"Trad", as in "traditional", can also be in reference to "trad rock". While the
abbreviation refers to the same original word as in
ryano's writeup, there is a distinctive difference between trad rock and traditional
irish folk music (in addition to some
passing similarities).
Kristin Sage Rockermann (her
real name? Gods only know) transcribed the following from a conversation she had at a trad
convention in a
Pitchfork Media review:
"Trad-rock is... well... it's not really
Britpop. But you know trad bands... like the
Chieftains-- they play traditional music. So, trad-rock is really traditional
rock and roll." To clarify, I ask him, "So, you guys are into the
Stones and
Led Zeppelin?" He laughs a knowing laugh and replies slowly, "
Don't you see? We're living in a post-
Oasis world."
So, what is trad rock? Perhaps Oasis,
Travis, and arguably even
Coldplay and the like. In trad you would most commonly hear
acoustic or
clean guitars and
electric bass alongside
reverb-soaked
percussion (
tambourines?) and
vocals. It's a loose categorical divison of rock that in many places, the
U.S. among them, people have not yet begun to make. Then again, most people in the US have never heard of
the Smiths.