the AMP Issue 12

"There are always going to be bad things. But you can write it down and make a song out of it."
– Billie Eilish

In This Issue... [13 pages, approx 20-ish minutes to read] You'll Get...

• RECOMMENDS— FREE Berklee Songwriting Handbook... and MORE

• TALKABOUT— Marketing 101 for 1001 TrueFans — the Power of WOMM

• GUEST ARTICLE — Are Your Songs "Wow" or "Just Good"? a Checklist.

• BACKSTAGE PASS — How Bad Sounds Make You Better by Mike Goodrich

• PS from PS — the Challenge of the $3500 Guitar

_____________

Here’s the playlist

_____________

• RECOMMENDS— FREE Berklee Songwriting Handbook and MORE
Tap the title link above to download the 89-page PDF

Here are the Lessons in the Berklee Songwriting Handbook:

• Try Destination Songwriting By Andrea Stolpe
• How to Lay the Foundation of Your Arrangement By Bonnie Hayes and Sarah
Brindell
• Making Your Melody Work By Jimmy Kachulis
• The Art of Setting Your Words to Music By Pat Pattison Features
• Peter Bell’s Tips for Advertising Music By Berklee Online
• Writing Songs with Class ... Literally! By Talia Smith
• Bonnie Hayes: ‘Make Sure Your Main Hook is Crucial’ By Pat Healy
• 10 Songwriting Tips from Josh Ritter By Berklee Online

Drill down onto the 10 Songwriting Tips lesson right here below...

__________

10 Songwriting Tips from Josh Ritter
Berklee Online frequently hosts live interviews with respected professionals in the music industry. The following songwriting suggestions come from a conversation with acclaimed Singer Songwriter Josh Ritter (tap on the name to visit his Wikipedia page) as part of the Berklee Online Live: Songwriting series.

__________

What follows are condensed summaries of the 10 Tips. The original in the Berklee Songwriter Handbook contains more detail of Mr. Ritter’s thoughts. We highly suggest reading it.

__________

1. There are times when you shouldn’t work on a song. 
Acknowledge when the creative energy is absent; sometimes stepping away yields better results than forcing it.

2. Work on songs a little at a time.
Allow your songs to develop organically over time; forced and hurried compositions often lack depth and authenticity.

3. When a line jumps into your head, try it in a song. 
When inspiration strikes with a line or melody, explore its potential in a song; these spontaneous thoughts can be the seeds of great compositions.

4. The more complicated you make a song, the less powerful it is. 
Simplify your songs; complexity can dilute their power, whereas simplicity can make them timeless and relatable.

5. If you can’t fit something into a song, leave it alone ... for now. 
If an idea doesn’t fit into your current song, set it aside; it might become essential in future compositions, even years later.

6. You are the most important person in your audience. Write for yourself; you are the primary audience, and if your song doesn’t resonate with you, it likely won’t with others.

7. Write about what you obsess over.
Channel your obsessions into your writing; writing about what matters to you makes your work authentic and impactful.

8. Writing a song is like going to a party.
Approach songwriting like attending a party; enter when it’s lively and leave before it dwindles, painting a vivid, concise portrait.

9. Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.
Embrace bravery and vulnerability in your writing; these qualities distinguish great art from the rest.

10. Writing bad songs helps you write great songs. 
Writing bad songs is a stepping stone to creating great ones; they help in chiseling away the excess, revealing the masterpiece within.

For more insights and interviews, explore Berklee Online’s YouTube channel and the Music Is My Life podcast, available wherever you like your podcasts.

__________

ABOUT BERKLEE ONLINE: Study Music Online Anywhere, Anytime With Berklee Online, you can study the renowned curriculum of Berklee College of Music from anywhere in the world, and in your own rhythm. Since 2002, more than 75,000 students from 144 countries have enhanced their creative output and marketability with Berklee Online’s award-winning master’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree majors, certificate programs, and 200+ music courses. Through Berklee Online, you’ll receive unparalleled instruction from music industry professionals and the same faculty members who teach at Berklee’s Boston campus.

Tap Berklee Online to learn more...

in partnership with Mike Goodrich, the Inner Singer

• TALKABOUT— Marketing 101 for 1001 TrueFans— the Power of WOMM

Word-of-mouth marketing (W-O-M-M) has been the subject of extensive research, and numerous studies highlight its influence on consumer behavior and its effectiveness as a marketing tool. Here are some key findings New Music Lives™ obtained from various studies:

• Trustworthiness: According to Nielsen Media Research, 83% of people trust recommendations from family and friends over all other forms of advertising. This showcases the high level of trust consumers place in W-O-M-M.

• Purchasing Decisions: A study by McKinsey found that word-of-mouth is the primary factor behind 20-50% of all purchasing decisions. Its influence is most significant when consumers are buying a product for the first time (the initial trial) or when the product's price is relatively high, implying a higher risk.

• Online vs. Offline W-O-M-M: A paper in the Journal of Consumer Research found that while online W-O-M-M (e.g., reviews) reaches more people, offline W-O-M-M (face-to-face conversations) tends to be more detailed and influential in shaping opinions.

• ROI and Acquisition: According to the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (W-O-M-M-A), W-O-M-M marketing results in 5x more sales than a paid media impression. Moreover, customers acquired through word-of-mouth have a 37% higher retention rate.

• W-O-M-M and Business Growth: The McKinsey study also found that brands that create more effective word-of-mouth engagement tend to grow more than twice as fast as their competitors.

• Negative W-O-M-M Impact: Negative word-of-mouth can also significantly harm a business. A study conducted by the White House Office of Consumer Affairs found that dissatisfied customers will tell between 9-15 people about their experience, and roughly 13% of dissatisfied customers tell more than 20 people.

• B2B W-O-M-M: Word-of-mouth is not just influential in B2C markets. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that W-O-M-M referrals in B2B markets can influence up to 90% of all B2B buying decisions.

• Digital W-O-M-M: In the digital age, platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor play pivotal roles in influencing purchase decisions. BrightLocal's survey showed that 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, with consumers reading an average of 10 reviews before feeling they can trust a business.

It's worth noting that many successful companies, like Dropbox and Airbnb, have heavily leveraged W-O-M-M strategies to accelerate their growth.

Overall, the wide consensus from various studies and industry insights is that word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective and trusted forms of advertising.

Now, let's focus in on music. Our team of Researchers at New Music Lives™— okay, ChatGPT— came up with this and these about Word-Of-Mouth-Marketing for Singer Songwriters:

Word-Of-Mouth-Marketing (WOMM) plays a significant role in the success of music, particularly for Singer Songwriters. The music industry, with its myriad of artists and constant influx of new content, can be overwhelming for listeners to navigate. Word-of-mouth provides a filtering mechanism, enabling noteworthy or emotionally resonant works to stand out and gain traction.

Here are some aspects to consider about the influence of WOMM in the music industry:

• Discovery: With the multitude of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, there's an overabundance of music available. While algorithms do help in recommending songs, personal recommendations from friends or family often carry more weight and can lead to the discovery of new artists or songs.

• Validation: When someone shares a song or an album, it often serves as a stamp of approval. This validation can encourage others to listen and share in turn, creating a viral effect.

• Live Shows and Tours: Word-Of-Mouth-Marketing is crucial for live performances, especially for emerging Singer Songwriters. A well-received live show can lead to increased ticket sales for future performances, larger venue bookings, and more significant media attention.

• Career Milestones: For many Singer Songwriters, getting their big break often comes from a single song gaining traction due to word-of-mouth. This buzz can lead to other opportunities, such as record deals, collaborations, or appearances on popular platforms or media.

• Streaming Algorithms: On platforms like Spotify, a sudden uptick in plays, which can be spurred by WOMM, influences the song's inclusion in popular playlists or recommendation algorithms, leading to even more exposure.

• Credibility and Authenticity: Singer Songwriters, in particular, often have deeply personal and authentic stories to tell. When these stories resonate with listeners, they are more likely to share them, valuing the emotional connection the music provides.

• Longevity: While marketing can spike interest initially, word-of-mouth can sustain an artist's relevance. Positive discussions about an album or song can lead to prolonged interest and streaming, even beyond the initial release window.

• Impact on Sales: Beyond streaming, positive WOMM influences album sales, merchandise sales, and more. A strong recommendation from a trusted source can convert a casual listener into a TrueFan.

For Singer Songwriters, whose work is often deeply personal and narrative-driven, a heartfelt recommendation can be especially impactful. In the modern music landscape, where traditional barriers to entry have been lowered thanks to technology and social media, WOMM has become even more critical. It's one of the primary ways independent and emerging artists can gain traction— exposure, attention, attraction— in an ever more crowded field.

• GUEST ARTICLE — • GUEST ARTICLE — Are Your Songs “WOW”—or Just “Good?” A Checklist
by Jason Blume
The Weekly from BMI on September 11, 2023

____________________

Jason's article below has been condensed. You can read the original in its entirety by tapping HERE.

__________

Every Monday, I share inspiring tips and opportunities with my subscribers. Recently, I introduced them to a new publisher seeking songs. While many submitted their pieces, some lacked the uniqueness to stand out in the industry. Although well-crafted, these songs were "good" but not extraordinary. Such findings are disheartening, especially knowing the investments many made on their recordings.

Drawing from three decades of experience with the BMI Nashville Songwriters Workshops and global masterclasses, I've observed an overwhelming desire among artists for their music to be acknowledged by industry decision-makers.

I too believed for years that my songs were hits-in-the-making. But a panel of producers

highlighted that they were just "okay." This revelation drove me to refine my craft, studying hit songs meticulously and seeking professional feedback.

My dedication to producing stronger melodies and original lyrics paid off. As my songs became more competitive, networking became easier.

To those striving for excellence, remember to let your creativity flow and revisit your compositions with a critical eye. Crafting songs that resonate requires patience and introspection. Your dedication can transform "good" into "awesome”.

Warning: Continue reading at the risk of taking your songs to the next level.

What’s the solution if you are writing “good” songs, but not awesome ones? First, allow your creativity to flow unhampered. Then give your song a day or two to marinate, revisit it, and ask yourself some tough questions.

• Have I built this song on a title and concept that are fresh?

• Is the idea something millions could potentially relate to?

• Are there lines of lyrics that an industry pro would find exceptional?

• Have I avoided clichés and lines of lyrics that anyone else could have written?

• Are there one or more “magic” melodic moments? Unpredictable notes, rhythms, and chords that make the melody special?

• Do the melody and rhythms incorporate sufficient repetition to make them easy to sing and remember?

• Does the melody provide a singer with sufficient range and notes that will allow him or her to shine?

• Is there a fresh groove (if applicable)?

When you’ve checked off all of the above boxes, get professional feedback— critiques from a trusted person who will not sugarcoat things. (Note: your friends and family don’t count unless they are music business professionals.)

Tuck your ego into your pocket. Hone and polish your work until you have given music publishers, recording artists, record label executives, and other industry pros compelling reasons to choose your song over anything the writers they already have on staff—and the current go-to superstar writers—can deliver. Record a demo that demo-nstrates your song’s potential, only after you have done these things.

Don’t settle until your “good” songs are “WOW” ones!

__________

Jason Blume is the author of 6 Steps to Songwriting Success, This Business of Songwriting, and Inside Songwriting (Billboard Books). His latest book, Happy Tails— Life Lessons from Rescued Cats and Kittens (SPS/Blue Mountain Arts) combines his love of photography and cats. Jason’s songs are on Grammy-nominated albums and have sold more than 50,000,000 copies. A guest lecturer at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney) and at the Berklee School of Music, he has been interviewed as a songwriting expert for CNN, NPR, the BBC, Rolling Stone, and the New York Times.

To receive the free video, 3 Things You MUST Do for Success subscribe to Jason's email list, and get weekly tips to enhance your creativity tap the link.

PS. Jason's video is killer! Do it.

• BACKSTAGE PASS — How Bad Sounds Make You Better
by Mike Goodrich, the Inner Singer Coach

__________

"That was horrible." He said, waiting for me to agree with him.

"What do you mean?" I asked...

"That's awful. I could never perform that way. Nobody would pay to hear that!"

"Nope, not a cent", I joked.

"But what you're doing right now is comparing your backstage with your onstage and the two don't go together."

There really are two main phases of the rehearsal process.

1. The Preparation— Where all is fair no matter how bad the sounds are. Remember, unfinished sounds?

You're learning, you're building new coordination in the voice. You're learning the music, you're establishing a vocal line, and you're making a lot of unfinished sounds you'll consider 'bad' to create a condition and coordination in the voice that will lead to great sounds and serve you when you're on stage.

But this is all considered backstage. And you never compare your backstage with your own 'onstage' or anybody else's 'onstage' because you don't know what they do backstage to prepare to get onstage.

Singers have to be willing to make a lot of what are called unfinished sounds.

These are sounds that quite frankly just sometimes sound bad...

But they create a condition in the voice that eventually is conducive to making really great sounds.

We have to sacrifice sound a lot at first for the condition.

I certainly did...

So when we realize that in this phase of the rehearsal, practicing, and building process, we use a lot of things that we would never do on stage.

So we can't judge according to what we want to sound like onstage.

We ask, "Is what I'm doing creating the condition that I want?"

It's just like all athletes.

Tennis players, football players, baseball players, and gymnasts all do exercises separate from the activity they're actually training for.

They probably all lift weights.

Maybe run up and down stairs.

They could all say, "Nobody's going to pay to watch me do this."

Of course not, but they're going to pay you for what doing that results in because it makes you a better tennis player, baseball player, or football player.

You're going to be stronger, more agile, more accurate.

Everything is going to improve.

Same thing with singing.

You make a bunch of sounds that are unfinished and don't sound that great.

Yeah, you're absolutely right. Who's going to pay you to do that?

But they're going to be paying you for the results of you have done that.

Now here's the second phase:

2. Rehearse to Refine— Now you're refining and getting the rehearsal to the point of performance level.

Now, you want to do in the rehearsal room what you're going to do on the stage or in the recording studio.

All of the preparation in Phase 1 got you ready for this.

Phase 1 is long which makes Phase 2 much shorter (and more fun!)

So, simply know what phase you're in and go all in!

If you're in Phase 1 then get used to making some 'bad' sounds!

Have fun!

If you're in Phase 2 have fun and refine!

NOTE: Avoid stress by not rushing into Phase 2.

Sing consciously,

To learn more about Mike and the Inner Singer, go here: mikegoodrich.com.

Will You Support the New Music Lives™ Movement?
Here's your personal referral link...

We've asked before: HELP! We need somebody (Help) not just anybody (Help) you know we need someone, hhheeelllppp...And now we've figured out how to reward you for your efforts. We haven't figured out what reward you'll get— yet— but we will. Promise.

When you help us spread the word about the AMP with your unique referral link and your person subscribes, we'll know it was you who did it. And although we don't have a proper Thank You for you right now, we're getting that together. A free month's Membership (when we have it), some cool merch (when we have that), a vintage Martin D-28... we'll think of something. (Another promise.)

We're building NML on a shoe-string— two steps below bootstrapping. So, if you're a TrueFan... You enjoy the AMP... Benefit from what's in each issue... And you're willing and able to spread the word with and for us... Please. And THANK YOU!

Send your friends, family, band members, and complete strangers this link: New Music Lives™ FREE. They'll get the AMP. the Book. the Group. No charge. No strings. And soon, we'll say 'Thanks' to you! (And sure, you tell us what would make you happy.)

We're a word-of-mouth-movement to Put Success In Every Singer Songwriter's Career, because: It's Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time. We're asking you to help us make that happen. And our thanks are coming soon.

Or copy and paste this link to others:
https://newmusiclives.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

• PS from PS— The Challenge of the $3500 Guitar

So many artists become gear-obsessed. Save up to buy that amazing $3,500 guitar or that truly cutting-edge digital piano. But the problem is those people who do it when they don't have an audience.

I ask you, how much money has that $3,500 instrument made you— and before you say it makes you sound better at the shows or it proves you're a serious musician when you show up to play with others— be honest: How much has that guitar made you? What's the ROI (Return On Investment) for your career?

Mike Rutherford of the band Genesis, often plays his Squire Bullet guitar. It cost around $200. The reason, he says, is the sound it makes. And when he started they were cheap to replace if it got broken or stolen.

The point I'm making is what does a $3,500 instrument do for you in terms of building your audience, pleasing your fans, and growing your TrueFans? Answer... honest answer:

NOTHING at ALL.

Set that guitar aside— carefully, it's worth a fortune— and let's assume you've got $3,500 to spend on your music. Right now. What would you do?

I suggest that you look for ways to use that money to make money. Add more fans by running ads. Offering incentives and giveaways to sign up for your list. Booking some new shows or house concerts that you set up yourself. Get some musical or business coaching...

There are a lot of carpenters out there, but all of them have a set of tools. Many have simple affordable tools that get the job done. If you need a hole does the most expensive drill bit make a better hole? And in your case, the quality of your guitar will only be noticed by you and other musicians. The audience, your fans, and your TrueFans, are drawn in by the quality of your songs and your connection with them.

Thanks for reading. Give us your feedback. And remember, all Issues of the AMP are posted in our Private Facebook Group.

And PLEASE, if you've got any Singer Songwriter friends, pass the AMP on, because... It’s Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time...

"There are always going to be bad things. But you can write it down and make a song out of it."
– Billie Eilish

In This Issue... [13 pages, approx 20-ish minutes to read] You'll Get...

• RECOMMENDS— FREE Berklee Songwriting Handbook... and MORE

• TALKABOUT— Marketing 101 for 1001 TrueFans — the Power of WOMM

• GUEST ARTICLE — Are Your Songs "Wow" or "Just Good"? a Checklist.

• BACKSTAGE PASS — How Bad Sounds Make You Better by Mike Goodrich

• PS from PS — the Challenge of the $3500 Guitar

_____________

Here’s the playlist

_____________

• RECOMMENDS— FREE Berklee Songwriting Handbook and MORE
Tap the title link above to download the 89-page PDF

Here are the Lessons in the Berklee Songwriting Handbook:

• Try Destination Songwriting By Andrea Stolpe
• How to Lay the Foundation of Your Arrangement By Bonnie Hayes and Sarah
Brindell
• Making Your Melody Work By Jimmy Kachulis
• The Art of Setting Your Words to Music By Pat Pattison Features
• Peter Bell’s Tips for Advertising Music By Berklee Online
• Writing Songs with Class ... Literally! By Talia Smith
• Bonnie Hayes: ‘Make Sure Your Main Hook is Crucial’ By Pat Healy
• 10 Songwriting Tips from Josh Ritter By Berklee Online

Drill down onto the 10 Songwriting Tips lesson right here below...

__________

10 Songwriting Tips from Josh Ritter
Berklee Online frequently hosts live interviews with respected professionals in the music industry. The following songwriting suggestions come from a conversation with acclaimed Singer Songwriter Josh Ritter (tap on the name to visit his Wikipedia page) as part of the Berklee Online Live: Songwriting series.

__________

What follows are condensed summaries of the 10 Tips. The original in the Berklee Songwriter Handbook contains more detail of Mr. Ritter’s thoughts. We highly suggest reading it.

__________

1. There are times when you shouldn’t work on a song. 
Acknowledge when the creative energy is absent; sometimes stepping away yields better results than forcing it.

2. Work on songs a little at a time.
Allow your songs to develop organically over time; forced and hurried compositions often lack depth and authenticity.

3. When a line jumps into your head, try it in a song. 
When inspiration strikes with a line or melody, explore its potential in a song; these spontaneous thoughts can be the seeds of great compositions.

4. The more complicated you make a song, the less powerful it is. 
Simplify your songs; complexity can dilute their power, whereas simplicity can make them timeless and relatable.

5. If you can’t fit something into a song, leave it alone ... for now. 
If an idea doesn’t fit into your current song, set it aside; it might become essential in future compositions, even years later.

6. You are the most important person in your audience. Write for yourself; you are the primary audience, and if your song doesn’t resonate with you, it likely won’t with others.

7. Write about what you obsess over.
Channel your obsessions into your writing; writing about what matters to you makes your work authentic and impactful.

8. Writing a song is like going to a party.
Approach songwriting like attending a party; enter when it’s lively and leave before it dwindles, painting a vivid, concise portrait.

9. Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.
Embrace bravery and vulnerability in your writing; these qualities distinguish great art from the rest.

10. Writing bad songs helps you write great songs. 
Writing bad songs is a stepping stone to creating great ones; they help in chiseling away the excess, revealing the masterpiece within.

For more insights and interviews, explore Berklee Online’s YouTube channel and the Music Is My Life podcast, available wherever you like your podcasts.

__________

ABOUT BERKLEE ONLINE: Study Music Online Anywhere, Anytime With Berklee Online, you can study the renowned curriculum of Berklee College of Music from anywhere in the world, and in your own rhythm. Since 2002, more than 75,000 students from 144 countries have enhanced their creative output and marketability with Berklee Online’s award-winning master’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree majors, certificate programs, and 200+ music courses. Through Berklee Online, you’ll receive unparalleled instruction from music industry professionals and the same faculty members who teach at Berklee’s Boston campus.

Tap Berklee Online to learn more...

in partnership with Mike Goodrich, the Inner Singer

• TALKABOUT— Marketing 101 for 1001 TrueFans— the Power of WOMM

Word-of-mouth marketing (W-O-M-M) has been the subject of extensive research, and numerous studies highlight its influence on consumer behavior and its effectiveness as a marketing tool. Here are some key findings New Music Lives™ obtained from various studies:

• Trustworthiness: According to Nielsen Media Research, 83% of people trust recommendations from family and friends over all other forms of advertising. This showcases the high level of trust consumers place in W-O-M-M.

• Purchasing Decisions: A study by McKinsey found that word-of-mouth is the primary factor behind 20-50% of all purchasing decisions. Its influence is most significant when consumers are buying a product for the first time (the initial trial) or when the product's price is relatively high, implying a higher risk.

• Online vs. Offline W-O-M-M: A paper in the Journal of Consumer Research found that while online W-O-M-M (e.g., reviews) reaches more people, offline W-O-M-M (face-to-face conversations) tends to be more detailed and influential in shaping opinions.

• ROI and Acquisition: According to the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (W-O-M-M-A), W-O-M-M marketing results in 5x more sales than a paid media impression. Moreover, customers acquired through word-of-mouth have a 37% higher retention rate.

• W-O-M-M and Business Growth: The McKinsey study also found that brands that create more effective word-of-mouth engagement tend to grow more than twice as fast as their competitors.

• Negative W-O-M-M Impact: Negative word-of-mouth can also significantly harm a business. A study conducted by the White House Office of Consumer Affairs found that dissatisfied customers will tell between 9-15 people about their experience, and roughly 13% of dissatisfied customers tell more than 20 people.

• B2B W-O-M-M: Word-of-mouth is not just influential in B2C markets. A study by the Boston Consulting Group found that W-O-M-M referrals in B2B markets can influence up to 90% of all B2B buying decisions.

• Digital W-O-M-M: In the digital age, platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor play pivotal roles in influencing purchase decisions. BrightLocal's survey showed that 82% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses, with consumers reading an average of 10 reviews before feeling they can trust a business.

It's worth noting that many successful companies, like Dropbox and Airbnb, have heavily leveraged W-O-M-M strategies to accelerate their growth.

Overall, the wide consensus from various studies and industry insights is that word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective and trusted forms of advertising.

Now, let's focus in on music. Our team of Researchers at New Music Lives™— okay, ChatGPT— came up with this and these about Word-Of-Mouth-Marketing for Singer Songwriters:

Word-Of-Mouth-Marketing (WOMM) plays a significant role in the success of music, particularly for Singer Songwriters. The music industry, with its myriad of artists and constant influx of new content, can be overwhelming for listeners to navigate. Word-of-mouth provides a filtering mechanism, enabling noteworthy or emotionally resonant works to stand out and gain traction.

Here are some aspects to consider about the influence of WOMM in the music industry:

• Discovery: With the multitude of platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, there's an overabundance of music available. While algorithms do help in recommending songs, personal recommendations from friends or family often carry more weight and can lead to the discovery of new artists or songs.

• Validation: When someone shares a song or an album, it often serves as a stamp of approval. This validation can encourage others to listen and share in turn, creating a viral effect.

• Live Shows and Tours: Word-Of-Mouth-Marketing is crucial for live performances, especially for emerging Singer Songwriters. A well-received live show can lead to increased ticket sales for future performances, larger venue bookings, and more significant media attention.

• Career Milestones: For many Singer Songwriters, getting their big break often comes from a single song gaining traction due to word-of-mouth. This buzz can lead to other opportunities, such as record deals, collaborations, or appearances on popular platforms or media.

• Streaming Algorithms: On platforms like Spotify, a sudden uptick in plays, which can be spurred by WOMM, influences the song's inclusion in popular playlists or recommendation algorithms, leading to even more exposure.

• Credibility and Authenticity: Singer Songwriters, in particular, often have deeply personal and authentic stories to tell. When these stories resonate with listeners, they are more likely to share them, valuing the emotional connection the music provides.

• Longevity: While marketing can spike interest initially, word-of-mouth can sustain an artist's relevance. Positive discussions about an album or song can lead to prolonged interest and streaming, even beyond the initial release window.

• Impact on Sales: Beyond streaming, positive WOMM influences album sales, merchandise sales, and more. A strong recommendation from a trusted source can convert a casual listener into a TrueFan.

For Singer Songwriters, whose work is often deeply personal and narrative-driven, a heartfelt recommendation can be especially impactful. In the modern music landscape, where traditional barriers to entry have been lowered thanks to technology and social media, WOMM has become even more critical. It's one of the primary ways independent and emerging artists can gain traction— exposure, attention, attraction— in an ever more crowded field.

• GUEST ARTICLE — • GUEST ARTICLE — Are Your Songs “WOW”—or Just “Good?” A Checklist
by Jason Blume
The Weekly from BMI on September 11, 2023

____________________

Jason's article below has been condensed. You can read the original in its entirety by tapping HERE.

__________

Every Monday, I share inspiring tips and opportunities with my subscribers. Recently, I introduced them to a new publisher seeking songs. While many submitted their pieces, some lacked the uniqueness to stand out in the industry. Although well-crafted, these songs were "good" but not extraordinary. Such findings are disheartening, especially knowing the investments many made on their recordings.

Drawing from three decades of experience with the BMI Nashville Songwriters Workshops and global masterclasses, I've observed an overwhelming desire among artists for their music to be acknowledged by industry decision-makers.

I too believed for years that my songs were hits-in-the-making. But a panel of producers

highlighted that they were just "okay." This revelation drove me to refine my craft, studying hit songs meticulously and seeking professional feedback.

My dedication to producing stronger melodies and original lyrics paid off. As my songs became more competitive, networking became easier.

To those striving for excellence, remember to let your creativity flow and revisit your compositions with a critical eye. Crafting songs that resonate requires patience and introspection. Your dedication can transform "good" into "awesome”.

Warning: Continue reading at the risk of taking your songs to the next level.

What’s the solution if you are writing “good” songs, but not awesome ones? First, allow your creativity to flow unhampered. Then give your song a day or two to marinate, revisit it, and ask yourself some tough questions.

• Have I built this song on a title and concept that are fresh?

• Is the idea something millions could potentially relate to?

• Are there lines of lyrics that an industry pro would find exceptional?

• Have I avoided clichés and lines of lyrics that anyone else could have written?

• Are there one or more “magic” melodic moments? Unpredictable notes, rhythms, and chords that make the melody special?

• Do the melody and rhythms incorporate sufficient repetition to make them easy to sing and remember?

• Does the melody provide a singer with sufficient range and notes that will allow him or her to shine?

• Is there a fresh groove (if applicable)?

When you’ve checked off all of the above boxes, get professional feedback— critiques from a trusted person who will not sugarcoat things. (Note: your friends and family don’t count unless they are music business professionals.)

Tuck your ego into your pocket. Hone and polish your work until you have given music publishers, recording artists, record label executives, and other industry pros compelling reasons to choose your song over anything the writers they already have on staff—and the current go-to superstar writers—can deliver. Record a demo that demo-nstrates your song’s potential, only after you have done these things.

Don’t settle until your “good” songs are “WOW” ones!

__________

Jason Blume is the author of 6 Steps to Songwriting Success, This Business of Songwriting, and Inside Songwriting (Billboard Books). His latest book, Happy Tails— Life Lessons from Rescued Cats and Kittens (SPS/Blue Mountain Arts) combines his love of photography and cats. Jason’s songs are on Grammy-nominated albums and have sold more than 50,000,000 copies. A guest lecturer at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney) and at the Berklee School of Music, he has been interviewed as a songwriting expert for CNN, NPR, the BBC, Rolling Stone, and the New York Times.

To receive the free video, 3 Things You MUST Do for Success subscribe to Jason's email list, and get weekly tips to enhance your creativity tap the link.

PS. Jason's video is killer! Do it.

• BACKSTAGE PASS — How Bad Sounds Make You Better
by Mike Goodrich, the Inner Singer Coach

__________

"That was horrible." He said, waiting for me to agree with him.

"What do you mean?" I asked...

"That's awful. I could never perform that way. Nobody would pay to hear that!"

"Nope, not a cent", I joked.

"But what you're doing right now is comparing your backstage with your onstage and the two don't go together."

There really are two main phases of the rehearsal process.

1. The Preparation— Where all is fair no matter how bad the sounds are. Remember, unfinished sounds?

You're learning, you're building new coordination in the voice. You're learning the music, you're establishing a vocal line, and you're making a lot of unfinished sounds you'll consider 'bad' to create a condition and coordination in the voice that will lead to great sounds and serve you when you're on stage.

But this is all considered backstage. And you never compare your backstage with your own 'onstage' or anybody else's 'onstage' because you don't know what they do backstage to prepare to get onstage.

Singers have to be willing to make a lot of what are called unfinished sounds.

These are sounds that quite frankly just sometimes sound bad...

But they create a condition in the voice that eventually is conducive to making really great sounds.

We have to sacrifice sound a lot at first for the condition.

I certainly did...

So when we realize that in this phase of the rehearsal, practicing, and building process, we use a lot of things that we would never do on stage.

So we can't judge according to what we want to sound like onstage.

We ask, "Is what I'm doing creating the condition that I want?"

It's just like all athletes.

Tennis players, football players, baseball players, and gymnasts all do exercises separate from the activity they're actually training for.

They probably all lift weights.

Maybe run up and down stairs.

They could all say, "Nobody's going to pay to watch me do this."

Of course not, but they're going to pay you for what doing that results in because it makes you a better tennis player, baseball player, or football player.

You're going to be stronger, more agile, more accurate.

Everything is going to improve.

Same thing with singing.

You make a bunch of sounds that are unfinished and don't sound that great.

Yeah, you're absolutely right. Who's going to pay you to do that?

But they're going to be paying you for the results of you have done that.

Now here's the second phase:

2. Rehearse to Refine— Now you're refining and getting the rehearsal to the point of performance level.

Now, you want to do in the rehearsal room what you're going to do on the stage or in the recording studio.

All of the preparation in Phase 1 got you ready for this.

Phase 1 is long which makes Phase 2 much shorter (and more fun!)

So, simply know what phase you're in and go all in!

If you're in Phase 1 then get used to making some 'bad' sounds!

Have fun!

If you're in Phase 2 have fun and refine!

NOTE: Avoid stress by not rushing into Phase 2.

Sing consciously,

To learn more about Mike and the Inner Singer, go here: mikegoodrich.com.

Will You Support the New Music Lives™ Movement?
Here's your personal referral link...

We've asked before: HELP! We need somebody (Help) not just anybody (Help) you know we need someone, hhheeelllppp...And now we've figured out how to reward you for your efforts. We haven't figured out what reward you'll get— yet— but we will. Promise.

When you help us spread the word about the AMP with your unique referral link and your person subscribes, we'll know it was you who did it. And although we don't have a proper Thank You for you right now, we're getting that together. A free month's Membership (when we have it), some cool merch (when we have that), a vintage Martin D-28... we'll think of something. (Another promise.)

We're building NML on a shoe-string— two steps below bootstrapping. So, if you're a TrueFan... You enjoy the AMP... Benefit from what's in each issue... And you're willing and able to spread the word with and for us... Please. And THANK YOU!

Send your friends, family, band members, and complete strangers this link: New Music Lives™ FREE. They'll get the AMP. the Book. the Group. No charge. No strings. And soon, we'll say 'Thanks' to you! (And sure, you tell us what would make you happy.)

We're a word-of-mouth-movement to Put Success In Every Singer Songwriter's Career, because: It's Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time. We're asking you to help us make that happen. And our thanks are coming soon.

Or copy and paste this link to others:
https://newmusiclives.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

• PS from PS— The Challenge of the $3500 Guitar

So many artists become gear-obsessed. Save up to buy that amazing $3,500 guitar or that truly cutting-edge digital piano. But the problem is those people who do it when they don't have an audience.

I ask you, how much money has that $3,500 instrument made you— and before you say it makes you sound better at the shows or it proves you're a serious musician when you show up to play with others— be honest: How much has that guitar made you? What's the ROI (Return On Investment) for your career?

Mike Rutherford of the band Genesis, often plays his Squire Bullet guitar. It cost around $200. The reason, he says, is the sound it makes. And when he started they were cheap to replace if it got broken or stolen.

The point I'm making is what does a $3,500 instrument do for you in terms of building your audience, pleasing your fans, and growing your TrueFans? Answer... honest answer:

NOTHING at ALL.

Set that guitar aside— carefully, it's worth a fortune— and let's assume you've got $3,500 to spend on your music. Right now. What would you do?

I suggest that you look for ways to use that money to make money. Add more fans by running ads. Offering incentives and giveaways to sign up for your list. Booking some new shows or house concerts that you set up yourself. Get some musical or business coaching...

There are a lot of carpenters out there, but all of them have a set of tools. Many have simple affordable tools that get the job done. If you need a hole does the most expensive drill bit make a better hole? And in your case, the quality of your guitar will only be noticed by you and other musicians. The audience, your fans, and your TrueFans, are drawn in by the quality of your songs and your connection with them.

Thanks for reading. Give us your feedback. And remember, all Issues of the AMP are posted in our Private Facebook Group.

And PLEASE, if you've got any Singer Songwriter friends, pass the AMP on, because... It’s Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time...