the AMP Issue 23

"I tried to look at writing a song almost like solving a mystery. The song was there, buried somewhere in my brain. All I had to do was follow the clues until I figured it out."
― Jon Skovron

In This Issue... [12 pages, approx 16ish minutes to read] You'll Get...

• REMINDS— the Group and the Book

• RECOMMENDS—  the Music Man

• the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time— Madonna

• BACKSTAGE PASS— State of the Music Creator Economy: The Consumer Era from MIDiA Research

• GUEST ARTICLE —  2024 GOAL Workshop— Notes For Singer Songwriters by Rick Barker

• PS from PS— Reason-able Goals

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Here’s the playlist

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• REMINDS— the Group and the Book

Re-mind, prompt, nudge, nag, a cue. a clue... Whatever! There are two valuable and useful, fun and entertaining Resources New Music Lives™ gives you that not all of you are making use of: the GROUP and the BOOK. 

the GROUP— the New Music Lives Group https://facebook.com/groups/newmusiclives on Facebook is our .comUnity— or it will be when more of you go and engage with us and with each other. The group is the AMP that's published everyday. News, Resources, Ideas, Turn Ons, Edutainment, Just for Fun, Learning and more. It's a rich resource— but only if you use it. So... Please...

And...   

the BOOK— a Singer Songwriter's Story is Paul's work-in-progress book. It's unlike any book you've ever read before. Really. You'll see. It's the story of Reely, a young Singer Songwriter who calls Paul for help with her career. The latest edition is up for down loading in the FILES section of the New Music Lives Group. AND... 

If you seen the cover before... Notice the subtle change? AND...

Hey Jude, Paul is wide-open to making the book better, better, better... with your feedback, comments, suggestions. Readers helping write is an idea he loves! So... 

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• RECOMMENDS— The Music Man

I (Paul) spend a lot of time— a whole lot of time— seeking out great performers and performances, unique versions of old and new songs. And it's rare that I make a discovery that absolutely blows me away. Especially a 'discovery' that had 1,477,649 Likes before I got there. For me, The Music Man is overflowing with intriguing and fascinating people and their performances, a feast of all things musical for your eyes and ears, head and heart... And I can promise it will do so for you. Too.

Two ways to get there from here: Facebook: IAmTheMusicMan  And on the web: TheMusicMan.uk 

Some examples: First a new take on Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata with a metal beat and amazing guitar playing from 28 year old drummer Kristina Schiano and Cole Rowland on guitar. Tap Here. 

 Metal not your thing? How about a mix of a classic rock song from Pink Floyd given a Heartland touch from the bluegrass duo Larkin-Poe. Tap Here 

How about some show and tell that breakthrough busking is alive and well. Take a look and listen to these 10 Wonderful Street Performances 

The Music Man proves that the world of music is more diversely alive and well than ever. It's aliving and thriving. So much talent. Make the time, a lot of time, to check out the amazing performances you'll find on this awesome site.  

And Hey, if you have a great performance of your own; busking, performing on the street or in your home studio (or bathroom), send it to us. Please.

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And a PS not from PS: from JF (John Fogg)

Braggin' and boastin', I turned Paul on to the The Music Man. Just showed up one day on my Facebook news feed, so... I clicked, looked, listened. Cool. It also came with a liner-notes back-story that made it all the more and better. Double cool!  

I am an over-the-rainbow sucker for all of the music programs (the Voice, AGT, Idol...) that feature new talent discoveries and those triumphant emotional over-flows from unexpected performances. I'm a Move-me-I-dare-ya' junkie. Thrills. Chills. Tears and Cheers. I love 'em. All. And day after day after day The Music Man delivers me. I LOVE THIS site.

AND man (and woman) I had to work to find out WHO makes The Music Man possible. His name is Steve Charlton. (Tap his name link for some show & tell about him.) Steve is a self-described Aussie music nerd, spellbound by all things musical since he was a kid. He also picked up a journalism degree along the way. Hence the so good writing that accompanies The Music Man's marvelous discovers. I am in love with the man and his music, which he so magically shares with us through his sites. Yay! 

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• the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time— Madonna

"One thing I've learned is that I'm not the owner of 

my talent; I'm the manager of it."

— Madonna Ciccone

Madonna Louise Ciccone is an American Singer Songwriter and actress. She is one of the most influential figures in popular culture and has often been referred to as the "Queen of Pop". Madonna is noted for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, songwriting, and visual presentation. She is also known for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression in mainstream music, while maintaining control over every aspect of her career. Her works, which incorporate social, political, sexual, and religious themes, have generated both controversy and critical acclaim.

With sales of over 300 million records worldwide, Madonna is noted as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records. She is the most successful solo artist in the history of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and holds the record for the most number-one singles by a female artist in Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. 

"I am my own experiment. 

 I am my own work of art."
— Madonna Ciccone

With a revenue of U.S. $1.5 billion from her concert tickets, she remains the highest-grossing solo touring artist of all time. Madonna was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008, her first year of eligibility. She was ranked as the greatest woman in music by VH1, and as the greatest music video artist of all time by MTV and Billboard. Rolling Stone also listed Madonna among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

"The record-setting, line-crossing, sexuality-flaunting, ever-evolving Material Girl. Madonna is an icon. With her larger than life persona and penchant for provocation, she needs no introduction.”

— Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2008)

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Question: Do you think Madonna’s success has had an influence on Taylor Swift and her career? On the shoulders of giants, indeed.

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To visit on the MusicThisDay.com website, tap the link: the 100 Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time 

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•  BACKSTAGE PASS—  State of the Music Creator Economy: The Consumer Era from MIDiA Research

Here are highlights from MIDiA’s latest edition of its annual ‘State of the music creator economy’ report by Mark Mulligan, released 14 Dec. 2023. Based on months of research, MIDiA creator and consumer surveys, market sizes and forecasts, this report is the definitive assessment of the music creator tools industry. The report is available to MIDiA subscribers. 

Below are the Key Trends for Singer Songwriters from the "State of the Music Creator Economy" Report

The Evolution of the Music Creator Economy

• Post-Pandemic Shift— The music creator economy experienced a boom during the pandemic, with significant investment in tools like Native Instruments and Splice. The post-pandemic period is not a decline but a re-balancing, signaling sustained growth ahead.

• Creator Growth— There's been a 12% increase in music creators, particularly in those uploading their music. This growth indicates a divergence from traditional streaming to new platforms like BandLab, emphasizing a creator-centered ecosystem.

Trends and Opportunities for Singer Songwriters

• Simplification and Consumerization— Music creation is becoming more accessible, with tools that simplify the process. This trend is crucial for Singer Songwriters looking to easily produce and share their music.

• Rise of AI and Consumer-Creation— AI's growing role in music creation offers new opportunities for creative expression. It's essential for Singer Songwriters to stay informed about AI tools that can enhance their music production.

• Diversification of Platforms— With the shift from traditional streaming to platforms like BandLab, Singer Songwriters have new avenues to release their music and connect with audiences.

• Engaging in the Creator-Centered Ecosystem— The evolving music industry landscape is increasingly focusing on creators. Singer Songwriters should explore new models and platforms that prioritize their creative control and audience engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth— The creator tools sector is expanding, projected to reach $10 billion by 2030. This growth includes virtual creation tools, software, and services.

• Cloud Services and Subscriptions— Platforms like FL Cloud are emerging, offering integrated workflows. Subscriptions are becoming more popular, signaling a shift in how creators access and use music production tools.

• The Role of AI— AI is influencing three key areas: assistive tools, generative creator tools, and generative consumer tools. Singer Songwriters should consider how AI can assist in their creative processes.

• Cultural Shift— The traditional boundaries between audience, creation, rights, and distribution are blurring. Creators are increasingly operating across these sectors, a trend that Singer Songwriters can leverage for broader engagement and opportunities.

Conclusion
The MIDiA report underscores a dynamic shift in the music creator economy, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. Singer Songwriters should embrace these trends to stay ahead in 2024, leveraging new tools and platforms to enhance their creativity and audience reach.

in partnership with  the Jim Parker Songwriter Series

• GUEST ARTICLE— 2024 GOAL Workshop— Notes For Singer Songwriters by Rick Barker

Rick Barker— Taylor Swift's second manager— just completed a 2024 Goal Setting Workshop for his friend Seth Mosley and his Full Circle Music Academy community. Rick generously shared his notes for the workshop focusing on applying them to Singer Songwriters. Here they are...

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Start Small— Set small, attainable goals. This helps build confidence and momentum.

Songwriter Example: Set a goal to write one verse or a chorus each day, rather than aiming to complete an entire song in one sitting.

• Set SMART Goals— SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework ensures goals are well-defined and realistically attainable within a specific time frame.

Songwriter Example: "I will write a new song with two verses, one chorus, and a bridge about my recent mountain trip, completing it within the next three weeks."

• Break Down Big Goals— Significant goals can be daunting. Break them into smaller, more manageable steps. Each step should be a mini-goal on its own, leading towards the larger objective.

Songwriter Examples: For a more extensive project like an album, set smaller goals like completing one song every two weeks or deciding on themes for each track before writing.

Creating and releasing a promotional single or music video each month leading up to the album release.

Engaging with fans on social media by posting weekly updates about the album's progress.

Organizing a virtual or in-person listening party a week before the album launch.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Outcome— Set goals around your process, like dedicating a certain amount of time to your craft each day, rather than just outcome-based goals, like finishing a project.

Songwriter Example: Dedicate a specific amount of time for songwriting each day, like 1 hour of uninterrupted writing, regardless of how much content is produced.

• Regularly Review and Adjust Goals— Set regular intervals to review goals. This allows for adjustments based on progress and any changes in circumstances or priorities.

Songwriter Example: Every week, review the songs or lyrics written, assess what’s working or not, and adjust the writing approach or goals accordingly.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledging and celebrating small achievements helps maintain motivation and a positive mindset.

Songwriter Example: Celebrate finishing a verse or chorus, or successfully writing every day for a week. These small achievements contribute to larger goals.

• Limit the Number of Goals: Too many goals can be overwhelming. Focus on a few key goals at a time.

Songwriter Example: Focus on one or two key songwriting goals at a time, like completing a specific song or improving lyric writing skills, instead of trying to tackle multiple large projects simultaneously.

• Visualize Success: Visualize completing your goals. This can increase motivation and the likelihood of success.

Songwriter Example: Visualize the completion of a song, performing it to an audience, or the feeling of satisfaction from creating something meaningful.

• Peer Support and Accountability: Having a support system can be highly beneficial. Share your goals with peers for mutual support and accountability.

Songwriter Example: Share goals with fellow songwriters or a mentor, and regularly check in for feedback and motivation.

• Mindset Matters: I want to encourage a growth mindset. Setbacks are part of the learning process and not a reflection of your abilities.

Songwriter Example: Understand that not every writing session will be productive or successful. Embrace these as learning opportunities and not failures.

Diana Ross said, "You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself." That's what goals are for.

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You can learn more and connect with Rick Barker by tapping is name link and Seth Mosley at his Full Circle Music Academy community. 

Help us spread the word about the AMP. 

There's one BIG reason we give it away Free. No strings. 

Because... Our Mission & Purpose is to 'Put Success In Your Singer Songwriter Career.' We know cost can be a barrier for aspiring creative artists to get the knowledge, resources and inspiration they need to succeed. So... the AMP is free. 

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, roadies and complete strangers this link: New Music Lives FREE. They'll get the AMP. the Book. the Group. No charge. No strings. 

We're a word-of-mouth-movement because: It's Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time. We're asking you to help us make that happen. 

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• PS from PS— Reason-able Goals

So... We've closed out 2023 and looking forward to the New Year. Go for more in '24! I'm up for and down with... that. A suggestion: Most of us will make— and then break— a New Year's resolution or three in the first couple of weeks of January. I think there's a reason for that: Un-reason-able goals.

A way to avoid the breaking is instead of setting way-high goals, such as lose 30lbs or run 5 miles or a day. Set smaller goals you know you're able to achieve, which, when you add them up, will get you that big goal you're after.

Take Rick's advise above and 'Break Down Big Goals' into smaller, more manageable steps. Have a series of mini-goals that one-by-one add up to you larger objective. His example of, Set a goal to write one verse or a chorus each day, rather than aiming to complete an entire song in one sitting is perfect.

If you set a goal to be a 100% better Singer Songwriter this year, improving just 1/3 of 1 percent each day and you'll be there. 

How about sharing your music with 1 new person a day for a month. Then 2 people a day for the next month. Then 3 a day. Take out your calculator and play with the numbers. They might surprise you. As in that's 2,340 new fans in a single year. And how many would become TrueFans? Ball park, 20%. There are many ways to grow your fan base. The key is to make a consistent daily action— doing what is Reason Able for you to do.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and looking forward to some amazing things we have coming to help you in your music careers in 2024.  

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Thank You our True Fans for reading the AMP. Give us your feedback. 

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…