Allison Crowe has walked away from New York without a record deal - and is happy to do so.

Crowe had been negotiating with a U.S.-based record label for the past nine months. But manager Adrian du Plessis says the Nanaimo singer-songwriter made a rare choice: she rejected the promises of fortune and fame to continue with her own values and vision for her music.

She's launched her own independent label, Rubenesque Records Ltd.

The label's first release is Lisa's Song + 6 Songs, a special EP created to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing search for Lisa Marie Young.

Lisa disappeared over a year ago from Nanaimo. Allison Crowe will also be releasing her debut album, Alive and Breathing. Her label also plans to support live events and mentor emerging artists, particularly young women.

On Saturday (Sept. 27), the Allison Crowe Band will perform at the Arts Centre theatre in Chilliwack. On Oct. 25 band will perform with special guests at the ArtSpring theatre on Saltspring Island.