The first decade of the 2000s has seen a number of new folk artists, singers, and bands pulling from traditional and contemporary folk and bluegrass music. From direction-forging innovators to those keeping traditional music alive and pure, there have been some hugely notable new artists on the scene these past few years. Here's a look at ten of the best breakout folk, bluegrass, and Americana artists of the 2000s.

1. Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers' current incarnation emerged in 2002 and, since then, the group based around brothers Scott and Seth Avett have emerged as one of the most respected and universally appealing artists on the contemporary folk and Americana scenes. They started their career on North Carolina-based indie label Ramseur, but signed with Columbia in '09. Their latest album I and Love and You was produced by monster hit-maker Rick Rubin and earned the Brothers praise from critics and fans across the board.More »

2. Justin Townes Earle

It's hard to believe it's only been two years since Justin Townes Earle's Yuma EP was released. In those two years, he's made quite a splash and earned the coveted Americana Music Association's Emerging Artist of the Year award in 2009. Earle's earnest blending of traditional and contemporary folk, country, and punk influences together with his onstage charisma make him a sure force.More »

3. Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile's Columbia Records debut dropped in 2005, with two follow-ups released to close out the decade. Each effort has built firmly and fearlessly on the last, as she's come ever closer to mastering the remarkable power of her over-sized vocals. She and her band have also toured non-stop behind each, amassing an impressively loyal fanbase. There are the songs on TV shows and commercial, collaborations with giants like Rick Rubin and Elton John, and the list goes on.More »

4. Old Crow Medicine Show

Old Crow Medicine Show have been one of the most popular crossover groups on the stringband scene this decade. Their song "Wagon Wheel" (purchase/download) has been picked up and covered by enough other groups that it's practically a standard now.More »

5. The Duhks

The Duhks burst on the scene back in 2002 with their independent debut Your Daughters and Your Sons. Fronted by the giant-voiced, charismatic Jessee Havey, the group tore through festivals, earning a loyal following all the way. Havey left the group in 2007 and was replaced by the equally formidable Sarah Dugas. The crew has earned Grammy and Juno nominations and continues to pull from all areas of the folk/roots/Americana spectrum.More »

6. Infamous Stringdusters

Infamous Stringdusters' 2007 debut album Fork in the Road swept the bluegrass world, earning a number of nominations and awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). While guitarist Chris Eldridge left the group to join up with Chris Thile's Punch Brothers, their second self-titled release continued the buzz around this incredible group of instrumentalists - some of the best in Nashville.More »

7. Anais Mitchell

Anais Mitchell has slowly and reliably become one of the more respected up-and-coming singer-songwriters among other songwriters. Her intelligent, lyrical, narrative tunes tackle the entire spectrum from the personal to the universal and political.More »

8. Carolina Chocolate Drops

Old time music saw a bit of a revival this decade, as young musicians around the country took up banjos and jugs, and went back to the roots of American folk music. One of the most successful old time groups was Carolina Chocolate Drops, who quickly became a favorite at festivals, representing the vibrant music scene in the triangle area of the Carolinas.More »

9. The Weepies

The Weepies' 2004 debut album earned them a small but loyal following. By the time its follow-up, 2006's Say I Am You dropped, the duo had earned their way to a more mainstream, crossover audience. Now, with songs in TV and film, the Weepies have proven to be one of the most likeable singer-songwriter duos to appear this decade.More »

10. Uncle Earl

Uncle Earl popped onto the scene in 2005 - a group of women who had met at festivals and fiddle camps throughout the country. Together, they bucked the conventions of old time music, historically a rather male-dominated field. Though the band closes this decade without two of its original members, they continue to be a direction-forging force on the stringband scene.More »