When I think of Ani DiFranco, the words courage, honesty, integrity, talent, and originality come to mind. Ani's energetic and compassionate character comes through in her performances, music, lyrics, and interviews. As an independent artist, she has managed to become quite well known but still not mainstream.

If you are the type of person who enjoys a good blend of styles such as folk, rock, punk, and jazz (among others), I would suggest giving Ani DiFranco a try. In addition to having impressive musical talent, Ani also writes down-to-earth songs that address social, political, and relationship issues. Her music seems to provide a clear and distinct alternative to some current popular music that can appear to be preoccupied with profit, image, and that fails to recognize art as a means of improving society.

Having created her own independent record label (Righteous Babe Records) with great success, Ani DiFranco continues to show that music can be made, distributed, and enjoyed by many -- while supporting artists and allowing them creative control. This is something that is often comprimised when an artist signs with a major record label.

Musical Style

Ani plays acoustic, steel, and electric guitars, as well as the piano, bass, and other odd instruments. It takes one listen to a songs like 'Cradle and All' or 'Gravel' to see that she is a very skilled guitarist and has a distinct playing style. Using a finger-picking playing style (by using electical tape to attach fake nails as picks, I might add), her songs are often very percussive and energetic. In contrast to this, however, some songs come through very softly and have a sweet, soothing quality to them.

Descriptions can't really do justice to the ease with which she seems to master her instruments on stage. Her music is described as folk-punk-alternative, but has progressed to incorporate other styles including jazz, and Brazillian, Afro-Cuban, etc. Simply put, her style of singing, writing, and playing is edgy and rich, but remains very accessible and flexible. She strikes the most delicate balance between being sweet and kind, and tough and assertive.

Ani has a beautiful, versatile voice that can morph quickly from ethereal, gospel, jazzy, and downright rough and husky in a matter of seconds, or even in the same song. In addition to her vocal range and control, she conveys emotion to a level that helps to explain the deep admiration and connection described by fans. In short, Ani DiFranco is one of the most talented vocalists performing today.

Issues

Ani DiFranco started her own record label, Righteous Babe Records at the age of 19. She has released a total of 19 albums to date. She did it all on her own, avoiding the politics and bureaucracy of the music biz while ensuring full control over the content and direction of her music.

Ani doesn't conform to the music genre of the day, nor does she sing about the same things that your average "rock star" or "pop diva" does. She strongly believes in closely interacting with her audience, and has built her career on that connection. She is also an activist who ardently discusses many social issues, including abortion, the justice system, and the music biz. Not only is the song content impressive, but the poetry and striking honesty of Ani DiFranco's lyrics is so inspiring and clever that it can be enjoyed even without the music itself.

- Brandy Sudyk

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