Rhonda Vincent Takes the Reins on New Album and Independent Label
Rhonda Vincent, often called the “new queen of bluegrass” by the Wall Street Journal, has always been known for her fearless approach to music and her dedication to delivering high-quality bluegrass to her fans. As she releases her new album Taken, Vincent is not just debuting new music but also stepping into new territory by self-producing the project and launching it under her own label, Upper Management.
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Vincent’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days singing in the family band, the Sally Mountain Show, to becoming an internationally recognized solo artist, she has always followed her heart and stayed true to the music she loves. Over the years, she has become a household name in bluegrass, with her distinctive voice and skill on the mandolin. However, her decision to return to bluegrass after a foray into mainstream country music solidified her as one of the genre’s leading figures.
With Taken, Vincent not only continues to showcase her vocal prowess and mandolin skills but also embraces a new challenge by self-producing the album. The process was intense, requiring her to be hands-on in every aspect of the project, from production to marketing. “It’s a little more challenging, knowing we were doing everything from producing to putting every viable piece together,” Vincent admits. The album spans a range of styles within bluegrass, from high-energy tracks to soulful ballads, aiming to appeal to all of her listeners.
What sets Taken apart, aside from its musical diversity, is the fact that Vincent took the leap to establish her own label. She explains that, after seeing a trend of declining sales across the music industry, she realized the best way forward was to eliminate the middleman. “People are looking at ways to be more cost-effective, and in producing your own product, you eliminate the middleman, so it allows you to make more money,” she says. This decision, along with having the same distributor she worked with at Rounder Records, ensures that her music remains available in familiar outlets, such as Wal-Mart.
While it hasn’t been an easy road, Vincent’s experience shows her relentless passion for the craft. She continues to innovate and find ways to make bluegrass more accessible, and her determination is a testament to her enduring legacy in the genre. With Taken, Rhonda Vincent proves that no matter the challenge, she is willing to learn, grow, and continue making the music her fans love.
In a time when the music industry is shifting, Vincent’s ability to adapt while staying true to her roots ensures that she remains a major influence in bluegrass music for years to come. The release of Taken and her new label mark an exciting new chapter in her storied career. Fans old and new will no doubt continue to support her as she paves her own way in the industry.