Louis Marks
Founder
Louis Marks began his career in a family owned business, gaining experience from the warehouse floor to the New York Stock Exchange. His love of music, guided deftly by his older brother Roper Marks, tugged at his appointed destiny during his time in the early 80’s in lower Manhattan. Days on the exchange floor were followed by nights at The Ritz, The Lone Star, The Bottom Line, Danceteria - any place with music. Soon the music won out, and his life began anew with a day job at Greenpeace and a traveling life with The Grateful Dead. Completely removed from anything resembling a normal career path, Marks took up the craft of tie-dye and built a business in apparel manufacturing. Over a 14 year span, Banzai Inc. became a respected supplier to Harley Davidson, Bloomingdale’s, and other leading brands with unique styles and colors that defied traditional tie dye styles.
In 2001, Marks met David Wurtzel, the founder of Ropeadope Industries, a clothing brand tied to the record label Ropeadope Music Entertainment. The task was to create apparel for labels and musicians, with a new twist called E-Commerce. Building internet stores for Ropeadope, Daptone, Def Jux, The Roots, and more, Marks led Banzai into the music business.
In 2005, at perhaps the lowest point in the recorded music business, Marks purchased Ropeadope and began a new phase. With zero experience and all the responsibility on his shoulders, Marks applied his gut principles to the label model, always respecting the core, independent values of the brand.
During his 18 years in the music business, Marks has persistently been an advocate for musicians who find themselves marginalized by the mainstream business of music. His purchase and subsequent management of Ropeadope has sustained and grown an important platform for both established artists and newcomers who place their artistic vision above commercial pursuits. As an independent label, Ropeadope began simple 50/50 licensing deals for artists in 2006, and has fostered a model of transparency and collaborative community. Ropeadope has released over 600 albums during this time: a curated collection of albums that reflect the true value of contemporary music and art. Chief Adjuah, Ramsey Lewis, Terrace Martin, Snarky Puppy, Col Bruce Hampton, Eddie Palmieri and many more have released music with Ropeadope that reflects a clear and honest portrayal of their work, without interference.
Throughout his career, Marks has considered longer term solutions to the challenges faced by independent artists. With a broad range of experience outside the status quo, and deep reflection on the cultural landscape, he came to understand the profound connections between music, art, and culture. More and more albums were narrative based, with a relevant social component that serves to inform the audience, and even comfort people in challenging times. Video presentations, in depth interviews, and wider reach to social institutions became a part of many releases.
In 2023, Marks co-founded Third Way Cultural Alliance with collaborators Fabian Brown and Joe Pignato. The not-for profit organization is the distillation of his lifelong mission as an advocate for people and creativity, a solution that preserves the album as art and continues regardless of commercial market forces.
Joe Pignato
Founder
Joe Pignato is a drummer, composer, and music industry veteran. He holds the position of Professor in the Music Department at the State University of New York, Oneonta, where he teaches music industry courses, digital music and beat production, and directs ensembles that perform experimental music and improvised rock.
Pignato has received numerous awards for excellence in scholarship, creative activity, teaching, and advising. Notable recognitions include the Susan Sutton Smith Award for Academic Excellence, recognition as an international “Thought Leader” in the field of music (SUNY Oneonta President’s Report), and the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. The Chancellor’s Award is the highest academic award bestowed on teaching faculty in the SUNY system.
Recognized as a “drummer extraordinaire” (JazzTimes), Pignato leads Bright Dog Red, an ensemble celebrated for “sublimely marrying jazz with hip-hop, funk, and electronic music" (JazzTimes). Long “a fixture on the NYC jazz and improvisation scene” (Jazz Journal), Bright Dog Red's "proudly unanchored improvisation" (Downbeat) has been likened to “part Ornette Coleman and Prime Time, part Lounge Lizards, part A Tribe Called Quest” (JazzTimes). Others have compared the group to “Mahavishnu Orchestra meets Digable Planets” (Paul Schulman), “Romantic Warrior era Return to Forever” (Rimas e Batidas), and “electronic Ahmad Jamal" (Don Lucoff). The ensemble has released multiple albums on Ropeadope Records, the influential Philadelphia label.
Hailed by Tape Op as a “musician, educator, and music business visionary,” Pignato regularly consults organizations in the areas of music, music technology, and music education. He has held management positions at leading music companies, including N2K Incorporated, BMG Classics, RCA Victor, ECM Records, CMP Records, and Latin Percussion.
Additional details are available at http://joepignato.com and http://brightdogred.com
Fabian Brown
Director Of Outreach
Fabian Brown is a multi-talented musician, entrepreneur, and community advocate hailing from the Greater Philadelphia area. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Fabian currently serves as the Vice President of Ropeadope, an international independent record label. His journey with Ropeadope began as an intern, and he has since taken on a diverse range of responsibilities, including marketing, sales, and licensing.
Fabian's passion for music and business started early in his career when he worked as a performer and music teacher. Graduating from the University of the Arts in 2001 with a BA in saxophone performance, he honed his skills as a musician and educator. However, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he ventured into online coaching, mentoring entrepreneurs and business owners to transform their expertise and talents into events that effectively connect with their ideal audience.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Fabian is deeply involved in his local community. In 2012, he co-founded a non-profit organization called Heights In Progress, which focuses on revitalizing downtown districts in South Jersey while providing community programming. Through organizing events, sharing experiences, and modernizing advertising methods, Heights In Progress aims to bring new life and opportunities to these communities.
Fabian's dedication to music extends beyond his role at Ropeadope. For the past three years, he has been a partner in Blue Label, a dynamic 9-piece entertainment band. Blue Label brings a fresh and modern approach to private events, infusing them with infectious energy, class, and elegance. With a repertoire spanning pop, rock, Motown, and Sinatra classics, the band prides itself on musical authenticity and the ability to bring the vision for any event to life.
Fabian's entrepreneurial journey started in 2002 when he began offering private music lessons. Over time, he expanded his services to include DJ performances for weddings, corporate engagements, and galas. His diverse background in education, music, and business has allowed him to forge a unique path in the industry and make a lasting impact in his community.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Fabian finds joy in his personal life as a husband and father. Together with his wife, he raises their ten children, including three sets of twins and four singletons. Their family actively engages in supporting and contributing to the local community, making a positive difference wherever they go.