the AMP Issue 48

 "I've always thought that whether I'm writing or not, I've gotta pick the best songs, whether or not they're mine. I'm not gonna sing them just because I wrote them. I've gotta find the best songs to make the best record I can." 
— George Strait

In This Issue... 17 pages [about 24 minutes to read] You'll Get...

• RECOMMENDS— Miley Cyrus: David Letterman's Next Guest on Netflix

• BACKSTAGE PASS— Being FANtastic— How Loyalty Creates a Thriving Tribe of TrueFans by John Fogg 

• COACHING—  Part 2 of 3: a Singer Songwriter's Success How To from Derek Sivers

• And another NOT ONE OF Rolling Stone's 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time— George Strait

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

• PS from PS— Loyalty Appreciates

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Here’s the playlist

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• RECOMMENDS—  Miley Cyrus: David Letterman's Next Guest on Netflix

Miley Cyrus performs an intimate show at the Chateau Marmont and opens up to Dave on his Netflix series My Next Guest... about songwriting, sobriety, and separating herself from Hannah Montana.

What follows is a reprint of a June 14 article in Vulture by staff writer Hershal Pandya.

GAY FOR MILEY RAY 
David Letterman Is the Only Straight Man Allowed at Miley Cyrus's Private Shows

The person on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman who presumably needs the least introduction is the titular host,  Letterman himself.  Nevertheless, in the show's latest season, out today on Netflix, the host is reintroduced to the audience by Miley Cyrus, who brings Letterman onstage during an intimate concert she is performing at Chateau Marmont. Putting on shows for family and friends at Chateau Marmont, Cyrus explains to Letterman in the episode's interview, is a tradition she started last November as a "birthday gift" to herself to reclaim "her love of performance and music." Letterman is apparently "one of very few, if not the only" straight men who's been granted entry. "It's invite-only, and it's kinda like you've got to be gay to get an invite," she tells him from the stage later.

One of the privileges of this rare exception, in Letterman's case, is getting to see Cyrus's interpretation of Talking Heads's Psycho Killer, which she describes as "David Byrne does Johnny Cash doing Kylie Minogue." At the song's conclusion, Cyrus invites Letterman back onstage for his final thoughts. Letterman is wowed; he's gobsmacked; he can't imagine a world where this is the last time he'll receive this prized invite. "This was so good as I'm sitting there, I'm thinking I might be gay," he says. "We'll do some tests and I'll get back to you." That he likes Cyrus interpreting Minogue is an encouraging sign. Someone play Padam Padam for Letterman to finalize the transformation.

As said, watchable on Netflix. Really good!

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• BACKSTAGE PASS— Being FANtastic— How Loyalty Creates a Thriving Tribe of TrueFans by John Fogg 

By understanding, valuing, and cultivating the loyalty of Fans— and especially TrueFans— Singer Songwriters can create a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the artist and their audience, leading to more meaningful connections and engagement assuring sustained career success. Loyalty is career gold.

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The Value of Loyalty

Across a wide variety of cultures, loyalty is often revered as an essential, fundamental value. Loyalty to friends, family, community, and nation is emphasized in many cultural teachings and traditions. Historical and literary narratives frequently highlight loyalty as a heroic (and sheroic) virtue, reinforcing its importance in societal values.

Research on values, such as that conducted by the World Values Survey, often shows loyalty (to family, friends, and nation) ranking high among the most important values people prioritize in their lives. In workplace studies, loyalty is commonly listed among the top values that employees look for in a company— and a company looks for in employees. Loyalty ranks up at the very top along with integrity and fairness.

What qualities does Fan loyalty provide Singer Songwriters

Emotional Connection: Fans and TrueFans often develop a deep emotional connection with Singer Songwriters, resonating with their music, lyrics, and personal stories. This connection fosters a heartfelt loyalty, making Fans feel a part of the artist's life and work.
 
Community Building: Loyal Fans create and participate in communities, both online and offline, sharing their passion for the artist's work. These communities provide a sense of belonging and shared identity, strengthening and  synergistically increasing  their loyalty

Personal Growth and Inspiration: Fans find inspiration in the artist's music and life stories, which can contribute to their own personal growth. This inspiration fosters loyalty, as Fans feel indebted to the artist for positively impacting their lives.

The Value of Cultivating Fan Loyalty for the Artist

And please...

Just listening to your songs is not loyalty.

Loyalty is composed of...

• Sustained Support
Loyal Fans provide consistent support through concert attendance, album purchases, and streaming, merch sales, and fan-funding creating a reliable income stream for the artist.
 
• Amplification and Advocacy
Loyal Fans and especially TrueFans act as advocates, promoting the artist's work through word-of-mouth, social media, and fan clubs. This organic promotion can significantly expand the artist's reach and career success.

• Creative Freedom
With a loyal Fan base, artists can experiment with new styles and projects, knowing their core audience will continue to support them. This creative freedom allows for artistic growth and innovation.

• Emotional Fulfillment
The bond with loyal Fans provides artists with emotional fulfillment, knowing their work has a meaningful impact on others. This feedback loop can motivate and inspire further creative endeavors for both artists and their fans.

Your Fans Are Richly Rewarded For Being Loyal

Please be clear, your Fans and TrueFans appreciate the rewards they receive for being loyal to you, too. In a number of different ways.

Social Rewards, such as Trust and Dependability— Loyal Fans are trusted and considered dependable, leading to stronger and more meaningful relationships. Reciprocity— Loyalty leads to reciprocal loyalty from others in return, creating a supportive and cooperative environment. Social Acceptance— Being loyal enhances your Fan's social status and acceptance within the group.

And there are Psychological Rewards, such as a Sense of Belonging. Loyalty fosters a sense of belonging and identity, which is crucial for emotional well-being. Emotional Satisfaction, as well. Loyalty provides a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, knowing that you are contributing positively to relationships, friendships and community.

Plus there are Practical Benefits, such as being rewarded with promotions, bonuses, Easter eggs and special treatment. And loyal fans typically benefit from strong support systems in times of need, whether it's emotional, financial, or practical support from the artist and the tribe..

Human beings have evolved to be loyal as a survival mechanism, and this trait is reinforced through cultural norms and personal values. Loyalty is highly valued because it fosters trust, cooperation, and a sense of belonging, with numerous social, psychological, and practical rewards.

Here are some Examples of Fan and TrueFan Loyalty...

Starting at the top. Literally... 

Taylor Swift and the Swifties
Taylor's Fans, known as Swifties, are renowned for their loyalty the world over. They follow her career closely, participate in online discussions, and support her through various phases of her musical journey. Their loyalty was evident during the release of her re-recorded albums, where Fans eagerly supported her decision to reclaim her masters.

Beyoncé's Beyhive
Beyoncé's fan base, the Beyhive, is another example of unwavering loyalty. They not only support her music and tours, but also engage in philanthropic activities inspired by her. Their loyalty extends to defending her fiercely on social media and promoting her projects.

BTS's ARMY
The loyalty of BTS's ARMY is legendary. They have propelled the band to global superstardom through coordinated streaming efforts, voting in online polls, and massive support for their albums and tours. Their dedication includes learning Korean to understand BTS's lyrics better and participating in charitable activities in the band's name*.

* About the band's name: BTS stands for the Korean phrase Bangtan Sonyeondan, which translates literally to 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts'. According to member J-Hope, the name signifies the group's desire "to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim on adolescents like bullets".

And the Grateful Dead's Deadheads. The longest-running Loyal Tribe of them all... The Grateful Dead's TrueFan base, known as Deadheads, exemplifies enduring loyalty. Many Deadheads followed the band on tour for years, creating a unique subculture around their music. Their loyalty persisted even after the band's disbandment, with Fans supporting various iterations of the group.

By understanding and valuing the loyalty of Fans and TrueFans, Singer Songwriters can create a symbiotic relationship that benefits both the artist and their audience, leading to sustained success and meaningful connections.

Loyalty is... the Essential Power For a Singer Songwriter’s Success

Loyalty is the lifeblood of a Singer Songwriter’s career, transforming casual listeners into devoted TrueFans who form the foundation for lasting success. Across cultures, loyalty is revered as a fundamental value, creating deep emotional connections and communities around shared passions. For Singer Songwriters, this loyalty translates into sustained support through concert attendance, album and merch purchases, streaming, and Fan-Funding support, all ensuring a reliable, repeatable income stream. TrueFans amplify the artist's reach by promoting their work through word-of-mouth, social media, and fan clubs, acting as dedicated advocates.

Cultivating Fan loyalty allows artists to experiment with new styles and projects, knowing their core audience will support them, fostering creative freedom and innovation. The emotional fulfillment derived from loyal fans motivates and inspires further creative endeavors. The examples of Taylor’s Swifties, Beyoncé’s Beyhive, BTS’s ARMY, and the Deadheads demonstrate the immense power of TrueFan loyalty. By valuing and nurturing this loyalty, Singer Songwriters can build a thriving, supportive community that drives their initial and enduring success.

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• COACHING—  Part 2 of 3: 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. In the last AMP 47, we featured the first three short chapters. Here are two more of the chapters: Restrictions will set you free… Make mystery : make people wonder… (The last two, Creative communication Captain T next issue). As said last time, this is some of the most profound coaching to 'Put Success In Your Singer Songwriter's Career' you will ever have. Ever!

OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM: This is the best book about how to create success in your Singer Songwriter career you will ever read. — John Fogg

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Restrictions will set you free 

Someone says, "Write me a piece of music. Anything. No restrictions. Go!" 

You're stumped. It's the blank page syndrome. 

Instead, someone says, "Write me a piece of music using only a flute, ukulele, and this toy piano. You can only use the notes D, E, and B. It has to start quiet, get louder, and then end quietly. Go!" 

Aha! Now that's an inspiring challenge! 

You can use this approach for business, too. If you're feeling stuck with marketing, give yourself restrictions. 

• Contact fifty fans using only personal emails— no mass mailing.  

• Make a music video using only stock footage.  

• Give promotion a time limit of just 15 minutes per day.  

• Spend a week only contacting people you've never contacted before.  

Whenever you're feeling uninspired or unmotivated, use creative restrictions to set you free. 

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Make mystery: make people wonder 

Do you remember when you first started listening to music? It was all so mysterious, as you wondered what those lyrics meant or how they made those sounds. 

Try to create that feeling for your audience. 

Don't be so plain or obvious that there's nothing left to wonder. But don't be so cryptic that they give up. 

Use obscure references in your lyrics. Produce unusual sounds in your recording. Make strange images in your photos and videos. 

Give just enough to make them curious. Let them search for explanations, clues, or context. 

Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones said he tries to write lyrics that are like listening in to someone else's phone conversation— where you don't know the context and don't get the references, so it draws you in deeper, trying to understand. To do this, he first writes down everything he wants to say, then he crosses out every other line, and writes the song using only what's left. 

Maybe due to social media, artists are less mysterious than ever. It's kind of sad to have everything so transparent. Once something is explained, it stops captivating your curiosity. 

There was an interesting psychology experiment. Many people were given a trivial quiz. Before they began, they could choose what reward to receive when finished: either the answers to the quiz, or a chocolate bar. Almost everyone chose the chocolate bar. But after taking the quiz, they were given one last chance to choose their reward: either the answers to those questions, or the chocolate bar. Almost everyone changed their mind, and now preferred to know the answers. 

Once people start wondering, they can't stand not knowing. 

Make mystery in and around your music. 

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Your Music and People: creative and considerate fame by Derek Sivers. 

"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

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 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.

Want another of our famous NML money back guarantees? Read Derek's book. And don't miss the final two chapters in the next issue.

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

ED NOTE: Any list of 100 Greatest Anything is doomed to fall short. So we're not picking on Rolling Stone by submitting NML's own Great Singer Songwriters. Please, don't just read what we've written below. Go and sample George Strait's songs for yourself. YOUR list of the 100 Greatest Singer Songwriters is the best list of all.

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About George Strait from folks who know him best...

"George Strait is the definition of a true country legend. His voice, his style, his songs— they're timeless, and his impact on country music is immeasurable."
— Garth Brooks

"George Strait is the real deal. He's got that unmistakable voice, the kind of voice that makes you stop whatever you're doing and just listen. He's a true icon in every sense of the word."
— Reba McEntire

"George Strait has always been someone I look up to. His consistency and dedication to traditional country music are truly inspiring. He's a class act and a true gentleman."
— Alan Jackson

When it comes to the pantheon of country music legends, George Strait's name is etched in bold gold letters. With a career that spans over four decades, he has not only redefined the genre but also set records that few, if any, can match. Despite his monumental success, it's a curious omission that Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time doesn't include him. Yet, this oversight does little to diminish his colossal impact and the legacy he continues to build.

A Record-Breaking Career
George Strait's achievements in the music industry are nothing short of extraordinary. He holds the record for the most No. 1 singles of any artist in any genre, a testament to his enduring popularity and the timeless appeal of his music. Over a career that began in the early 1980s, Strait has charted more than 60 No. 1 hits, a feat that remains unmatched.

Strait's ability to maintain relevance is further exemplified by his record of charting a top 10 hit every year for 30 consecutive years, spanning the 1990s through the 2010s. This incredible streak underscores his adaptability and consistent quality, making him a mainstay on both the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts.

Albums and Accolades
In addition to his singles success, George Strait also dominates the Top Country Albums chart, boasting the most No. 1 albums in its history. His discography, rich with gold and platinum certifications, stands as a testament to his widespread appeal and the loyalty of his fan base. Strait's ability to connect with listeners through his albums has cemented his status as a country music icon.

"George Strait is the king. He's the kind of artist every country singer aspires to be. His career is a testament to staying true to yourself and your roots."
— Blake Shelton

"George Strait has a way of making you feel every word he sings. His music has been the soundtrack to so many people's lives, including mine. He's a legend."
— Miranda Lambert

Among his many accolades, George Strait has also made history with his live performances. Recently, he set an all-time attendance record for a ticketed concert in the United States, drawing 110,905 fans to Texas A&M's Kyle Field. This event surpassed the previous record held by the Grateful Dead, further solidifying Strait's unmatched draw and star power.

Hit Songs and Pioneering Impact
George Strait's catalog is a treasure trove of hits that have become staples in the country music repertoire. Songs like Amarillo By Morning, All My Ex's Live in Texas, and The Chair have not only topped the charts but have also become anthems for generations of country music fans. His smooth voice, coupled with a knack for storytelling, has made these songs enduring classics.

Strait's influence extends beyond his music. He is credited with helping to popularize the "neotraditionalist" movement in country music during the 1980s and 1990s. This movement sought to return to the genre's roots, emphasizing traditional instrumentation and themes, a stark contrast to the pop-influenced sounds that were prevalent at the time. Strait's success with this style opened the doors for many other artists and helped shape the future of country music.

"There's never been and never will be anyone like George Strait. His music is pure, honest, and real. He's the epitome of what country music should be."
— Kenny Chesney

A Legacy Performer
What sets George Strait apart is not just his commercial success, but his ability to remain true to his roots while evolving with the times. His commitment to traditional country music, combined with his willingness to embrace contemporary sounds, has earned him the respect of both his peers and fans alike.

Strait's legacy is also marked by his humility and dedication to his craft. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he has maintained a relatively low profile, letting his music speak for itself. This approach has only endeared him further to his audience, who appreciate his authenticity and genuine love for country music.

Awards and Personal Life
George Strait's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards. He has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for an artist of his stature.

"George Strait is the standard by which all country artists are measured. His voice, his songs, his career—they're all legendary. He's the king of country for a reason."
—  Brad Paisley

On a personal note, Strait's life is marked by his deep connection to his home state of Texas and his love for family. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Norma, since 1971, and they have a son, George "Bubba" Strait Jr., who has followed in his father's footsteps as a Singer Songwriter.

George Strait's exclusion from Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time may seem perplexing, but it does little to diminish the monumental impact he has had on country music. His record-breaking career, pioneering influence, and steadfast dedication to his craft have made him a true legend. As he continues to break records and captivate audiences, George Strait's legacy as the "King of Country" remains unchallenged. His story is a testament to the enduring power of music and the timeless appeal of a true and great artist.

in partnership with Ian Temple and Soundfly

• CONFUSING LYRICS—  Two more 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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Tam bo li de say de moi ya 
Yeah, Jambo, Jambo 
Way to parti, o we goin' 
Oh, jambali 
Tam bo li de say de moi ya 
Yeah, Jambo, Jambo 
Oh, yes 

We're gonna have a party, yeah, uh.
— All Night Long (All Night), Lionel Richie, 1983

When Lionel Richie was looking for real African phrases to include in this classic track, he soon realized incorporating them was more complicated than he’d first imagined— so he just made them up.

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The reflex is a lonely child, who's waiting by the park 
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark 
And watching over lucky clover, isn't that bizarre?
— The Reflex, Duran Duran, 1983

Bizarre, indeed. Theories abound as to what the “reflex” here is supposed to represent, ranging from gambling addiction to self-pleasure.

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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— Loyalty Appreciates.

There's a ‘FANtastic’ article in this issue John wrote about Loyalty. I want you to expand your thinking about the subject a bit by looking at something many Singer Songwriters are taking for granted: that fans who like and love their music will instantly and magically become loyal and support them.

No. Not true. Loyalty has to be earned. It can never be taken for granted.

Your fans need to feel that they are special. You need to work at nurturing the relationships, friendships, and partnerships you have with them. This means don't make it all about you. This means don't always be saying: buy MY merch... Listen to MY music… Buy a ticket for MY next show.

It’s about THEM. Include THEM. Make THEM the focus of all your communication. Ask THEM where you should play next. What do THEY think of this t-shirt design? Seek out THEIR  comments and feedback about what THEY think of that unreleased track as yet unfinished.

As a couple of examples: Fans of Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish all feel engaged and heard, in exchange for which, they show loyalty to the artist that they love. That loyalty has been earned. Taylor and Billie worked for it. Think about that next time you communicate with your Fans and TrueFans. How can you engage THEM and make THEM feel that THEY  are the center of your Singer Songwriter world? 

Loyalty is earned by appreciation. And once earned, loyalty appreciates. 

Until we speak again. 

Help Us Spread the Word About the AMP.

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...