SIGNATURE SOUNDS EXPANDS THE CIRCLE FROM A LABEL TO INCLUDE A LISTENING ROOM MUSIC VENUE AND SUMMER FESTIVAL

‘SIGNATURE SOUNDS 20TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION: RARITIES FROM THE SECOND DECADE’ OUT MARCH 3

As Signature Sounds celebrates 20 years in 2014-2015, it has been embraced as a pillar of the Americana and folk music communities. In 2012, it opened the Parlor Room, a venue in downtown Northampton, MA. Signature Sounds’ Jim Olsen explains, “In an age where the role of a record label seems to be diminishing, the Parlor Room gives us a whole different way to share music with our fans. It allows us to present Signature artists and other artists that we admire in way that is flattering to everyone involved.” It also gives music fans of western Massachusetts a way to interact with the label, which was founded in part as a showcase for the local scene before expanding to a national scope.

Actually, Signature Sounds’ concerts pre-dated the venue. Jim says, “We felt the need for an intimate, informal venue that would be conducive to a listening room atmosphere. Because we're not a bar or a restaurant, our venue is all about the music.” (The Parlor Room is 60-capacity and BYOB.) The original plan was to produce a few shows per month but it became apparent quickly to Jim that there was demand for a lot more than that. He adds, “We currently produce between ten and twenty shows each month.” It also gives the label and opportunity to engage with artists beyond its roster. In addition to the presented shows, the Parlor Sessions, an intermittent winter Sunday jam session that features hot soup, invites musicians of all levels. The Parlor Room even hosted Makers Market during the Christmas season, extending an invitation to Pioneer Valley artisans.

On an even bigger scale, Signature Sounds took on production of the Green River Festival, which will be held July 10-12, 2015. Last year’s festival sold out. Green River has featured Josh Ritter, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Mavis Staples, Arlo Guthrie, Steve Earle, The Avett Brothers, Neko Case, Calexico, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dr. John, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Taj Mahal, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings since its founding in 1986. Coming full circle, the festival has introduced audiences to Signature Sounds acts. In addition to great music, it also features hot air ballooning, showcasing the Pioneer Valley’s natural beauty. Here’s a video recap of 2014’s fest.