filk? Where can I find out about it?

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  • 2
    isn't this kind of a list question, which seem to be not in the SE pov.
    – benstraw
    Feb 9 '11 at 3:49
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    @benstraw I wouldn't call this question a list question or asking for recommendations, and am unsure why you retagged it as such.
    – Nellius
    Feb 9 '11 at 8:31
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    And we're really not smarter than Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filk
    – Reinstate Monica - Goodbye SE
    Feb 9 '11 at 9:45
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    @Wikis From now on, every question on this site should get at least one answer or comment linking to Wikipedia.
    – DavRob60
    Feb 9 '11 at 13:17
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    @nellius isn't he asking for a recommendation for where to find filk?
    – benstraw
    Feb 9 '11 at 19:27
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Filk is music written and/or performed by SF fans, often on subjects related to SF or SF fandom. The term derives from a typo (for "folk music") in an SF convention programme book, back in the 1950s.

There's a pretty good introductory article here.

You can find it by following other links on the website referenced above.

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    It wasn't actually a program book but an article submitted for a fan publication. see Lee Gold's article.
    – user22221
    Jan 29 '14 at 17:31
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To add to the previous answer, filk songs are often parodies of existing songs or take the music to a known folk song and write new, usually humorous lyrics to it. Since filking is often an informal event where everyone joins in the singing, using familiar music helps those participating get the song right, even if it is their first time singing the words. The songs are often fantasy or science fiction based, but not always.

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