Ani DiFranco's 'Knuckle Down'

Folk giant Ani DiFranco is a true independent artist, and that's just fine with her legions of devoted fans.

Since 1990, the Buffalo, N.Y. native has produced all her own albums, turned down major label contracts and started her own company called "Righteous Babe Records."

The outspoken and politically active Ani has just released "Knuckle Down."

And she visits the Second Cup Café to sing a few of her songs and talk about her new album.

"Funk folk" is how DiFranco described her music in a pre-interview with The Saturday Early Show.

Asked if she is trying to incorporate her causes into her songs, she says, "I dont' try. It just happens. They are one and the same. My motivation as an artist and activist are one in the same: to uplift empower and inspire."

The new album covers "a lot of emotional ground and macro-political reflection," she says.

Click here to get DiFranco's bio.