Ani DiFranco

Ani DiFranco (pronounced "AHH-nee") (born Angela Marie Difranco on September 23, 1970) is a progressive singer, guitarist, and songwriter. DiFranco is prolific, having produced three studio albums of new material and one remix album just in 1999 (see list below). She has released at least one album every year since 1990, except in 2000 (perhaps because she released three albums in 1999 and a double album in 2001.)

Musical Style and the "Folk" Label

Many have noted a signature staccato style to DiFranco's work. Another important aspect is her skill in rapid fingerpicking and generally high ability on the acoustic guitar—notably in the song "Out of Range", appearing on the eponymous album. Her lyrics have also received praise for their sophistication: alliteration (and wordplay in general) is an important component, and a more or less gentle irony fills many of her songs—especially those that deal with the intersection of the personal and political. She is known for her descriptive use of metaphors. She delivers many of her lines in a speaking style notable for its rhythmic variation. The song "Talkin' Ani DiFranco's Mom Blues," a talking blues song by Dan Bern, strings together some of the most memorable lines from DiFranco's early career for comic effect.

Related Topics:
Staccato - Fingerpicking - Eponym - Album - Alliteration - Irony - Personal - Political - Metaphors - Talking blues - Dan Bern

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DiFranco's music has been classified as folk rock and alternative rock, but since her early albums she has reached across genres, having collaborated with a wide range of artists including the pop musician Prince, the folk musician Utah Phillips, and rapper Corey Parker. In various songs and albums, she has used a variety of instruments as well as styles—from brass, notably in 1998's Little Plastic Castle, and strings, particularly noticeable on the live album Living in Clip and her latest studio recording, Knuckle Down.

Related Topics:
Folk rock - Alternative rock - Pop music - Prince - Utah Phillips - Rap - Corey Parker - Instrument - Brass - Little Plastic Castle - Strings - Living in Clip - Knuckle Down

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Regarding the "folk" label often applied, sometimes in qualified form, to her music, DiFranco has noted (in an interview with Pavement Magazine) that "folk music is not an acoustic guitar--that's not where the heart of it is. I use the word 'folk' in reference to punk music and rap music. It's an attitude, it's an awareness of one's heritage, and it's a community. It's subcorporate music that gives voice to different communities and their struggle against authority."

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