the AMP Issue 43

"Write about the truth. If you write about the truth, somebody’s living that. Not just somebody, there’s a lot of people."
— Loretta Lynn

In This Issue... 15 pages [less than 23 minutes to read] You'll Get...

____________________

There are 200+ more Subscribers to the AMP today than there were on the first of this year. So... we're beginning a series of 'Greatest Hits'. For those who missed an article the first time 'round and... Happy Recycling.

• RECOMMENDS— the AMP Quick Survey

• BACKSTAGE PASS— Know Your Fans by Rob Abelow from the Amp Issue 13

• BACKSTAGE PASS 02— KISSS Connect > Engage > Enroll by John Fogg

• the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time— Loretta Lynn

• MONDEGREEN— You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man from Loretta Lynn

• COACHING— Unlock Your Power— a Mini-Meditation for Singer-Songwriters

• PS from PS— How Do You Stand Out From the Crowd!

____________________

Here’s the playlist

____________________

• RECOMMENDS—  the AMP Quick Survey

You'll be helping make the AMP better and the Best it can be— for you.

And we mean ‘Quick.’ Three questions— plus one for extra-credit— so three minutes or less. 

Just tap the button below and you’ll go to our webpage. 

Here's the button for the AMP Survey.

Here are the questions we’ll ask you:

1. What's one thing you appreciate most about the AMP?

2. What makes that something you value and appreciate?

3. What would make the AMP be ideal for you?

And one more…

4. And if you have a comment to add, please. Do.

Fill in your answers and tap SEND.

That’s it. That’s all.

Here's the button for the AMP Survey.

Thank you so much! We appreciate you.

PS from PS. We plan to publish what we learn AND we've a surprise 'Thank You!' for everybody who does the survey. 

____________________

• BACKSTAGE PASS—  Know Your Fans by Rob Abelow

[Recycled from the AMP Issue 13, October 25, 2023 ]

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.

____________________

To learn more about who Rob Abelow is and how to have more of him, scroll down below Loretta and read In Partnership with Where Music's Going and Rob Abelow.

____________________

• BACKSTAGE PASS 02— KISSS Connect > Engage > Enroll by John Fogg

Following up on Rob Abelow's piece above...

KISSS, stands for Keep It Simple Singer Songwriters. [Trust the graphic below is large enough for you to read with ease.]

Creating your tribe of TrueFans is a three-step process. Like the fusion of various elements, including instrumentation, vibe, and emotion that unifies different genres in Afro-Tech, Connect > Engage > Enroll is the 1-2-3 'Rinse & Repeat' that assures you have a strong fan-based foundation for your Singer Songwriting career.

This piece is a broad brush. On purpose. If you want specifics and actions to take, you can have them in the TrueFans Manifesto (tap the link to download the PDF)

Connect > Engage > Enroll (C > E > E) is universal. It's NOT one size, but it will fit all. This proven approach is what every successful Singer Songwriting everybody has done to create a successful career. Whether your 3D— Desire and Dream and Deserve— is to have a fun-paid hobby gigging when you're in the mood... Or a $50,000 to $100,000 to $200,000 professional career income... Or you're going to be the next Billie, Beyoncé or Taylor... C > E > E is what you'll do to achieve your goal.

Nothing happens until you CONNECT with the people. That applies to both your songs and you, personally and professionally. Whether you work within the trade, having other artists record your songs, syncing or performing songs yourself, your ArtWork must be heard. You need exposure. And there are dozens and... ways to accomplish that. Your job is to learn which ones work best for you— and that your work works best for.

Connecting is Step One. It's simply sticking out your hand (no mater what that looks like) and saying, 'Hi, my name is...' Now, you're connected. You've started a Relationship.

To ENGAGE is to move that Relationship to the next level. UP to the next level of involvement. You engage through a wide variety of methods from social media such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, et. cet... SMS and email lists... On-line or app community... Meet & Greets... Busking... Gigging... Hanging out at the merch table... Getting personal from the stage... May not be a 1001 ways. And it's lots. Again, what works best for you. And it will likely be a mix of things. You don't have to be good-to-great at all of them. Just a couple. Then 'Nike— Just Do It!'

Short course: You're engaged when you fall in-Like with them and they fall in-Like with you.

ENROLL is another step up. The final step up. From falling in-Like to being in-Love. From a fan to a TrueFan. And if you're not clear on what a TrueFan is, read the Manifesto. They're where the rubber meets the highway of success.

It's the same journey any marketer of anything travels— and you ARE a marketer of your and your Singer Songwriter product. 

First, TRIAL— people have to try your product, which is your songs. Next, they become your FRANCHISE. They buy your 'brand.' Then they become what the marketers call a CONSUMER ADVOCATE. We call them TrueFans. They love your stuff, support you financially (and in a number of ways) and, most important of all, they tell other people about you.

And as said, broad brush, get the TrueFans Manifesto. It's got the WHYS and HOWS to put Connect > Engage > Enroll into direct-results-getting action.

And when New Music Lives™ is finally ready— won't be long now— we'll be offering you the Teaching, Training, Tech, and Together (.comUnity) to help you make it happen faster and easier than you can imagine.

____________________

• the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time—  Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn’s life story reads more like fiction than fact. A poorly educated woman from the coal-mining hills of Kentucky, married at age thirteen and a mother at fourteen, she became one of country music’s most popular performers and broke ground for numerous female singers who followed her.
— Country Music Hall of Fame (1988)

Loretta Lynn (April 14, 1932— October 4, 2022) was an American country music Singer Songwriter. In a career spanning six decades, Lynn released multiple gold albums. Her hits such as Hey Loretta, The Pill, Blue Kentucky Girl, Love Is the Foundation, You're Lookin' at Country, You Ain't Woman Enough, I'm a Honky Tonk Girl, Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind), One's on the Way, Fist City, and Coal Miner's Daughter cemented her place in the annals of country music.

Lynn received numerous awards and accolades for her groundbreaking role in country music. She was a trailblazer for female artists, earning awards from both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music as a duet partner and an individual artist. She was nominated for a Grammy Award 18 times and won three times. As of 2022, Lynn was the most awarded female country recording artist and the only female ACM Artist of the Decade (the 1970s). She scored 24 No. 1 hit singles and 11 number-one albums. She ended 57 years of touring on the road after suffering a stroke in 2017 and breaking her hip in 2018.

One of the defining aspects of Lynn's career was her willingness to address controversial topics in her music. Songs like The Pill spoke openly about birth control, a topic that was taboo at the time. This fearless approach to songwriting resonated with many women and helped to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in country music.

Her autobiography, Coal Miner's Daughter, published in 1976, became a bestseller and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1980. Starring Sissy Spacek as Lynn, the film brought her remarkable story to a wider audience. Spacek's portrayal earned her the Oscar for Best Actress, and the film itself became a classic, celebrated for its honest depiction of Lynn's journey from poverty to stardom.

Lynn's personal life was as legendary as her music. Born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, she grew up in a small, rural community with limited opportunities. Despite her humble beginnings, she possessed an indomitable spirit and a natural talent for storytelling. Her marriage to Oliver "Doolittle" Lynn at such a young age and the challenges she faced as a young mother did not deter her ambitions. Instead, they fueled her determination to succeed.

Her music often reflected her personal experiences, giving voice to the struggles and triumphs of working-class women. Songs like Coal Miner's Daughter and Fist City were not just hits; they were anthems of resilience and empowerment. Her authenticity and relatability endeared her to fans and fellow artists alike.

Throughout her career, Lynn collaborated with many other country music legends, including Conway Twitty. Their duets, such as After the Fire Is Gone and Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man, became iconic hits and showcased the chemistry and mutual respect between the two artists. Their partnership further solidified Lynn's status as a leading figure in country music.

In recognition of her contributions to the genre, Lynn was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, and her music remains a testament to the power of storytelling in song. Loretta Lynn's extraordinary journey from the hills of Kentucky to the pinnacle of country music stardom is a testament to her talent, tenacity, and enduring impact on the world of music.

in partnership with Where Music's Going and Rob Abelow

____________________

• MONDEGREEN—   You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man from Loretta Lynn

Original

For you to get to him,
I'd have to move over,
And I'm gonna stand right here.

Mondegreen

For you're a big-toothed hen.
I happen to know it,
And I'm gonna stand right here.

If you're up for a few more mondegreens of Loretta Lynn songs, tap the link. There's a couple of them.

And for hundreds of other head-shaking misheard lyrics, tap this link to go to AmIRight. "Making fun of music, one song at a time, since 2000" and they're amazing!

____________________

• COACHING—  Unlock Your Power— a Mini-Meditation for Singer Songwriters

"I’ll tell you the thing about meditation. You get rid of 'Yesterday', you get rid of 'Tomorrow', you’re in the moment. That’s why it works."
— Jerry Seinfeld

As Singer Songwriters, you are constantly needing to draw from deep wells of inspiration for advancing your art and your career. The demands of life and work can often cloud creative minds. That's where meditation comes in— a simple and effective tool to rejuvenate your creativity and enhance your artistic journey and success.

And the 'mini-medation' is so simple and easy anyone can do it. And, it works!

The Key Benefits of Meditation for Creative Artists

1. Reduce Stress
Stress can be a major barrier to creativity and success in business. Meditation helps calm your mind, reducing the mental clutter that stifles creativity. Even a brief meditation session can lower stress levels, making it easier to tap into your creative flow.

2. Clear Your Mind
A clear mind is a more creative mind. Meditation aids in de-cluttering your thoughts, freeing you from the habits of the past and concerns about the future allowing you to focus on your music and lyrics— and career building efforts— without distractions This clarity can lead to more profound and meaningful creative breakthroughs in your art and your career.

3. Energize
Feeling drained? Creating requires energy— lots of it. Meditation can re-energize you. By practicing deliberate breathing, you can boost your energy levels and bring a fresh perspective to your work. This renewed energy can be the spark you need to create something truly special and successful. And it's a gift for your vocals.

4. Peace of Mind and...
Creativity thrives in a peaceful mind. Meditation fosters a sense of inner peace, helping you connect with your the emotions and thoughts that produce energy. This peaceful state is ideal for exploring new creative ideas and developing an empowering and successful approach in all aspects of your art and life.

a Quick an' Easy Mini-Meditation Practice

You don't need to sit still for hours to reap the benefits of meditation. A quick an' easy practice can yield positive results. Here's a simple method:

You can do this anytime. Any place. Yes, even driving down the road. Or two minutes before you're due on stage.

1. Get Comfortable. You don't need to sit cross-legged on the floor. Find a position that's relaxed and comfortable for you. Sitting. Lying down. Standing. The straighter your posture the better, but... being relaxed in the most important.

2. Focus on Your Breathing. To begin, simply inhale and exhale deliberately. Eyes closed is great, but NOT required. Do this a couple of times. Then... (This is the KEY, and the result is a bit magical. You'll see.)

In. In. Hold. Ooouuut.

In. Inhale so your lungs are at the half-full point. 

Pause. Briefly— very briefly. Then... 

In. Again. Inhale twice. (There's science* to this bit.) 

Hold your breath up there a few moments. Not too long. Not uncomfortable. A couple of seconds will do perfectly. Then breathe... 

Out. Sloooowly. Ooouuut. (This is the key.) Push your breath out using the muscles of your diaphragm— the area just below your navel. Don't stress this, but make an effort to exhale fully and completely.

Rinse and Repeat. Three times is fine. You can do more, and that might be really  effective for you. Five or Seven is super. Try it and see how you feel. 

That's it. That's all.

For many people, doing these 'mini-meditates' five or seven times a day is easier to do that setting aside more lengthy periods of meditation— and if you're able to do longer sessions of meditation, do that.  

These 'mini-meditations' also work great as 'first-aid.' When you experience some stress, anxiety of some kind— especially about something coming up that's demanding such as performing, yet another take on a track, or resolving a challenge with your lyrics or composition... Take a two minute break and do the mini-meditate.

"Meditation helps me connect to the creative process, to the music and to the artists I’m working with. It’s a time to quiet the noise, a time to be still and listen."
— Rick Rubin, Music Producer

By incorporating this simple meditation practice into your daily routine, you'll reduce stress, clear your mind, re-energize, and find a sense of peace. AND... each of these benefits grows stronger over time. Practice makes... These benefits will not only enhance your well-being, but also unlock new levels of creativity in your music and songwriting. Give it a try and see how this easy yet powerful practice can transform your creative process.

And don't make this only about the art part. Works for the biz bits, too.

* Here's a taste of the science: (Tap the link.) Neuroscientist: You Will NEVER Feel Stressed Again

In this 11 minute clip, Andrew Huberman Ph. D., reveals a simple breathing exercise that acts as a kill switch for stress. It's called the 'physiological sigh' or 'cyclic sigh', and it can help you short circuit a stress response— and more. Dr. Huberman is an American neuroscientist and tenured associate professor in the department of neurobiology and psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. 

____________________

• PS from PS— How Do You Stand Out From the Crowd!

In this issue, we featured Loretta Lynn and I wanted to pick up on her quote, 'You either have to be First, Best, or Different.' 

Breaking that down a little… Can you be First? Well, many Singer come and Songwriters go have been before, so it's unlikely you can be the First. You can be the First Singer Songwriter from your family. You class. Your small town. Neighborhood. Or something. But the First? No.

Can you be Best? Again, a hard one. Can you be the Best when so much has gone before? I doubt it. I might be doing you a huge disservice and you are truly the Best there has ever been… But. As Jimi Hendrix once said when Dick Caveat asked him if he was the best guitar player in the world, 'I'm the best guitarist sitting in this chair right now.'

So. That leaves the last one— Different. Now this is the one you can control. You can be Different. There's so much you can do. So much to work with. You can decide about the way you dress. The way you are described and the style of your music. In fact, you can control damn near everything to be Different. Imagine the possibilities...

But though that's true, why are there so many country guys wearing jeans, plaid shirts and baseball hats? Where’s the Different? Or gals sitting pretty playing the piano or the guitar? Singing songs that sound just a bit like Billie, or Due, or Taylor? Where’s the Different?

What can you do to be Different? How Do You Stand Out From the Crowd?

Send me pictures of your look or send a clip of a song. Let's see how you stand out.

Until we speak again…

We give the AMP away: Free. No strings. Because... and this IS important.

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. 

"The Singer Songwriters who need the AMP most are often those who can afford it the least."

 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 about us... PLEASE. And THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Send your friends, family, band members, and complete strangers this link: New Music Lives FREE. (Use this to cut and paste.) They'll get the AMP, the TrueFans Manifesto, and 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.

Thanks for reading. 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...

Thanks for reading. 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...