What is Ropeadope?
Over our 24 years we have always found this hard to answer. A record label, a clothing brand, a media company, a support network for independent musicians are all outside definitions that come to mind. None can fully define us as we evolve in our fast changing world, and so we will set sail on a further mission that will define our intent and principles for the next chapter.
Ropeadope represents the intersection of creatives and listeners. We are a meeting point for creative humans: music makers, music listeners, social justice advocates, and people seeking a more harmonious world. We are a gallery, a museum, a lounge and gathering place. Art is the calling card, the point of common interest that brings us together. This network has many roots and branches around the globe; it ebbs and flows like the ocean and the air, and it brings a sense of community and joy at its best.
Ropeadope is a story of inclusion. We view the world as a place of one, where music is a unifying force connecting all of us. We accept that musicians know their art better than businessmen do. We know that this concept, this thing called Ropeadope, is larger than any of us. And so we follow wherever Ropeadope may lead.
CONTACT:
CEO
Louis Marks
President
Fabian Brown
Creative Director
Kaya Marks
Submit Music:
2024 is booked | We are now accepting submissions for consideration for release in 2025.
DM us at muso.social, say hello and ask for an email address to submit.
Music Licensing:
Customer Service
orders@ropeadope.com
A statement on the future of Ropeadope
“Ropeadope began because one record needed to be heard. As we round the corner to our 25th year, we have found new energy for the game. As our collaborative community grows, we have found an even deeper respect for those humans among us that make music – not because it is their career choice, but because it is who they ARE. We believe in them, and we believe in the music they create. We also view the world as an imperfect place that demands change, and we face that challenge by planting seeds of community and mutual respect. In this way, when the old buildings crumble to the ground, our garden will continue to thrive.
What of the music business? We understand that today’s unjust systems are run by humans, however misguided, so we embrace the people but we offer a healthy NO THANKS to the status quo. We will proudly continue with our renegade style as a matter of fact and purpose. ”
our history
1999 - Ropeadope begins with the single purpose of releasing DJ Logic's 'Project Logic', produced by Melvin Gibbs and the great Scott Harding. The record is a big success and a new indie label is born.
2001 - Ropeadope clothing is born in Philly, and continues to evolve as a hip and focused apparel brand with a message.The label releases The Philadelphia Experiment featuring Ahmir Thompson (?questlove), Uri Caine, and Christian Mcbride to critical acclaim. The Word introduces key artists to the world - Robert Randolph, Luther and Cody Dickinson of the north mississippi allstars.
2002 - Key releases include Spanish Harlem Orchestra - Un Grand Dia En El Barrio, which is nominated for a Grammy. Willie Nelson appears as a guest on The Tin Hat Trio record - The Rodeo Eroded. And, The Dirty Dozen Brass band's Medicated Magic features Robert Randolph, Dr John, and Olu Dara and introduces the young Norah Jones to the world. The Ropeadope New Music Seminar launches with a wild night at The Mercury Lounge in NYC.
2003 - Crossover to electronic music comes with the release of The Detroit Experiment, produced by the legendary Carl Craig. Mike Gordon of Phish fame appears with his solo record Inside In.
2004 - Ropeadope releases the Antibalas classic 'Who is this America?, followup records by Dirty Dozen and Tin Hat Trio, and finishes out the year with the live 3 disc set from Christian McBride - Live At Tonic. Blue Note Records signs on for a clothing line that features hip remixes of 50's and 60's album design - the line is wildly popular among jazz enthusiasts and hipsters alike.
2005 - Renew Orleans is launched in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, raising over $ 80,000.00 for musicians in need. Partnering with Preservation Hall and Okayplayer, the clothing line is a symbol of hope and unity for thousands of New Orleans residents as the rebuilding begins. Genre crossover continues with a gospel/pedal steel record from The Campbell Brothers and the ultimate musical crossover record - King Britt Presents Sister Gertrude Morgan. The Benevento Russo duo's debut album introduces these two incredible musicians to the world.
2006 - As the upheaval in the music business continues, the label moves to a mostly digital format. Abandoning the high(er) profile releases of the past, Ropeadope begins to sign unknown artists to the Ropeadope Digital label. DJ Logic's Zen Of Logic and Marco Benevento's Live At Tonic highlight the year's 'legacy' artists.
2007 - The label moves to Philadelphia and releases 2 records a month, introducing new Philly hip-hop and jazz artists alongside eclectic electronic and rock artists. Physical releases include The Harlem Experiment featuring Taj Mahal, Olu Dara, James Hunter and more.
2008 - The digital release schedule ramps up even more with releases from jazz and electronic artists from London to Montreal to Philly. Notable releases from Leo Genovese, Tim Collins, and Otis Grove are rounded out with a new genre - rock - with the release of Carlon's debut LP.
2009 - Lost in the new music business shuffle, artists continue to seek out the label for distribution and support. New entries in jazz (Dred Scott Trio) , hip-hop (Black Landlord), and electronic music (Fatty Acid) are released alongside new artists in Bluegrass (Cabinet) and Rock (New Madrid Faults). The label presses on, like everyone else trying to make sense of the new landscape.
2010 - Genres break wide open, and Ropeadope begins a more old school record label approach by nurturing new artists. Releases range in style and locale with world music, latin, folk, and soul from artists in Rome, Tokyo, Guatemala, and of course, Georgia.
2011 - Ropeadope regulars Dred Scott, Greg Hester join the now famous Snarky Puppy with releases in 2011. The business is settling down, and the real work of building artists over time begins anew. Long time Ropeadope friend and producer Scotty Hard returns with the Brazilian Hip-Hop masterpiece Ekundayo.
2012 - Snarky Puppy mastermind Michael League returns with a followup record, and launches the groundUP label in collaboration with Ropeadope. A whole new style emerges as groundUP features critically acclaimed records from around the world. The label focuses heavily on young talent - Jordan Hull and Cabinet build regional followings, perfecting their sound and landing spots on NPR as featured artists. The year ends with a bluegrass record from Cabinet and a new genre - pop - with the introduction of another NPR fave - The Henry Millers. Renew York and Renew Jersey tees are launched after Hurricane Sandy, once again providing money and hope for musicians and other residents of the hard hit areas.
2013 - CEO Louis Marks takes the reins and leads the label into the new (old) music business.
2014 - Ropeadope comes out swinging, starting the year with a Grammy for Snarky Puppy and Lalah Hathaway for their performance of 'Something'. The label lands 15 albums in the iTunes jazz and world charts, and continues the quest for recognition of real music with a staggering set of 45 releases from veteran artists and newcomers alike. Ropeadope launches Atlanta Records in collaboration with SoulandJazz.com, quickly lining up a roster of soulful artists from Atlanta and beyond.
2015 - Marks' vision of a network of artist driven 'interdependent' record labels expands with the addition of Tribo Records, Ropeadope SUR, and Onde Music. The revolution is in full swing. As the year comes to a close, Ropeadope has collectively released over 45 new records, each and every one authentic in spirit - an accurate reflection of the wave of new creation happening in the independent music business.
2016 - Ropeadope lines up 36 releases for the year before the end of January. On February 16, the day after he won two Grammys with Kendrick Lamar, Terrace Martin announces his new label, Sounds Of Crenshaw, and his new release Velvet Portraits - as part of the Ropeadope family. The year ends with a total of 59 releases.
2017 - The model continues to grow with over 60 new releases for the year. Sput Searight launches RSVP records in the Ropeadope family of labels. Notable artists sign on to the new model - Nate Smith, Matthew Stevens, Maurice Brown, and the great Eddie Palmieri. Ropeadope comes off the ropes with poise and fierce determination. The model evolves, as described by CEO Louis Marks:
“‘Our mission here at Ropeadope is to build a distributed collaborative organization - a network of artists with the persistent goal of each building their independent business and retaining full creative control of their work. We believe we are in a unique time in history, where the advent of the internet and the networking concepts that drive it, offer opportunities for a redistribution of power and self determination. We seek to break down the traditional vertical and hierarchical systems of the past by building a distributed network.
As we progress, we have found the voices of our collaborative community reach further than just the music, and while consensus is not necessary in a distributed collaborative organization, many in the family and the company are bringing issues of social justice to the forefront, with a message of respecting history and the real leaders, while moving forward to a progressive, multicultural world. The outward message is one of unity, peace, and love - and of basic consideration for all life. We embrace this message and find it will be forever intertwined with this thing called Ropeadope. Our progressive vision of distributed collaborative network is a working model for human collaboration with equitable distribution according to each member’s intent and participation.’
Expect much more music, expect Ropeadope to continue without wavering, and join us on the path of collaboration over division. ”
2018 - Ropeadope’s most most intensely productive time; 2017 brought over 65 releases too numerous to call out. Amazing records every one, often under-appreciated in the public eye but familiar to those who are in tune. 2018 brings another 70 releases from Logan Richardson, Dana Murray, Lakecia Benjamin, Stephanie McKay and many more. As the worldwide dialogue emphasizes social issues, Ropeadope artists take the lead as ambassadors of peace, love, and justice in trying times. The Ropeadope Room is born; an intimate space on the railroad line just outside Philadelphia. The digital age is not what was promised, and a return to bricks and mortar is just what the soul needs.
In 2018 Louis Marks and Fabian Brown plan the next phase in support of artists - 21Soul. A new media company focused on musicians and the communities that support them, 21Soul creates unique and direct podcasts, video interviews, and live music events designed to bring communities together.
2019 - After wrapping the year with a Grammy nomination for Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, two incredible Salsa albums from the great Eddie Palmieri, and over 70 albums from the likes of Aaron Parks, Robi Botos, and more, Ropeadope sets the sights on 2019. Media company 21Soul is in full swing with interviews, podcasts, video shows and radio guest spots as well as live events in Philly, Montreal, and Brooklyn. The Ropeadope engine picks up steam as more artists find a haven in the family, and an advocate for their future. The roster for 2019 is mostly set as of this writing; Vivian Sessoms, Ramsey Lewis, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Bubby Lewis, BLUKE, and many more well known artists along with essential releases from folks you’ve never heard of. Ropeadope clothing lines return with special capsule collections scheduled through the year.
‘We’re all tired of the bullshit that we see every day: hypercapitalism, loss of privacy and dignity, and constant calls for division from so called populists who are truly just fools in wolf’s clothing - yet our resolve and dedication is strong. We’re not on the right side of history, we are real history in an era of falsity.’ (Louis Marks)
2020 - ‘Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass the world is too full to talk about.’
How does one begin to describe 2020? Each of us has both a broad and specific story from the year, one that has not yet reached its end. Ropeadope began the year with gatherings on both coasts; community celebrations of music and friendship. As we departed the Grammy Awards with crowds mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant, we might have guessed that a wave of darkness was on the way. Our roster was already full for the year, and we were considering expansion vs commitment to full independence from market forces. We decided to keep it small, so that our future would continue to be a challenge, but we’d be free to sign whomever we wish rather than chase dollars.
Fast forward two months and Covid changed the world. We locked down the office on March 12, insuring that we could continue to process orders from home. We gathered with artists on Zoom, as we had been doing for years, and talked about the present and future. We added new releases because artists wanted the music out in the world. We learned how to livestream, with monthly festivals and artist discussions, including the On The Record and Speaking My Piece weekly livestreams with Shure and JazzTimes. We masked up and got down to the business at hand, and looked to keep a diamond in our minds as we weathered the lockdown.
On May 25th the news of George Floyd’s public lynching rocked the country and the world. Why this event was the one that exploded into human consciousness we do not know - we have been releasing music about this issue from our extended family of artists for many years. From Antibalas to Vivian Sessoms, we find powerful musical statements throughout the Ropeadope catalog. Our first festival was on Juneteenth, where we aired these songs and videos and held discussions with Black artists to tell their story, to help all of us understand the embedded racism in our culture and our own minds.
Somewhere in this mix we felt a general shift in understanding; music lovers came to Ropeadope with the power of their words and wallets, purchasing more music directly from artists via bandcamp than ever before in our history. The paradigm shift in thought brought us full circle to our commitment to direct connection and community. The understanding that streaming is not a sustainable model for art to thrive is now ubiquitous, as is our personal understanding of what is of VALUE in our changing world. This fire kept us going, and we feel the presence of the fans in everything we do.
Stay Safe, Mask Up, and Stay Tuned.
2021 - Groundhog Day all over again. They say history repeats itself, and in 2021 it seemed to happen quite rapidly. As we end the year we find ourselves back at the beginning, though ‘bound to cover just a little more ground’ as Robert Hunter so aptly paraphrased the Dharmachakra.
2021 brought another Grammy nod for Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah for his performance on Weedie Braimah’s album The Hands Of Time. Greg Spero defined prolific with multiple singles and albums, and we welcomed some venerated artists to the family - Raymundo Sodre, Bakithi Kumalo, Tim Motzer, Joe Alterman, and many more.
Our reflection continued throughout the year as we looked carefully at our past and pondered our future. The hamster wheel of the album cycle seemed to be having a last gasp before great change would befall us. Live music events were scattered, as the lines between live performance, livestreams, and recorded music were forever blurred as blockchain, NFT’s, and the metaverse began to take shape in the public consciousness. Again the question arose - What Is Ropeadope? - and as we round the corner to 2022 we will answer this in a new (old) way. Ropeadope is a place of cultural memory that chronicles the music, culture, and clothing of the time. In 2022 we will refine our mission for the next chapter, coming soon to a metaverse near you.
‘Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself’ (George Bernard Shaw, via Bob Dylan)
‘The birds they sing, at the break of day. Start again I thought I heard them say’ (Leonard Cohen)
‘Reinvention is essential to reclaim culture from the jaws of capitalism. The language of web3 is promising; collaboration, decentralization, community are not just buzzwords, their persistent use indicates a shift in global thinking. So many of our varied cultures are still intact, and can now be celebrated as we shift our focus from endless consumption to careful curation. Ropeadope is a cultural intersection, offering a curated space to understand unique cultures and perspectives by communicating directly with creators. ‘ (Louis Marks)
2022 - The Greatest Change
2022 saw the return of The Experiment Series with the celebrated release of The Chicago Experiment from Greg Spero. Releases from Samora Pinderhughes, Erik Deutsch, Russ Kaplan, Sirintip, HUW, and more set a decidedly reflective tone through the year. We were further honored to release music from Ulf Ivarsson (with the great Bill Laswell), Free Form Funky Freqs, and The Headhunters. Our journey into Global music continued with music from Claudia Acuña, Dende, and Linda Sikhakane, The halls of Ropeadope are a reflection of the times, as musical artists continue to explore both the inner and outer worlds in their compositions and style.
Ropeadope has consistently advocated for musicians in a challenging commercial landscape that is clearly not of our making. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, and sometimes we are misunderstood. And yet, as Ali said ‘The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.’ In this sense we have already won, as we have defied the odds to remain in the ring longer than one would have expected. As we prepare to enter our 25th year, we foresee big changes in music, and we plan to move forward in new ways, with new tools and methods, always with the music leading the way.
For more in depth discussion of Ropeadope, visit these links for interviews/podcasts with CEO Louis Marks:
K Jazz Show | Jazz On The Tube | Drummers Resource | Make Moves With John | Caress Caress