the AMP Issue 47

"There's a lot of luck involved in the music business… and luck smells a lot like sweat."
— Kenny Loggins, thanks to Jason Blume

In This Issue... 19 pages [about 28 minutes to read] You'll Get...

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• RECOMMENDS— Derek Sivers' book Your Music and People

• the BIZ— GO VIRAL or GIVE UP: How do we take the pulse of success for music artists in 2024? by Keith Jopling from MIDiA Research

• BACKSTAGE PASS— AI For Creative Development and Career Advancement 

• COACHING—  a Singer Songwriter's Success How To from Derek Sivers

• Another NOT ONE OF Rolling Stone's 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time— Judy Collins

• CONFUSING LYRICS— Three of the Most Confusing Song Lyrics Ever Written by Tony Dunnell

• PS from PS— There's a 13,357lb Elephant in the room.

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Here’s the playlist

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• RECOMMENDS— Derek Sivers' book Your Music and People

"Derek Sivers never set out to become rich and famous. That, they both, happened because he led with his heart and his head doing what he thought was right. And that good and great fortune couldn't have happened to a better man. Although we've never met in person, I call him my friend. And I treasure his guidance on New Music Lives™. When you choose to learn from Derek, as I have, you have chosen the very best there is."
— Paul Saunders

Now, about that book. Your Music and People. Creative and Considerate fame. A philosophy of getting your work to the world by being creative, considerate, resourceful, and connected.

Every creator has the same problems with marketing.

• How do you call attention to your work?
• How do you get your creations into people's minds and hearts?
• How do you get fans to tell their friends?
• How do you charge money for your labor of love?
• How do you get the media to help?

Derek Sivers was a professional musician before he started a music distribution company, CD Baby, that helped 150,000 musicians sell their music to over four million people. So after years of living with the problems, he was able to learn the solutions.

Your Music and People shares a successful philosophy of getting your work to the world by being creative, considerate, resourceful, and connected.

AND... It's not just for musicians.

Though it uses music as an example, it is meant for any creator trying to reach people. Early readers called it one of the best books ever written on business marketing.

Example points include:

• Business is just as creative as music.
• Marketing is an extension of your art.
• Marketing means being considerate. Focus on others.
• Being weird is considerate.
• People skills are counter-intuitive. To be helped, be helpful.
• Persistence is polite.
• Call the destination and ask for directions.
• Get specific about what you want.
• Be extreme and sharply defined. Proudly exclude most people.
• Money is just a neutral representation of value. Be valuable to others— not just yourself. People like to pay.

• Nobody knows the future, so focus on what doesn't change.

Want another of our famous NML money-back guarantees? Read Derek's book. 

AND... scroll down to BACKSTAGE PASS for more than a taste of Derek's useful wisdom.

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the BIZ— Go Viral or Give Up— How do we take the pulse of success for music artists in 2024? by Keith Jopling from MIDiA Research

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In Sustainability from chaos: How today's artists find sustainable success in a turbulent music industry, we explore this question from the artist's point of view and from the perspective of artist services companies. Using MIDiA's fifth annual survey of global independent music creators, in-depth conversations with artists, and secondary research on topics such as career longevity and success, we re-evaluate what success looks like and how it can be measured more holistically for the modern-day music artist.

Over the past decade, the music industry's approach to talent discovery, marketing, and artist careers has become too data-obsessed, near-sighted, and damaging to the industry's lifeblood. Artists are being sold short and, in turn, this has created a dysfunctional creative-commercial ecosystem. 

We are not saying that the music industry does not put talent first. Managers and A&Rs are looking to tap into and nurture talent. Live promoters and agents will have a glimpse of whether an artist or band can stand the test of time based on early performances. Senior leaders in the recorded music sector, in publishing, and in the live space have a vested interest and mission to help artists build long-term careers. Notably, the most frequent obstacle is the industry itself, where everyone wants to ride on ‘success' by building on markers and metrics that reduce risk or guarantee quick returns. This has turned the artist's journey into a self-fulfilling prophecy: 

GO VIRAL or GIVE UP! 

The music promotion cycle is relentless. With ever-shorter timelines given to campaigns and artists required to generate seemingly endless new content— be that new compositions or social media clips— the system is turning artists into [NML: Quantity over Quality] content creators whether they like it or not. This behavior is not sustainable long-term for the vast majority of music artists.

We analyzed an artist survey and spoke with several emerging artists from different global scenes. We extensively researched existing material on the topic of success— with a particular focus on artist interviews across various media outlets. 

The report considers the implications for labels and artist services companies, including: 

• Today's music creators believe that connecting and moving audiences with music is their main definition of success, regardless of how big those audiences are. 

• Creators prioritize artistic integrity, creative fulfillment, and long-term sustainability as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

• Many of the factors and metrics that underpin success are embroiled in the vested interests of the music industry machine and rarely set in the context of artist's own goals.

Breaking through the noise is the number one challenge for artists, followed by not having enough time to create.

• Although artists aspire for independence, they cannot sustain a career without help and partners. More artists than ever are seeking to make a career out of making music, yet less than 5% are signed to labels— 1% with majors, and the rest with indies. A whopping 95% of artists are what we call ‘artist direct', i.e., artists who release music independently through a distributor/artist services platform (with around 2% of these having previously exited the label system)

• When asked about their ideal partners for creating and releasing music, artists showed a preference to working with distributors, self-serve platforms, and independent labels.

• All labels and artist services companies should take a longer-term view on artist relationships, focusing on the unique and multifaceted aspirations of success that artists themselves have, to meet their needs in the increasingly complex and demanding environment.

Getting ahead of the curve on success and artist careers
Chasing spikes in metrics is simply pouring fuel on the fire of streaming algorithms and forcing artists into narrow lanes of success. Many of the measures of success that drive the industry now are hype indicators: measures designed to achieve spikes in the hope of triggering other markers. Tracing these indicators from artist to follower still does not truly indicate how many people artists can define as a fan, or the type of fan they are. It makes career building more difficult from the start. Artists would prefer full creative backing behind a song or album project and more sustained marketing— even if the result is steady, incremental progress rather than immediate spikes in short-term metrics. 

For artists, success boils down to five universal career goals:

• Sustainability— to be able to make a living and ultimately give up the day job.

• Recognition— from peers in a scene and from audience numbers, but also audience feedback.

• Progression— to improve as an artist from the perspective of creation, performance and recognition in / contribution to a scene

• Longevity— to have a career that will last, with creative twists and turns that will bring some fans along and win over new ones while losing others

• Legacy— to build a catalog of work that has a chance to be evergreen, recurring, and recognized as classic

Artists are ambitious. They enter into a world that is ultra-competitive and full of risk and uncertainty, placing themselves in the eye of the hurricane. What artists really seek— as many managers, executives, and collaborators know— is a sense of forward momentum that encapsulates creative progression, the respect of peers, and a growing fanbase.  

This article has identified developing attitudes that are necessary to redefining success in the music industry. While the hard work has been done in bringing around this change, there is still substantial progress needed.

[NML: No kidding!!!]

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MIDiA Research is the leading analysis and intelligence firm focused on the intersection of media, entertainment, and technology. Specializing in the music, video, gaming, and social media sectors, MIDiA provides in-depth market insights, strategic advisory services, and data-driven research to help businesses navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape. With a team of expert analysts, MIDiA delivers actionable intelligence and trend analysis, empowering clients to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global entertainment ecosystem. Visit their website here: MIDiA Research.

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• BACKSTAGE PASS— AI For Creative Development and Career Advancement

At New Music Lives™, our mission is to empower Singer Songwriters in every aspect of their careers, from igniting the spark of inspiration for a song to the final stages of marketing and promotion of your career. With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, there are numerous AI tools available that provide unparalleled support in two key areas: Creative Development and Career Advancement. Below is a list and look at some ways AI can transform your artistic journey and professional growth. 

But before that...

AI— Artificial Intelligence— is NOT really 'artificial.' This ain't your grandfather's C3P0. AI is simply computer-based technology that searches and selects relevant information from vast (presently 114 billion words worth of vast) online resources such as books, articles, and websites. The instructions given and results generated are human. Not artificial. The tech that finds, sorts, collects, selects, and composes the response is the artificial bit. So, might be good to consider AI as just the fastest, cheapest, easiest to talk to research assistant you can have. Today.

So... here's some of what AI can do for a Singer Songwriter.

AI can provide Singer Songwriters with Creative Support, such as...

• Songwriting Assistance. AI-Powered Lyric Generation
Creating compelling lyrics is often the most challenging part of Songwriting. AI tools like OpenAI's GPT-4 can generate lyrics based on your chosen themes, emotions, or specific topics. By inputting a few key phrases or ideas, you can receive suggestions for titles, hooks, and structured verses that capture your intended message.

• Melody and Harmony Creation
Matching lyrics with a melody can be daunting. AI tools such as Amper Music provide melody and harmony suggestions that align with your lyrics and desired style. Whether you're looking for something upbeat or a mellow tune, these tools help you craft the perfect sound.

• Chorus and Bridge Development
The chorus and bridge are critical elements of any song. A number of AI tools specializes in creating memorable choruses and bridges, ensuring your song has a strong emotional impact and a catchy, unforgettable hook.

• Genre-Specific Suggestions
Customizable settings allow you to tailor song elements to specific genres. Whether you're into pop, rock, country, or hip-hop, AI can adapt its suggestions to fit the unique characteristics of your chosen style. It's all in the prompts.

• Mood and Style Matching
AI can analyze the mood or style of a song and suggest adjustments to fit a desired tone. This ensures consistency and helps convey the right emotions to your audience.

• Instrumental Arrangements
Creating instrumental backing tracks or arrangements is a breeze with AI tools like AIVA. They provide suggestions for different sections of a song, helping you build a full, rich sound.

• Chord Progressions
Struggling with chord progressions? AI tools can generate chord sequences that complement your lyrics and melody, making your song more harmonious and engaging.

• Rhythm and Tempo Adjustments
Rhythm and tempo are vital to a song's feel. AI can offer recommendations for rhythm and tempo changes to enhance your song's overall impact.

AI can serve your Creative Inspiration with...

• Idea Generation
Experiencing writer's block? AI tools provide creative prompts and ideas to jump-start your Songwriting process, ensuring you never run out of inspiration.

• Influence Analysis
By analyzing your favorite songs and artists, AI can provide inspiration based on their style. This helps you stay true to your influences while adding your unique touch.

There are many ways AI can provide Singer Songwriters with Career Support, such as Marketing and Promotion

• Website Development with AI Website Builders
A professional online presence is crucial. AI website builders such as Wix ADI help you create stunning, user-friendly websites optimized for SEO and user engagement, ensuring you reach a wider audience.

• Content Generation
Writing engaging content for your website can be time-consuming. AI assistants like Jasper (formerly Jarvis) help draft compelling blog posts, artist bios, and more, keeping your audience informed and entertained.

• Email Campaigns with AI Email Creation
AI tools like Mailchimp's content optimizer help you create compelling email campaigns and newsletters. With AI-driven insights, your emails will capture attention and drive engagement for Fans and TrueFans.

• Audience Segmentation
Effective communication is key. AI helps segment your email lists to target specific groups, ensuring your messages resonate with the right audience. 

Marketing is: 'Saying the right things to the right people.'

• Social Media Strategy: Content Scheduling
Managing social media can be overwhelming. AI tools like Hootsuite help plan and schedule posts across multiple platforms, maintaining a consistent online presence.

• Engagement Analysis
Understanding what works (and what doesn't) is crucial. AI provides insights into post performance and audience engagement, helping you refine your strategy and content for better results.

• Ad Campaign Optimization
Maximize your reach and return on investment with AI tools like Facebook Ads Manager that create and manage social media ad campaigns, targeting the right audience with precision.

There are additional ways AI can provide Singer Songwriters with Event Planning and Management...

• Scheduling Tools
Planning gigs, tours, and promotional events can be seamless with AI scheduling tools like Doodle. They help you organize and manage your events efficiently and effectively.

• Promotion
Promoting events across various channels is essential. AI assists with event promotion through social media, email, and website updates, ensuring maximum visibility.

AI can provide Singer Songwriters with Analytics and Feedback...

• Performance Metrics
Tracking and analyzing the performance of your songs, marketing campaigns, and social media efforts is crucial for your growth. AI tools provide detailed performance metrics, offering insights into what's working and what needs improvement.

• Fan Interaction
Understanding your fans' behavior and preferences is vital. AI-driven insights help tailor engagement strategies, making your interactions more meaningful and impactful.

This is a broad-brush picture of some of what AI can do for you.

By integrating AI into your creative and career processes, you can elevate your artistry and professional growth. Whether you're crafting your next hit song or strategizing your next marketing campaign, AI-powered solutions are here to support and empower you every step of the way. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, leveraging the power of AI to achieve your artistic and career goals.

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• COACHING— GO VIRAL or GIVE UP! A Singer Songwriter's Success How To from Derek Sivers

The first part of Derek Siver's book, Your Music and People, is titled CREATIVE. The first three short chapters are: Art doesn't end at the edge of the canvas. Business is creative. And This is only a test. See what happens. It is some of the most profound coaching to 'Put Success In Your Singer Songwriter's Career' you will ever receive. Ever!

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Art doesn't end at the edge of the canvas 

Imagine you see a caged feather on a museum wall. The sign underneath says the artist is a political activist in jail. 

Imagine that same caged feather again. But instead, the sign says the artist is a high school kid in Florida. 

Or imagine that the only way to see it is to crawl deep into a shrinking tunnel that opens into a room of mirrors, where the caged feather is suspended by a thread. 

Same feather. Very different perceptions. 

The way you present your art, and what people know about it, completely changes how they perceive it. 

Therefore, your art doesn't end at the edge of the canvas. Your creative decisions continue all the way to the end. 

Now think of the way you create and release music: 

• You have a tiny idea for a song.  
• You flesh it out into a full song.  
• You give it layers of instruments.  
• You choose its texture when recording.  
• You come up with an album title, and the visual look of your photos and videos.  

Every step so far has been a creative expansion of your original idea. 

So now it's time to put it out into the world. Do you turn off all that creativity? Just upload the song to the usual places, and announce it like everyone else? 

No! Your creative process hasn't stopped! Flaunt your artistic freedoms, and have some fun with it! 

• The way you communicate with the world  
• How you make your music available  
• The stories you tell about your music and yourself  

These are all the continuation of your creation. 

Marketing is the final extension of your art. 

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Business is creative 

A famous record label executive was confronted by a musician who said, "You don't value creativity!" The executive said, "Oh please! I've got accountants more creative than you!" 

It's meant as an insult, but it has a point. Don't think of music as creative but business as not. Business is definitely just as creative as music. 

Most musicians are wildly creative when writing, playing, performing, and recording. But as soon as it's time to do business, they stiffen up and lose their confidence. They follow advice that tells them exactly how to promote. 

But turning off your creativity— trying to play it safe— is the worst thing you could do. Just like with music. 

So loosen up! Get confident, creative, playful, and experimental. Break the rules. Try some things that nobody else has done. 

Think of how comfortable you are on your instrument— improvising, experimenting, and having fun with it. 

Now be that comfortable when marketing. Improvise. Experiment. And have fun with it! 

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This is only a test. See what happens 

In America in the 1970s, they would test the Emergency Broadcast System on TV, with a long "BEEEEEEEEEEP". At the end, an announcer would say, "This is a test. This is only a test." 

That phrase is burned into my brain. "This is a test. This is only a test." It's very useful to remember when pursuing your career. 

Everything usually feels so serious— like if you make one mistake, it'll all end in disaster. But really everything you do is just a test: an experiment to see what happens. 

My favorite times in life started with a "see what happens" approach. 

Let's see what happens if I run my vocals through my guitar pedals. 

Let's see what happens if I invite that famous producer out to lunch. 

Let's see what happens if I call that radio station to ask their advice. 

It's actually impossible to fail if your only mission was to see what happens! 

"This is a test. This is only a test." There is no downside. Try everything! 

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Get Derek's book.

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• Another NOT One OF Rolling Stone's 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time—  Judy Collins

"Collins is undoubtedly a legend and after singing along with her on the fabulous Amazing Grace, she was given a well-earned standing ovation. Coupled with her stories about her friend Leonard Cohen, it was her voice that mesmerized. She was funny and endearing with a voice that bellowed, soared, and took this crowd on a journey. Her powerful vocals had transcended this crowd into a new realm, a thoughtful, ethereal one which belies her 84 years."
— from a review by Kevin Cooper of her Spellbound Tour at The Town Hall Birmingham, England, on Sunday 1st October 2023.

A Pioneer of Folk Music and Beyond
While Judy Collins may not appear on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time, she undoubtedly holds a revered place in the hearts of many Singer Songwriters and music enthusiasts. Known for her crystalline voice, profound songwriting, and significant contributions to the folk music revival of the 1960s, Collins has been a trailblazer in the music industry for over six decades. Her impact on music production, her iconic hits, record-breaking sales, and her awards, combined with her fascinating personal life, make her a deserving inclusion on any list of great songwriters.

Music Production and Iconic Hits
Judy Collins began her career in the early 1960s, emerging from the vibrant folk music scene of Greenwich Village. Her debut album, A Maid of Constant Sorrow (1961), showcased her remarkable ability to interpret traditional folk songs with a unique emotional depth. However, it was her 1967 album, Wildflowers, that truly cemented her status as a significant figure in music. This album included her rendition of Joni Mitchell's Both Sides, Now, which became a top ten hit and earned Collins her first Grammy Award for Best Folk Performance.

Collins's music production is characterized by its lush arrangements and her ability to blend folk with orchestral and contemporary sounds. Her 1968 album, Who Knows Where the Time Goes, produced by Stephen Stills, is a perfect example of this fusion. The album included Someday Soon, a cover of Ian Tyson's song, which remains one of her most beloved recordings.

Record and Album Sales
Judy Collins's commercial success is a testament to her broad appeal and enduring influence. Throughout her career, she has released 36 studio albums, 9 live albums, and 22 compilation albums. Her work has consistently performed well on the charts, with several albums achieving gold and platinum status. Her 1975 album, Judith, went platinum and included the hit single Send in the Clowns, written by Stephen Sondheim. The song earned Collins another Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female.

In addition to her album sales, Collins's live performances have been a significant aspect of her career. She has sold out major concert halls around the world, enchanting audiences with her vocal prowess and heartfelt performances.

Awards and Recognition
Judy Collins's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In addition to her Grammy wins, she received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award for her version of Both Sides, Now in 2003. Collins has also been honored with several lifetime achievement awards, including the Americana Music Association's Spirit of Americana/Free Speech Award in 2005.

Her influence extends beyond the music industry. Collins is a committed social activist, advocating for civil rights, environmental causes, and mental health awareness. Her activism has earned her recognition and respect, solidifying her status as not only a musical icon but also a champion for social justice.

Iconic Songs: Written and Covered
While Judy Collins is renowned for her interpretations of songs by other Songwriters, she is also an accomplished Songwriter herself. Her song Since You've Asked, featured on Wildflowers, showcases her lyrical talent and emotional depth. Another notable original song is My Father, a poignant tribute to her own father, which appears on her 1968 album Who Knows Where the Time Goes.

Collins's ability to bring new life to other artists' songs is unparalleled. Her cover of Leonard Cohen's Suzanne introduced the song to a wider audience and remains one of her signature pieces. Similarly, her rendition of Amazing Grace became a worldwide hit, highlighting her ability to transcend genres and touch the hearts of listeners across generations.

Personal Life and Relationships
Judy Collins's personal life has been as intriguing and inspiring as her music. She has faced numerous challenges, including a battle with alcoholism and the tragic loss of her son, Clark, to suicide. Collins has been open about her struggles, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and support for those facing similar challenges.

Her relationships have also played a significant role in her life and music. Collins's romantic involvement with Stephen Stills is famously documented in Stills's song Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Despite their breakup, the two have maintained a close friendship and have continued to collaborate over the years.

A Pioneer in Music
Judy Collins's influence as a pioneer in music cannot be overstated. She was one of the first artists to bring the work of songwriters like Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, and Randy Newman to a broader audience, effectively shaping the landscape of contemporary folk and popular music. Her willingness to tackle social and political issues in her music paved the way for future generations of Singer Songwriters to use their art as a platform for change.

Judy Collins's legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry is undeniable. Her remarkable music production, iconic hits, impressive sales, and numerous awards, coupled with her compelling personal story, make her a deserving figure on any list of the greatest Songwriters. Collins's contributions to music and society continue to inspire and influence singer-songwriters around the world, ensuring her place in the annals of music history.

This feature for the AMP newsletter celebrates Judy Collins's extraordinary career and life, offering Singer Songwriters insight into the journey of a true musical pioneer.

For a delicious taste of young (at 85 years old) Ms. Collins at The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida on January 12, 2024, tap the link. 

in partnership with Mike Goodrich, Your Inner Singer 

• CONFUSING LYRICS—  Three of the Most Confusing Song Lyrics Ever Written by Tony Dunnell
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Taken from 12 of the Most Confusing Song Lyrics Ever Written, by Tony Dunnell published by Inspiring Quotes.

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When it comes to writing lyrics, some Songwriters aren't quite as poetic or as eloquent as others. At one end of the spectrum, we have renowned, articulate lyricists such as Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, and Leonard Cohen. At the other, there are bands who are quite content singing, "Mmmbop, ba duba dop ba, du bop, ba duba dop ba, du bop, ba duba dop ba du."

That's not to say all great songwriters always reach Shakespearean heights with their words. After all, John Lennon, an unquestionably great lyricist, also wrote the entirely nonsensical I Am the Walrus— albeit as a deliberately incoherent response to learning that students in literature classes were being made to study the meaning of Beatles lyrics.

Many factors can account for the strange and incomprehensible lyrics we've heard over the years: Improvisation, drug usage, the desire to remain an enigma, just plain silliness, etc. Here are three of the most confusing song lyrics from Tony's list. 

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All the sweet green icing flowing down 
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it 
And I'll never have that recipe again, oh no.
— MacArthur Park, Richard Harris, 1968

Long before he portrayed Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, Richard Harris sang a true oddity of a song written by acclaimed songwriter Jimmy Webb. The cake-in-the-rain scenario, while undeniably strange, is actually based on Webb's memory of witnessing an ex-lover's wedding cake melting during a rainy outdoor ceremony in the park.

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Can you surry, can you picnic, whoa? 
Can you surry, can you picnic? 
Come on, come on and surry down to a stoned soul picnic 
Surry down to a stoned soul picnic 
There'll be lots of time and wine.
— Stoned Soul Picnic, Laura Nyro, 1968

The confusion surrounding Nyro's song (later covered by the 5th Dimension) revolves around the seemingly made-up word "surry." Over the years, listeners have interpreted it to mean "slurry" or "surrey" or to simply be a contraction of "let's hurry." When questioned, Nyro herself has been quoted as saying, "Oh, it's just a nice word."

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Gitchi gitchi ya ya da da 
Gitchi gitchi ya ya here 
Mocha chocolata, ya ya 
Creole Lady Marmalade.
— Lady Marmalade, Labelle, 1974

Lead singer Patti LaBelle has openly admitted to having no idea what the racy French lyrics in Lady Marmalade meant when she recorded the song, which was written by Kenny Nolan and Bob Crewe. And, like the rest of us, the songstress certainly had no clue what the whole "gitchi gitchi" thing was supposed to mean.
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Tony Dunnell is an English writer of non-fiction and fiction living in Peru on the edge of the Amazon jungle. Tony's short fiction has appeared in speculative fiction publications including Daily Science Fiction, Sci Phi Journal and MetaStellar, as well as anthologies such as Dread Space 2 by Shacklebound Books. His non-fiction— covering everything from travel to arts and culture— has appeared in numerous publications including Atlas Obscura, Vice, Mental Floss, Horizon Guides, Paste Magazine and many more. When he's not writing science fiction stories about futures both near and far, he goes for walks by the river with his dog.

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• PS from PS— There's 13,357lb Elephant in the room. 

It's the 115 billion word monster that is the collected knowledge of AI— Artificial Intelligence. My thoughts as to how it is and will affect your music career. Now and going forward...

I see a lot of creativity being placed in the ‘Let's use AI to write lyrics… Songs… Produce bridges and chorus... And more. While I see some benefits to using it to help writer's block, I see a danger that the songwriting process will become devalued. It's something already overlooked in the industry that there's cause for caution. I say tread carefully.

For me, the far more exciting areas AI can step into is helping you with being creative on the business side of your music career. Many tools are being developed that can handle marketing writing and copy development, and I think this is the area we could be most excited about.

In AI For Creative Development and Career Advancement, the article refers to a lot of the most well-known and general tools,  such as Jasper for writing copy and Doodle for scheduling meetings. But I want to point out that they are just that, general and not aimed at specific sectors or markets And while they do a good enough job, in the world of music marketing the specifics are different. It's not just writing copy. It’s creating compelling press releases and artists’ bios. In the case of scheduling meetings, it's actually about booking tours and arranging the routes and all that goes with that. So be careful of the bright and shiny object that is a generic tool. Seek out the specific ones

This is where I want to speak about New Music Lives™ and our journey into AI and how it can be used to put success into your music careers. We do all that we do testing against the statement 'Does it serve our Partners, Singer Songwriters. If it does we do it. If it doesn't we move on.

We're working on a range of AI tools each designed to perform a specific detailed function, such as Writing an Artist's Bio, Creating a compelling Press Release, but also tools that show the practical power of AI such as a tool to identify who your Ideal Fan is. Trust me, in testing, you'd be surprised as to the results we’re finding. Ain’t as easy as it seems. Each tool we’re developing will have a specific and practical purpose and be easy to use and help you to growth your music career.

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...