the AMP Issue 13

"You know, just because you think bubblegum pop on the radio represents all that is wrong with society, that doesn’t mean there’s not someone out there who needs that shitty pop song. Maybe that shitty pop song makes them feel good, about themselves and the world. And as long as that shitty pop song doesn’t infringe upon your rights to rock out to, I don’t know, Subway Sect, or Siouxsie and the Banshees, or whichever old-ass band it is you worship, then who cares?"
― Hannah Harrington, Saving June

In This Issue... [9 pages, approx 13.5-ish minutes to read] You'll Get...

• RECOMMENDS— Where Music's Going

• TALKABOUT— a (Very) Brief History of the Modern Music Business

• GUEST ARTICLE— Know Your Fans by Rob Abelow

• BACKSTAGE PASS— How You Sing Your Song... Makes the Meaning

• PS from PS— Sound Check— Should You? Do You?

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Here’s the playlist

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• RECOMMENDS— Where's Music Going...

... is an email newsletter that begins, "Welcome, artists & builders," and goes on to say,

"Each week, we navigate music’s future together." And damned if that's just what they do. And damned (again) if that's not classic underpromise and over-deliver! Today's music seas are stormy indeed, and Where's Music Going are sons of a son of a sailor.

I (John Fogg) write the AMP (that makes the whole world sing) and I'm an unabashed snob when it comes to evaluating newsletters anywhere within a mile of the Singer Songwriter space. I wholeheartedly and mindfully recommend a subscription to (tap the link) Where Music’s Going.

Take a few minutes to visit the website. Scroll down the list of current articles on offer. That few minutes will grow to many more. Here's a sample (very brief sample) of past issues Rob Abelow’s put together.

#1. Music's Next Decade
• Music's next decade
• AI-directed music videos
• Music's growth, 1999-now
• The brand new Spotify

#2. Stop Playing Platform Games
• Play your own game
• Build your guild
• US subscriber growth slows
• The first Web360 deal

#5 Fan Lifetime Value
• Context: Fan value calculator
• In The Wild: Storytelling through web3
• Numbers: Superfans pay for everyone
• Toolbox: Collectibles as a new format

And a whole lot more: Build Careers Not Moments. 7 Ways Artists Can Get Funded. Your Fans Are Anonymous. Music's Opportunity is Creation, Not Consumption. A whole lot more. Here: Where Music’s Going.

in partnership with the Jim Parker Songwriter Series

• TALKABOUT— a (Very) Brief History of the Modern Music Business

How It All Began: The modern music industry is typically considered to have begun in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several key developments during this time period laid the foundation.

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• Phonograph Invention (1877): Thomas Edison's invention of the phonograph in 1877 marked the beginning of recorded music. This technology allowed music to be captured and reproduced, paving the way for the sale and distribution of recorded music.

• Sheet Music Publishing: The late 19th century saw the widespread distribution and sale of sheet music. This allowed people to purchase and perform music in their homes, contributing to the commercialization of music.

• Radio (Early 20th Century): The advent of radio broadcasting in the early 20th century introduced a new medium for music dissemination. Radio played a significant role in promoting and popularizing artists and their music.

• Record Labels: The establishment of major record labels like Columbia Records (founded in 1888) and Victor Talking Machine Company (later RCA Victor) played a crucial role in recording and distributing music on a large scale.

• Copyright Laws: The development of copyright laws during this period helped protect the intellectual property of composers and songwriters, ensuring they received royalties for their work.

• Film Industry: The integration of music into silent films in the early 20th century created opportunities for composers and musicians, contributing to the growth of the music industry.

• Live Performances: The rise of concert tours and live performances as a means of income for musicians and artists became more common during this period.

These developments set the stage for the modern music industry, which has continued to evolve with advancements in technology, such as the rise of digital music, streaming platforms, and the internet. The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a transformative period when music transitioned from primarily a live and local art form to a global industry with mass production and distribution of music recordings.

• GUEST ARTICLE — Know Your Fans by Rob Abelow

There is no better marketing plan than having
a direct relationship with your fans.

When I was 23, I learned the power of knowing your fans.

I was promoting a show for an artist in a 1,000-cap room. The manager sent the contract back signed but crossed off the marketing budget.

Managers usually want more marketing, not less.

This guy wanted zero.

"Why?", I asked.

"Why waste money hoping to reach people who might be interested when I can just directly message everyone I know cares?"

Simple. Obvious, even.

But, overlooked.

The show sold out & the artist pocketed 85% of that proposed marketing budget.

The manager likely did this every show that tour, netting an extra $100k+ (and making every promoter love them).

I felt like I had just learned a cheat code.

It's not just that this artist had an email list (everyone better) - it's that they had done all the work to convert everyone into it & understood how to activate them.

They built their tribe and KNEW the power of it.

It's so simple, but when you know your fans, you have a superpower.

• You're not reliant on algorithms
• Not constantly rediscovering & reselling
• Not wasting money on inefficient ad dollars

Everything becomes repeatable.

There is no better marketing plan than having a direct relationship with your fans.

Building a tribe compounds.

Capturing Fan Data
Use every opportunity to upgrade your relationship. Both online & IRL.

• Create moments for fans to join in
• Onboard smoothly & effectively
• Create fan segments (location, intent)
• Set up welcome sequences
• Nurture & stay engaged

Spend as much time on email, SMS & community as you do on social content.

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Rob Abelow has been an artist manager, the founder of Roll Call Records, former co-founder of the web3 music discovery platform, Dopr, and now the author of the excellent newsletter, Where Music’s Going.

After managing some bands in college, 23-year-old Rob approached one of the singers of the band Dispatch, which had just become the first independent band to headline Madison Square Garden, and convinced him, backstage at MSG, that he should become his manager. From there, Abelow would go on to start Roll Call Management and then Roll Call Records. Tap the link to check out more than 40 videos on RollCall's YouTube.

• BACKSTAGE PASS— How You Sing Your Song... Makes the Meaning

You choose the words you use to write your song. With care. Of course.

But ultimately— no matter how much you strive for that perfect word to express the specific thought and feeling you want to convey the way you want— the meaning will mean what it means to the listener. But all is not lost! You can powerfully influence the meaning of your words by how you sing your song... with what words you choose to emphasize.

Read this sentence: I didn't say she stole the money. Meaning's pretty clear— right?

Well... Hold on. Read each of the sentences below, but each time you do vocally emphasize the word that's in bold and Italic. And watch what happens to the meaning.

I didn't say she stole the money.
I didn't say she stole the money.
I didn't say she stole the money.
I didn't say she stole the money.
I didn't say she stole the money.
I didn't say she stole the money.
I didn't say she stole the money.

Seven sentences. Each with the exact same words, but very, very different meanings depending on the word that was emphasized.

One of the best reasons that a song is at its best is when the Singer that sings it wrote the Song.

WHAT HAVE YOU GOT AGAINST REFERRALS?
Here's your personal referral link...

Really? We've asked before for your HELP! referring people to our New Music Lives™ FREE offer of the AMP, the BOOK, and the Group. And we set up a referral link to track who sent people and make sure you got credit. And someday soon we'll be able to say a proper thank you, such as 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.

But... Zip. Nada. No referrals.

So, is referring to people a bad thing? Anything we can do to make it a good thing?

We really need your help to spread the word about the AMP. Using your unique referral link when your person subscribes, we'll know it was you who did it.

Just cut & paste this link and to others:
https://newmusiclives.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

Send your friends, family, band members, and complete strangers the link below: 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.

One more time here is the link to copy and paste this link to others:
https://newmusiclives.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

• PS from PS— Sound Check— Should You? Do You?

It's not just a technicality.

It's your opportunity to literally set the stage for a fantastic performance. Here's how to make the most out of your soundcheck at gigs.

1. Arrive Early
First and foremost, be on time. Arriving early allows you ample time to set up your equipment, troubleshoot any technical issues, and have a thorough soundcheck. Being rushed can lead to unnecessary stress and malfunctions that wreck everybody's day or night.

Depending on the type of gig, the ability to do a soundcheck might not be possible, for example for a festival slot where all you might get is a line check for working instruments. Being early gives you enough time to talk with the sound crew. Be nice. Be friendly. Be professional. And respect the fact that they have a job to do and you're not their only concern.

In the case of your own show where you can truly do a soundcheck, make it early so that you and the sound guy/gals at the venue can solve any issues and you can be ready to play.

2. Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key. Discuss your sound requirements with the sound engineer or venue staff. Be specific about your needs, from instrument levels to monitor mix. The more precise you are, the better the sound will be during your performance.

Respect that they also know their room and the acoustics, so they may offer advice and input as to specifics— but ensure that when you play it sounds how YOU want it to sound.

3. Test Everything
Don't assume anything. Test every instrument, microphone, and piece of equipment. Identify and address any issues promptly. Ensure that all your gear is in top shape and that you have backups on hand. Certainly don't do a Mariah Carey who sent her intern to do the checks for the NYC New Year's Eve show and we all know how that looked and sounded. Do you own checks for instruments and vocals?

4. Rehearse During Soundcheck
A soundcheck is more than just checking levels— it's also a mini-rehearsal. Use this time to run through a few songs. Select a couple of songs from the site as soundcheck songs. As a suggestion pick one that is full-on with all instruments and vocals. And one of the more laidback and restrained songs,
so you can test all systems and sensitivities.

I'm told that for years The Kinks had a song that was only ever played at soundchecks— a soundcheck song that featured short segments from each player and voice in the band all in one song that tested everything in one 5 minute performance This helps the band get into the groove and gives the engineer the best possible understanding of your sound.

5. Monitor Mix
Pay close attention to your monitor mix. This is the one that's overlooked so often. It's what you'll hear on stage, so make sure it's comfortable for you and your bandmates. If something doesn't sound right, communicate your adjustments to the sound engineer.

After all its really hard to play when you cannot hear— and remember to ask for what you need and what's on your monitor or in your in-ears is your specific mix.

6. Use SoundChecks Promotionally
Invite a limited number of your TrueFans to come to the soundcheck. Combine that with a short meet and greet, which will make it special for these fans but also give you a little test audience to play too. This can be offered as an additional-price package to ticket buyers for a specific show. Don't overlook it.

So, should you? Do you?

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...