Ani Difranco started out playing Beatles songs at the very young age of 9 and at age 15 began playing her own songs. She played in many coffeehouses and bars, and at age 16 she graduated from Visual and Performing Arts Highschool. By age 19 Ani had started her own record label, Righteous Babe Records, and she still remains as independent as when she first started. She takes a firm stand about not becoming coporate; Ani writes and publishes her own songs as well as producing and creating the artwork and releasing them...She is in total control of her music, and by having her own label, she is hell bent on keeping it this way. Thank you, Ani, for running things your own way and for shattering stereotypes and for not leaving the telling up to everybody else.

She employs like-minded people, supports local printers and manfacturers in her hometown of Buffalo, New York, using a Network of Independent Distributors in the US, Canada, and Europe...She has sold Gazillions, touring constantly and puts out an album a year--"GO, ANI! WOOHOO!"

Ani has a voice that can Rock like a Wildcat one minute and be as soothing as a sweet lullabye the next. She sings about everything in her songs. From life to love to politics to personal, the poetics of her lyrics will rip right through you and burn deep into your soul. Ani is one hell of an inspiring punk/folk singer,storyteller with passion, pride and guts to tell her own story and the truth of everything she experiences in this world through her music, and ain't nobody can tell it like Ani does...

Here is a great quote that pretty much sums it up i think: "i speak without reservation from what i know and who i am. i do so with the understanding that all people should have the right to offer their voice to the chorus whether the result is harmony or dissonance, the worldsong is a colorless dirge without the differences that distinguish us, and it is that difference which should be celebrated not condemned. should any part of my music offend you, please do not close your ears to it. just take what you can use and go on." Ani DiFranco

Now, i seriously hope that by reading my Ani article that it has peaked your interest enough that you will go and check out her music. You will be addicted to her very quickly and in amazement of her incredible talent, just as i am and continue to be...

Peace to you an yours....