Righteous Babe Records

Righteous Babe Records is an American independent record label that was created by folk singer Ani DiFranco in 1990 to release her own songs in lieu of being beholden to a mainstream record company.[1]

Righteous Babe Records
Founded1990 (1990)
FounderAni DiFranco
Scot Fisher
Distributor(s)Symphonic Distribution
Country of originU.S.
Official websitewww.righteousbabe.com

History

Righteous Babe Records was originally called Righteous Records; however, DiFranco then discovered a pre-existing gospel music label with that name, and to differentiate her company, added the "babe".[2]

Located in DiFranco's hometown of Buffalo, New York, the business grew organically, starting in 1990 with her first cassette tape. DiFranco sold the tapes out of the back of her car and at shows on tour, then sold them on consignment in local stores. Teaming up with her longtime business partner Scot Fisher, they were able to self-distribute her albums directly to over 100 indie accounts. DiFranco cites her anti-corporate ethos for the DIY ethics at Righteous Babe and not wanting to buy into the major label system.[3]

Having a large women’s music following she was able to make connections at Zango and Goldenrod, two music distributors specializing in women’s music who started selling her albums to women’s book stores and other small music shops. After the independent success of her sixth album Out of Range, Righteous Babe Records signed a distribution deal with independent distributor Koch International (later eOne) for DiFranco’s highly anticipated Not a Pretty Girl release in 1995. Her records could then be found in large and small record stores alike and the Righteous Babe staff quickly grew to include fourteen people.[4]

DiFranco and Fisher stress the importance of community in their business model such as working with local printers whenever possible, hiring friends and like minded people.[5]

Righteous Babe expanded in the late 1990s to release albums for non-mainstream artists and in 2001 Righteous Babe opened a European office called Righteous Babe LTD.

Alternative Press described the label's focus as "the freedom of being able to create for oneself" and the roster as "a lineup of artists who are uniquely themselves."[6]

Babeville
Home of Righteous Babe Records, December 2009

In 1995, an abandoned 19th century historical landmark, the Asbury Delaware United Methodist Church was scheduled to be demolished by the City of Buffalo.[7] The church was built in 1876 and had become derelict with no upkeep. In 1999, Righteous Babe Records offered to buy the building from the city. Restoration efforts began in 2000, and by 2006 it had been converted into an entertainment venue.[8] Originally referred to as "The Church", the name was affectionately changed to "Babeville."[9][10] It has a 1,200-seat concert hall and is the current home of the label.[11]

Artists

Current

Alumni

See also

References
  1. Revkin, Andrew C. (1998-02-16). "Righteous Babe Saves Hometown; A Fiercely Independent Folk Singer's Soaring Career Lifts Buffalo, Too". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-05-14.
  2. DiFranco, Ani (2019). No walls and the recurring dream : a memoir. New York, New York. ISBN 9780735225176. OCLC 1060199264.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  3. Burlingham, Bo. "Don't call her an Entrepreneur". Inc. Mag. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  4. Goldscheider, Eric. "At 33, Singer's Finding Her Place in the World". On the Road with Ani DiFranco. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  5. Revkin, Andrew. "Righteous Babe Saves Hometown; A Fiercely Independent Folk Singer's Soaring Career Lifts Buffalo, Too". The New York Times. Retrieved August 19, 2013.
  6. Phillips, Marian (2021-06-01). "11 LGBTQIA+ and women-owned labels that are changing the music industry". Alternative Press. Retrieved 2021-06-02.
  7. "An exchange with Ani DiFranco - National Trust for Historic Preservation]". Preservation. 2004. Archived from the original on 2013-12-12. Retrieved 2013-08-19.
  8. "Babeville - Timeline". Archived from the original on May 28, 2008. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
  9. "DiFranco Renames "The Church" to "Babeville"". Associated Press. September 12, 2007. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
  10. "Babeville Buffalo NY Events Calendar". Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  11. "A NEW VISION FOR A NEW BUFFALO: Mayor Byron W. Brown". 2008. Archived from the original on June 15, 2008.
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