the AMP Issue 35

"Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance, what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me"
— ABBA Thank You for the Music

In This Issue... 11 pages [less than 16 minutes to read] You'll Get...

• RECOMMENDS— Jason Blume's Astonishing  Songwriting Articles Library

• the BIZ— Xposure Music's Industry Report 2023 by Gregory Walfish

• BACKSTAGE PASS— Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do by Amy Wolter

• the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time— ABBA

• MONDEGREEN— Take a Chance on Me by ABBA

• PS from PS— Did you read the Xposure Music's Industry Report 2023?

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Here’s the playlist

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• RECOMMENDS—  Jason Blume's Astonishing Songwriting Articles Library
 
Jason Blume's Songwriting Articles Library is Astonishing! It is THE most complete, select, been-there-done-that, and here's what you can do that works so you don't have to spend years figuring it all out the collection of proven know-how, know-why, know-who coaching for Singer Songwriters you will ever find. Ever. 

AND... Deepest of Breaths... it's FREE! As said, Astonishing!

"I learned more from reading these articles than I did from four years of getting a degree in songwriting and music business."
 
The purpose of the partial (yeah, partial!) list of titles below is to blow your mind! This is simply the greatest resource library for Singer Songwriters in the world. Try to prove us wrong. We dare ya'.

Melody
• How to Stretch Yourself Melodically • 5 Ways to Make Your Melodies More Memorable • How (and Why) to Rewrite Your Melodies • Are Your Songs Too Repetitious— or Not Repetitious Enough? • Using Chords and Modulations As Musical Hooks in Your Songs • Are Your Songs Too Rangy? • What’s the difference Between a Signature Lick and an Intro • 3 Tips to Shake Up Your Melodies • What's Hot & What's Not When it Comes to Instrumentation • The Top 5 Melody Pitfalls— and How to Avoid Them • How To Write Song Hooks That “Hook” You In • The Power of Post-Choruses • Breakthrough Hits and Signature Songs: What Can They Teach Us? • 5 Tips for Strengthening Your Song’s Melodic Hooks

Lyrics
• Show— Don’t Tell: 3 Steps to Writing Better Lyrics • Tips for Writing Great Story Songs • Which Point of View Is Best for Your Song • 5 Common Lyric Mistakes— and How to Avoid Them • 3 Tips for Writing to a Title • Writing Songs In Times of Crises • Get Inspired by Writing Songs to a Prompt • The Most Important Lines of Lyric • Tips for Supporting Your Song’s Title • How to Write Non-Visual Lyrics That Engage Listeners • Don’t Let The Truth Get in the Way of a Great Song • When Clever is Too Clever in Songwriting • The Secret to Writing Great Wedding Songs • The Top 5 Lyric Pitfalls— and How to Avoid Them • Finding Great Song Titles and Fresh Angles • 5 Song Rhyming Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them • 5 Tips for Making Your Lyrics Stand Out • When it Comes to Song Titles, Don't Hit the Nail Too Squarely On the Head • Tips for Writing Songs About Anything…But Love • How to Write Lyrics That Are Both Personal AND Universal • How To Use The “List Technique” in Your Song  

Taking Care of Business
• 5 Lessons I've Learned About the Songwriting Business • How to Get Your Music on Playlists: Demystifying the Process • I Know I Have a GREAT song...Now What? • Are Your Songs Hitting the Right Target? • What to Say and Do When You Meet a Publisher For the First Time • How to Create the Perfect Lyric Sheet • What to Say and Do When You Meet a Publisher For the First Time • Staff-Writing: What it Really Means and How to Get a Deal...

STOP! Deep breath.

Enough! More than enough. And there is more. Lots, lots more. We'll say again: Jason Blume's Astonishing Songwriting Articles Library is THE most complete, select, been-there-done-that, and here's what you can do that works collection of proven know-how you will ever find. AND it's FREE! 

Idea: What would change for you if you had a SDA— Single Daily Action— of reading one of Jason's articles every day? 

'Nother Idea: If by reading one of Jason's articles every day your knowledge of being a successful Singer Songwriter would increase 1/3 of one percent each day... In less than a year you'd be 100% more knowledgeable. And yes, knowledge IS power.

AND... it's all here: Jason Blume's Songwriting Articles Library 

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• the BIZ— Xposure Music's Industry Report 2023 by Gregory Walfish

The Music Industry Report 2023, authored by Gregory Walfish, co-founder of Xposure Music, presents a comprehensive overview of the current landscape faced by independent Singer Songwriters. This report is crucial for understanding the opportunities and challenges within our digital music era. Here's a synthesis of the most critical findings, aimed at informing independent artists:

1. Financial Viability: The stark reality is... 

Only 11% of independent artists are able to sustain themselves solely through their music careers. 

A significant 55% of respondents struggle to achieve financial sustainability through their music-related activities. This highlights a challenging environment where passion for music often does not translate into a viable full-time career.

2. Income Sources: For those managing to earn from their music, streaming royalties emerge as the top source of income (25%), followed by earnings from touring and live performances (15%), and session work (11%). Notably, traditional revenue streams like music sales and publishing deals are less significant in the current digital music landscape.

3. The Challenge of Exposure: Lack of exposure is identified as a significant challenge.

41% of respondents said it's their biggest career roadblock. 

Despite the accessibility of digital platforms, standing out and attracting attention without label support remains a daunting task for many independent artists.

4. Social Media and Digital Presence: YouTube emerges as the most popular channel for music promotion among independent artists, with significant activity also noted on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. However, a sizable portion of artists do not fully leverage platforms like Spotify, with 26% having no presence on the platform and many having minimal monthly listeners. This under-utilization of streaming services suggests potential areas for growth in pursuing a digital release strategy.

5. Career Goals and Aspirations: Interestingly, the majority of surveyed artists prioritize recording and releasing albums and performing live over securing a record deal. This shift reflects a broader trend towards independence and control over one's career, rather than reliance on traditional music industry structures.

6. Demographics and Backgrounds: The survey respondents are predominantly male (69%) and from the US (74%), with a diverse range of musical backgrounds and years of experience. This diversity underscores the wide range of perspectives and experiences within the independent artist community.

For independent Singer Songwriters, the modern music landscape presents a paradox of unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. Both. Digital platforms offer the potential for global reach and fan engagement without the need for traditional gatekeepers. However, the realities of financial sustainability, the critical need for exposure, and the competitive digital environment pose substantial hurdles.

The findings suggest that success in this new era requires not only musical talent but also a savvy understanding of digital marketing, social media engagement, and alternative revenue streams. 

Independent artists must navigate these complexities while staying true to their creative vision and maintaining authentic connections with their audience.

While the path to making a living solely through music is narrow and fraught with obstacles, the evolving music industry also offers new avenues for artistic expression and career development. Independent Singer Songwriters who can effectively leverage digital tools, diversify their income sources, and build a dedicated fanbase have the potential to carve out sustainable and fulfilling careers in this dynamic musical landscape.

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To read the original report, tap this link: Xposure Music's Industry Report 2023 

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• BACKSTAGE PASS—  Three Things Keyboard Players Can Do by Amy Wolter

As you know, the visual aspects of a performance are important, and we work on making songs look different from each other. 

This is easy for guitar players and singers, but I get approached all the time, by keyboard players asking, 'What do I do?  I'm stuck behind a piano or a keyboard set-up!' It’s a good question and I’m always glad to answer.

Here are 3 things you can do to make your performance more interesting for the audience, either as a solo artist or as part of a band.

First of all, change things up by being able to both stand and sit at your keyboard. Raise your keyboard stand to a height where it’s comfortable to either sit on a tall stool or stand and play. This changes what the audience is seeing, as well as enabling you to match the feel of the song—  sitting when the songs are more chill, standing when you need to bring energy to the performance.

You’ll want to make sure the stool is the right height to be able to work your sustain pedal as well, so it may take some trial and error to figure out the right combination of keyboard and stool heights.

I worked with a solo artist who set up 2 keyboards— one high and one lower. We set them up in a 'V'; each angled slightly towards the other. When he is at the high one he stands and occasionally sits down on a stool, and at the low one (which was mainly an acoustic piano sound) he sits. Each brings a different vibe, plus changes where he is on stage and faces a different part of the room.

Secondly, pay attention to your standing stance behind the keys. If you’re just standing straight and only moving your arms to play, chances are the audience can’t see any movement if they can’t see your hands.

A way to remedy this, for more aggressive songs in particular, is to stagger your stance, with one foot forward and one back a bit. This will allow you to 'attack' the keys with your whole body, and push in and out, giving us a visual that fits the feel of the song.

Another trick is to get visual with your hands. Follow through with your movements— i.e.; if you do a slide down the keys, let your arms follow through coming off the board, or after a sustained chord, hold it with your pedal and let your arms float up and hang. This helps us 'see' the music and feel the emotion of what you are playing.

The third thing you can do is abandon ship…yes, leave the keyboard! What I mean is, find a moment in your set to get out from behind your set-up. Take your mic out and come up front to set up the next song or tell a story. Do an acapella song or even part of a song, and as you’re singing walk back and sit down and segue smoothly into the next tune.

Something else to try, if you have a hooky, singable melody or beat to clap to, is to stop playing at that section of the song, then get them to clap (on 2 and 4 of course ? ). Once they’ve got that going, then grab your mic and come out front. Keep encouraging the clapping, then sing to that, or do a 'call and response', getting them to repeat the lines you are singing.

Get creative! Give these things a shot and I believe you’ll see a positive audience response.

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Amy Wolter
As a trained Live Music Producer for Tom Jackson Productions, Amy brings her years onstage as a lead singer & keyboardist— along with her experience as a producer, arranger, and Songwriter— to singers and bands who won’t settle for 'good enough'. 

She’s worked with artists at all levels, and genres ranging from Rock to Celtic, empowering them to have confidence and authority onstage, and put on memorable live shows, a few of whom have been on two of the largest US tours in recent history. Some of her clients include Grammy award winners The Band Perry & Lacrae, CMA and ACM-winning country acts, Gloriana & Thompson Square, 2016 The Voice contestant Mary Sarah, CCMA (Canada) winners High Valley, Jess Moskaluke & Chad Brownlee, and Winter Jam Tour veterans Sidewalk Prophets & Love and The Outcome.

To learn more about Amy and Tom Jackson Productions, tap the link.

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• the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time—  ABBA

ABBA: The Pop Phenomenon and Its Legacy: Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida), Agnetha Fältskog, and Björn Ulvaeus

"Abba didn’t just write great songs, they made great records and that was their secret. They conceived them as productions and arrangements— visions of perfect pop music. Why are there so few successful covers of Abba songs? Because they’re just so hard to inhabit.

“To sound like Abba, you have to be Abba.”

Since their victory at the Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo in 1974, ABBA's journey has been nothing short of spectacular. The Swedish band, known for their catchy melodies, complex arrangements, and polished pop sound, quickly became global superstars, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry that persists to this day. Their influence, underscored by a series of chart-topping hits and groundbreaking albums, resonates across generations, affirming their position among the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time.

Musical Milestones
ABBA's discography boasts a plethora of hits that shaped the pop music landscape. Iconic singles like Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, SOS, Money, Money, Money and Fernando became anthems of their era, while albums such as Arrival and ABBA: The Album, showcased the group's musical versatility and innovation. Their ability to blend emotional depth with infectious melodies is perhaps best exemplified in the compilation ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits, a testament to their lasting appeal and a staple in music collections worldwide.

Accolades and Impact
The band's contribution to music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including Grammy nominations and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Surprisingly, ABBA has never won a Grammy Award. Beyond their commercial success, ABBA's influence extends into the realms of musicals and films, most notably Mamma Mia! which introduced their timeless music to new audiences and further solidified their legacy as pop icons.

Facing the Critics
Despite their monumental success, ABBA encountered skepticism and criticism from certain quarters. During their peak years, some critics dismissed their music as lightweight and overly commercial, failing to appreciate the complexity and craftsmanship behind their pop anthems. The band's flamboyant image and association with Eurovision also contributed to a perception of them as less credible in the eyes of some music critics who favored the more "serious" genres of the time.

A Legacy Reassessed
Over time, however, the narrative around ABBA has shifted. The depth and quality of their music, once overshadowed by their commercial image, have undergone a significant reassessment. Today, ABBA is celebrated not only for their infectious tunes but also for their intricate arrangements, clever lyricism, and the emotional depth of their songs. This transformation in perception highlights the band's enduring appeal and their rightful place in the pantheon of music legends.

As ABBA continues to captivate hearts and charts worldwide, their journey from pop sensations to enduring musical icons is a testament to the power of their artistry. Their story, marked by both dazzling success and unwarranted critique, serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of music and the lasting impact of genuine talent.

For more (Much. Way much more) about ABBA, tap the link to go to their Wikipedia page. 

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

in partnership with Jason Blume

• MONDEGREEN— Take a Chance on Me by ABBA

Original

"If you change your mind, take a chance, 
I'm the first in line, take a chance"

Mondegreen

"If you change your mind, Jackie Chan, 
I'm the first in line, Jackie Chan"

While Take a Chance on Me only reached #3 in the United States, it hit #1 on the chart in the U.K., Austria, Belgium, Ireland, and Mexico. The single was certified Gold a year after its release in 1978. Such snobs in the U.S. <smile>

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• PS from PS— Did you read the Xposure Music's Industry Report 2023?

 If not, DO IT! NOW! Please. 

Two of their stats blew me away— by which I mean broke my heart and made me really pissed. 

• 11% of those surveyed were able to sustain themselves solely from their music careers. 

• 41% of respondents said that lack of exposure was their biggest career roadblock

How I read those were:

89% of those surveyed are NOT making a living from their music careers

59% said that the LACK of exposure is a big issue. 

Those SCREAM at me: It's Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time.

Mea culpa. I am sorry that what’s coming from New Music Lives™: the release of our 4 Cornerstones of a Singer Songwriter’s career: Moneytizing, Exposure, .comUnity, Learning and Coaching… Each and all of which has and have been designed to support the Keystone of creating your tribe of 1,000 TrueFans— is not ready. Yet.

For the first two— Monetizing and Exposure— we’re working on our ASK strategy for you: digital tipping, tribe building, merch sales, and FanFunding support that will provide the cash 89% of Singer Songwriters desperately need. We'll provide our network of uniquely designed New Music Lives™ online NMLRadio and digital TV channels to provide you the Exposure (and some ad revenue, too) you need, so you can focus on increasing the reach of both you and your music, building and growing your tribe of TrueFans.

As I used to say in my radio days, “Stay tuned. Don’t touch that dial. There’s more to come.” And I promise, it will be soon! 

Until we speak again...

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