Rounder Records

Definition

Rounder Records is an independent record label founded in 1970, known for its focus on folk, bluegrass, country, and roots music. The label played a crucial role in the American Folk Revival Movement by promoting traditional and contemporary artists who embodied the folk music ethos. Its commitment to preserving and showcasing authentic musical expressions helped bridge the gap between traditional folk roots and modern interpretations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rounder Records was founded by Bill Nowlin, Ken Irwin, and Marian Leighton Levy in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and quickly became known for its dedication to folk and roots music.
2. The label signed several influential artists during the American Folk Revival Movement, including Alison Krauss, Doc Watson, and Béla Fleck, helping to elevate their careers.
3. Rounder Records has a reputation for producing high-quality recordings that capture the authenticity of the artists' performances, contributing to their legacy in the music industry.
4. The label also played a significant role in promoting regional styles of American music, giving exposure to artists from various backgrounds and locales.
5. In 2010, Rounder Records was acquired by Concord Music Group, which allowed the label to expand its reach while maintaining its commitment to roots music.

Review Questions

• How did Rounder Records contribute to the preservation and promotion of folk music during the American Folk Revival Movement?
  • Rounder Records was instrumental in the preservation and promotion of folk music by signing and supporting artists who embodied the genre's traditional values. The label focused on recording high-quality albums that highlighted authentic folk sounds and storytelling. By providing a platform for both established and emerging artists during the American Folk Revival Movement, Rounder helped to ensure that these musical traditions were not only preserved but also reached new audiences.
• Evaluate the impact of Rounder Records on the careers of specific artists associated with the American Folk Revival Movement.
  • Rounder Records significantly impacted the careers of various artists connected to the American Folk Revival Movement by providing them with a supportive environment to develop their craft. Artists like Alison Krauss gained widespread recognition through their work with Rounder, which helped them reach broader audiences. The label's focus on quality recordings and authentic performances allowed these musicians to thrive artistically while contributing to a renewed interest in folk music across generations.
• Discuss how Rounder Records’ approach to marketing and distributing folk music influenced the larger landscape of independent record labels in America.
  • Rounder Records’ approach to marketing and distributing folk music set a precedent for independent record labels across America by demonstrating that niche genres could be commercially viable. By focusing on authenticity and artistry rather than mainstream appeal, Rounder showed other labels that there was a significant audience for traditional and roots music. This strategy not only fostered the growth of similar independent labels but also encouraged greater diversity within the music industry, allowing many different musical styles to flourish outside of major label influence.

Related terms

Folk Music: A genre of music that originates from the cultural traditions of a community, often passed down through generations and characterized by its storytelling and acoustic instrumentation.

Bluegrass: A genre of American roots music that emerged in the 1940s, incorporating elements of folk, jazz, and blues, typically featuring string instruments like banjo, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle.

American Folk Revival: A cultural movement during the late 1950s to the mid-1960s that sought to revive interest in traditional folk music, leading to the emergence of influential artists and groups who reshaped the genre.