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  Ani DiFranco

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These days, every artists album needs to have a story. The music cant speak for itself. But after 22 records, why cant Ani DiFrancos work speak for itself? Yes, her forthcoming album is shaped by stories ones about reproductive freedom, the double-edged sword of the pandemic, identity and ever-evolving belief systems that have shaped each of its 11 songs. There are songs that were written in 2011 and in 2022; some for musicals, others for childrens books. The album isnt linear, but it is inherently teeming with DiFrancos spirit. It was paramount to the folk-feminist hero that listeners not be saddled with preconceived notions while diving into her 23rd album Unprecedented Sh!t. I believe there is a rhyme and a reason as to why these songs have come together in this way now and I want people to experience this album as a journey, a piece of art, without being influenced by a cacophony of surrounding narratives.While many of DiFrancos albums were made more insularly, shes opened herself up to collaboration in recent years. For 21 of DiFrancos 22 albums, she opted to self-produce. With Unprecedented Sh!t, she wanted to try working with a producer and tapped BJ Burton, who produced one of her favorite albums, Bon Ivers 22, A Million. With Burtons help, largely from afar, they created soundscapes often using only DiFrancos voice and guitar as the raw materials and manipulating them with effects and filters. I really wanted to lean into the power of machines in a way that I never have before, so BJ and I communicating through many layers of them in order to collaborate, seemed apropos. This record was made almost entirely by me and BJ alone, bouncing things back and forth.The title Unprecedented Sh!t is not only representative of how much of a sonic departure the 11-track album is from Anis other work, but also a political and social commentary on the current state of the world. We find ourselves in unprecedented times in many ways, faced with unprecedented challenges. So, our responses to them and our discourse around them, need to rise to that level.DiFranco has been known as a feminist icon and pioneer of DIY for nearly 35 years. Since founding her record label Righteous Babe Records in 1990, she has released 22 albums, traversing folk, punk, hip-hop, soul and electronic genres and addressing a range of autobiographical, political and social issues. While her first four albums Ani DiFranco (1990), Not So Soft (1991), and Imperfectly (1992), Puddle Dive (1993), harnessed a more raw sound, Out Of Range (1994), Not A Pretty Girl (1995) and Dilate (1996) were more rooted in DiFrancos folk ethos. She released eight more albums over the next 10 years, earning a Grammy Award for her 2003 album Evolve and numerous nominations. Her most recent albums include 2008s Red Letter Year and 2017s Binary. Most recently, fans have been thrilled by 2021s Revolutionary Love and the 25th Anniversary Edition reissues of both her iconic 1997 live album Living In Clip and 1998s Little Plastic Castle, via Righteous Babe Records in 2023.

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About Ani Difranco

Ani DiFranco, a renowned American singer-songwriter, has been a prominent figure in the music industry for over three decades. Born in Buffalo, New York, DiFranco started her music career at a young age, playing Beatles covers at local bars and busking with her guitar teacher. Her unique blend of folk, rock, and punk has garnered her a dedicated fan base, who appreciate her for her distinctive sound and her commitment to social and political activism. DiFranco's music is characterized by her innovative guitar playing, her poetic lyrics, and her strong, emotive vocals. Her fans, who span across generations and continents, are drawn to her raw, honest songwriting and her ability to tackle complex social issues with grace and nuance. DiFranco's music resonates with those who value authenticity and are not afraid to question the status quo. In 1990, DiFranco founded her own record label, Righteous Babe Records, a move that was seen as revolutionary at the time. This decision allowed her to maintain creative control over her music and to release her albums on her own terms. Her fans admire her for her independence and her refusal to conform to the demands of the mainstream music industry. Over the years, DiFranco has released more than 20 albums, each one showcasing her evolution as an artist and her commitment to her craft. Her music has been recognized with numerous awards, including several Grammy nominations. Despite her success, DiFranco remains grounded and connected to her fans. She often interacts with them at her shows, sharing stories and insights about her songs and her life. DiFranco's influence extends beyond her music. She is known for her activism, particularly in the areas of women's rights and social justice. Her fans appreciate her for using her platform to raise awareness about these issues and for her efforts to effect positive change in the world. Ani DiFranco's music continues to inspire and empower her fans. Her songs, filled with passion and purpose, speak to the human experience in a way that is both personal and universal. Whether she's performing at a small club or a large music festival, DiFranco's presence is magnetic, drawing in listeners with her compelling performances and her unwavering dedication to her art. In the world of music, Ani DiFranco stands out as a true original. Her fans, who have followed her journey from the beginning, continue to support her, drawn in by her unique sound, her powerful lyrics, and her commitment to making a difference through her music.