the AMP Issue 53

"Tell the truth. Sing with passion. Work with laughter. Love with heart. 'Cause that's all that matters in the end." 
— Kris Kristofferson

Hey! Is the AMP a newsletter or a magazine?

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

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• Recommends— I am Celiene the Movie and the Miracle

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Kris Kristofferson 

• the Greatest Lyrics of All Time— 5 of the Best Kris Kristofferson Lyrics 

• Mondegreen—  Help Me Make It Through the Night— Kris Kristofferson

• Backstage Pass— How to Increase Attendance at Your Live Shows— Part Two—  by Matt Jacoby from UpToEleven

• PS from PS— How many Singer Songwriters are there? Really...

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Here’s the playlist

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• Recommends— I Am Celine the Movie and the Miracle

A Heartfelt and Unflinching Look at an Icon's Journey

I Am Celine Dion, directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, offers a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar's struggle with a life-altering illness. As a Singer Songwriter, you might find this film not only compelling but also deeply moving, given the challenges Celine Dion faces and the strength she exhibits.

A Raw and Honest Portrait
The 2:19 doc serves as a love letter to her fans, revealing the music that has been the guiding light of her life. It's a heart-felt reminder of the profound impact music has, not just on the audience, but on the artist themselves. For anyone involved in the creation of music, seeing how Celine's art intertwines with her personal resilience is nothing short of inspiring.

Heart-breaking Yet Inspirational
The film does not shy away from the heart-breaking realities of her condition. Watching Mz. Dion, who has been a beacon of strength and vocal prowess, struggle is tough. Her battles are portrayed with such honesty that it's impossible not to feel a deep sense of empathy. Yet, amidst these trials, the film shines a light on her astonishing human spirit and unwavering determination.

Why Watch?
For Singer Songwriters, I Am Celine Dion is more than a documentary; it's a profound exploration of how music can be a source of strength and inspiration. It's a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds. 

AND... (the Great Good News)

The Queen is Back

To lift your spirits after the emotional roller coaster of the documentary, we highly recommend watching Celine Dion's triumphant performance at the opening of the Paris Olympic Games. This performance, aptly titled "The Queen Is Back," is a testament to her enduring talent and indomitable spirit. It beautifully counters the somber tones of the film, reminding us all of her extraordinary resilience and everlasting impact on music.

In the end, this documentary and her performance at the Paris Olympic Games together paint a complete picture of an artist who, despite immense challenges, continues to shine brightly and inspire millions. I Am Celine Dion is a must-watch for anyone who seeks to understand the depth of what it means to be a true artist.

To watch Celine Dion triumphantly sing Hymne A L'Amour at the base of the Eiffel Tower following the Olympic flame lighting, tap the link. The crowd's response and her performance is unforgettable! The Queen is back! Indeed.

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• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Kris Kristofferson 

Kris Kristofferson: The Poet of Outlaw Country

He's a poet, he's a picker
He's a prophet, he's a pusher
He's a pilgrim and a preacher, and a problem when he's stoned
He's a walkin' contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction,
Takin' ev'ry wrong direction on his lonely way back home.

Kris Kristofferson stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of country music, known for his raw, poignant songwriting and distinctive voice. His career has spanned several decades, earning him a place among the greatest Songwriters of all time. Kristofferson's impact on country music, his collaborations with other artists, and his ability to blend personal experiences with universal themes have cemented his legacy.

"Kris Kristofferson is one of the best songwriters of our time. His songs are simple yet profound, and they have a way of sticking with you long after you've heard them."
— Johnny Cash

His Musical Journey
Kristofferson's music career began in the 1960s when he moved to Nashville, the heart of country music. Despite early struggles, his persistence paid off when artists like Johnny Cash and Roger Miller began recording his songs. Kristofferson's big break came with the release of his debut album, Kristofferson, in 1970. The album included some of his most enduring hits like Me and Bobby McGee, Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down, and Help Me Make It Through the Night. These songs showcased his talent for storytelling and his ability to capture the human condition in a few short verses.

"Singing Me and Bobby McGee was one of the highlights of my career. Kris's songwriting is unparalleled, and his ability to capture emotion in his lyrics is extraordinary."
— Janis Joplin

Popular Records and Albums
Kristofferson's discography is extensive, but a few albums stand out for their critical and commercial success. The Silver Tongued Devil and I (1971) continued the momentum of his debut album with tracks like The Pilgrim, Chapter 33 and Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again). His 1972 album Jesus Was a Capricorn included the hit Why Me, which became his biggest commercial success. 

Kristofferson's collaboration with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings as part of the supergroup The Highwaymen resulted in several acclaimed albums, including Highwayman (1985).

"Kris has a way of getting to the heart of a story like nobody else. His songs are timeless, and his impact on country music is immeasurable."
— Willie Nelson

Concerts and Awards
Kristofferson's live performances have been celebrated for their emotional intensity and authenticity. He has played at iconic venues and festivals worldwide, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with his honest and heartfelt delivery. Over his career, Kristofferson has received numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004, a testament to his significant contributions to the genre.

Inspirations and Personal Life
Kris Kristofferson's songwriting is deeply influenced by his personal experiences and the people he has encountered. His background as a Rhodes Scholar and his time in the U.S. Army provided him with a unique perspective that he brought to his music. Kristofferson has been married three times and has eight children. His struggles with substance abuse and his eventual recovery have also influenced his work, adding depth and authenticity to his songs.

"Kris Kristofferson's music has a raw beauty that resonates with people. His songs are like poetry, and they have influenced so many artists in and out of country music."
— Emmylou Harris

Political and Social Activism
Throughout his career, Kristofferson has been an outspoken advocate for various social and political causes. He has used his platform to address issues such as human rights, social justice, and opposition to the Vietnam War. His activism is reflected in songs like The Circle and They Killed Him, which honor leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi.

Impact on Other Singer-Songwriters
Kris Kristofferson's influence on country music and other Singer Songwriters is profound. He is credited with helping to pioneer the outlaw country movement, which brought a rawer, more rebellious edge to the genre. His collaborations with artists like Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings helped shape the sound and spirit of outlaw country. Kristofferson's willingness to tackle difficult subjects and his ability to convey deep emotion in his songs have inspired countless artists. His work has been covered by a wide range of musicians, from Janis Joplin to Bob Dylan, showcasing the universal appeal of his Songwriting.

"Kris Kristofferson's songs are a reflection of the human condition. They speak to our struggles and our triumphs, and they do so with an honesty that is rare."
— Bob Dylan

Kris Kristofferson's legacy as a songwriter, performer, and activist continues to inspire new generations of musicians. His contributions to music and his ability to articulate the complexities of life through his songs have earned him a place among the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time.

in partnership with the Eleven Music Career Center and Matt Jacoby

• the Greatest Lyrics of All Time— 5 of the Best Kris Kristofferson Lyrics from American Songwriter written by Alex Hopper
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Kris Kristofferson is inarguably one of the most cherished Songwriters of all time. His songs have become hits for both himself and his peers like Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, and more. His unique songwriting voice has delivered more than his fair share of timeless tracks. Though he has countless to choose from, these are our picks for his five best lyrics, below.

Why Me 
Lord, what did I ever do
That was worth lovin' 
You or the kindness 
You've shown

Kristofferson points his praises toward the sky in Why Me. Though he has certainly paid his dues, Kristofferson is one of the lucky ones that have gotten to enjoy a career as a singer-songwriter, as well as all the fame and prestige that comes along with that. He certainly has a lot to be thankful for and he humbly accepts that fact in this track.

Sunday Morning Comin' Down
On the Sunday morning sidewalk, wishin' Lord that I was stoned 
Cause there is something in a Sunday, makes a body feel alone 
And there is nothing short of die'n, half a lonesome as the sound 
On the sleepin' city sidewalks, Sunday morning coming down

Sunday Morning Comin' Down is one of Kristofferson's most famous works and for good reason. He perfectly captures the feeling of being hungover on a quiet Sunday— a feeling many of us know all too well. Kristofferson has made a career of taking everyday scenarios and making them sound artful and poetic.

Me and Bobby McGee
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose 
Nothin', don't mean nothin' hon' if it ain't free

Another one of Kristofferson's signature tracks, Me and Bobby McGee, features the lines above. Kristofferson loves to relay simple truths in his songwriting. Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose isn't that lofty of a statement when you boil it down, but it is nonetheless eye-opening.

Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)
Comin' close together with a feelin' that I've never known before, in my time
She ain't ashamed to be a woman, or afraid to be a friend 
I don't know the answer to the easy way she opened every door in my mind 
But dreamin' was as easy as believin' it was never gonna end

Kristofferson conflates his love interest with a force of nature in Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again). In the lines above, he describes just why loving her is so easy. It's swoon-worthy stuff.

Best Of All Possible Worlds
And I don't need this town of yours more than I've never needed nothing else 
Cause there's still a lotta drinks that I ain't drunk 
Lots of pretty thoughts that I ain't thunk, oh yeah 
Lord, there's still so many lonely girls in this best of all possible worlds

In Best Of All Possible Worlds, Kristofferson gets himself jailed for intoxication. In the lyrics, he gets kicked out of the town he finds himself locked up in. When they finally agree to release him, they make him promise he will turn his back on the town. Kristofferson isn't too worried about being exiled though, there is much to explore out there: lotta drinks, pretty thoughts, and lonely girls.
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Alex Hopper is a Florence, Alabama native now living in Nashville, Tennessee. Alex fell in love with live music at an early age through the large music community in her hometown and has made music the main focus of her life since. Her musical tastes are varied— spanning anything from bedroom pop to classic rock – but, her guilty pleasures are yacht rock and musicals. Aside from music, Alex is an avid traveler, camper, and crawfish connoisseur. Her bucket list items are to see a game at every MLB stadium in the U.S., own her own sailboat, and make the perfect cup of tea.

Explore the Art of Songwriting with American Songwriter
We're thrilled to feature this reprint from American Songwriter, a publication celebrated for its dedication to the craft of songwriting. With a wealth of articles, interviews, and resources, American Songwriter is a trusted source of inspiration and guidance for musicians at every stage of their journey. Dive into this valuable content and discover new perspectives that can elevate your songwriting skills. 

For the latest songwriting tips, reviews, podcasts, and more, tap here to sign up for the American Songwriter Daily Co-Write 

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• MONDEGREEN— Help Me Make It Through the Night— Kris Kristofferson

Original

Take the ribbon from your hair
Shake it loose and let it fall

Mondegreen

Take the ribbon from your hair
Shake a goose and let it fall

If you're up for a 'few' more mondegreens of Kris Kristofferson songs, tap the link. There are just a few.

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!

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• Backstage Pass— How to Increase Attendance at Your Live Shows Part Two by Matt Jacoby from UpToEleven
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This piece (and the one last Issue) is so full... Crazy Full of great, proven ideas, we've split it into two parts. Here's Part Two.

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The energy of a live performance is unmatchable.

Bonus Tips: What You Might Be Doing Wrong (And How to Fix)
Since many of the musicians, bands, and DJs who might be reading this are going to be starting small and local, I'd like to hand the microphone over to Fang, a friend of mine and the lead singer for a local (and growing) band called Lords of the Trident. With the help and advice of Martin Atkins, he and I would like to share some bonus tips with you about what you may be doing wrong with your live shows and what you can do to course correct!

LIVE TONIGHT: Your Super Awesome Band
Let's say you're a good band. A band that has good music, and a vibrant fan base in your hometown. Perhaps you've started branching out and playing shows around the region. Perhaps you've been playing for a few years, and now can expect to see a decent crowd at just about any hometown performance. That's great!

However, if you start to track your attendance in your hometown, you may see a worrying fact. Your attendance numbers will stagnate. We've certainly seen this over the past year. For example, in my hometown, our average draw is 67 people. Looking at the numbers more closely, we're seeing trends that hover around this number. For example, the last five shows were 70, 63, 59, 82, and 68.

You might say to yourself, "Those numbers are pretty good!" For our local clubs here, they are! But as a manager of a band, what I want to see is a measured increase every time we play. What these numbers show me is... 

...the same people are coming out to our shows every time. We're not growing our fanbase...

We're simply nurturing the fanbase we already have. What I'd like to see is an upward growing trend of attendance— something like 60, 80, 89, 95, 104.

So how do we achieve this? Two ways:

1. Stop playing so much
This is a pitfall that I fall into time and time again. After all, who doesn't like performing live? Normally, you can expect us to have a hometown show about once every three weeks or so. Recently we've moved it back to once a month, but that's still too much.

In the words of Martin: "You've got to be like Disney. ‘Oh shit, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is back! But only for a limited time, and then it goes back in the vault forever! And this time, it's on effin' BluRay, and it comes with limited edition stickers! You'd better not miss it!'"

Basically, what he's saying is that if you're playing every two weeks, or three, or monthly, then there's no real reason for your casual fans to make it out to any given show. They'll know that you're just playing next month anyway. They won't cancel their plans to see you, or make a large effort to make sure they don't miss the show. This will keep your attendance levels low.

For a new band, I think it's important to play often in your hometown and to play with as many different bands as you possibly can. There's about a year of "ramp-up" time where you meet influential people, form "band friendships", more and more people become aware of your existence, and your fanbase grows. I don't think it hurts to be playing every three weeks (with a few breaks in there) at this point, because you're starting to make connections and get your name out there. Once you've become a "D-grade local celebrity", though, it's time to "go Disney".

2. Every show needs a purpose
Why should your fanbase drag their friends and relatives to this show, instead of waiting for the next one? Know how to promote concerts by giving them a purpose so fans have a reason to attend.

It can't be "just playing a show". Are you debuting a new song? Maybe having a release party? Remember, you can "release" t-shirts, or stickers, or any other type of merch in the same way that you can release a new CD.

Here's an idea that worked WONDERS for us: Using screen printing, make a new, kickass design, and print a metric ass-load of t-shirts.

If you're doing it right, these should cost around $3 per shirt to make. Have a "shirt release party" where you sell these new shirts for $5 instead of your normal price. However, this is one night only and anyone who wants a shirt for this price must buy one at the show.

This gives the show a purpose. You're celebrating the release of your new shirt with a show, and anyone who wants a cheap shirt can easily get one, but only if they show up! When we did this, our attendance jumped to 130 people – over double our average!

Don't have a new shirt? Do a 2 for 1 night, or a 50% off night.

Keep track of your attendance and merch sales.

Experiment.

See what works.

Martin Atkins' Five Point Crushing Star Technique™
Once you have these two principles down, you can engage Martin's patented technique:

The Five Point Crushing Star Technique™

This requires a little bit of planning.

Let's say you've got a CD release show planned four months away. Grab a map of your surrounding area.

Now, imagine you're a fan of a local band. How far would you drive to see them?

Be realistic. 10 minutes? 20? 30? How many miles? What about in traffic?

Draw a circle with a radius of your driving distance. This is your sphere of influence. We're going to grow this sphere and drive people to your CD release show at the same time.

First rule: No shows anywhere inside the circle until your CD released.

Now, pick 5 points along the outside of the circle. Hopefully, these are separate cities or suburbs. Schedule 5 shows in the upcoming months at these locations.

What is the purpose of these shows? To promote your CD release show.

You're probably pretty well known in the downtown area where you play all the time, but do people in the suburbs know about you? How about the next town over?

Your goal at these shows is to never shut up about the awesome CD release show you've got coming up in 4 months and to get everyone on your mailing list.

Maybe you'll only play to 10 people, but if you're good, you'll get at least one or two good fans out of these shows, and those fans will drag their friends to the CD release show. Now, four months later, you're doing a CD release show that suddenly has 400 people in attendance. The club owner is thrilled, and you now have a fantastic show that people will talk about for a long time.

Also, you've increased your drivable sphere of influence. The people that drove from 10 minutes away saw one of the best local shows they've ever seen in their lives! I mean, come on— 400 people were there! The next time you play 20 minutes outside of your home base, you'll get all the people from 10 minutes away, plus their friends, plus the new fans 20 minutes out.

Your influence grows and grows and grows. 

Wash. Rinse. Repeat until famous.

Increasing your live show attendance is an ongoing process, but the efforts are well worth it. From leveraging social media and local collaborations to offering unique experiences and building a loyal fanbase, each strategy teaches you how to promote concerts more efficiently and effectively while bringing you closer to packed venues and unforgettable performances. Remember, the ultimate goal is to establish a deep connection with your audience, transforming casual listeners into lifelong fans.

You can learn more about Matt and all he offers up in the in partnership with...box in this Issue.

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• PS from PS— How many Singer Songwriters are there? 

Like, Really...

It's difficult to give you anywhere close to an exact number of Singer Songwriters in the world? For oh so many reasons! 

To begin with, the definition of a Singer Songwriter is so broad. And… The music industry is constantly changing. New artists emerge. Old artists retire. Part-time, full-time, some-time. Then add the rise of digital platforms and home recording technology making it easier for people to create and share their music. 

So, it's impossible to provide an exact figure. But… that alone won't stop me trying. Fingers tapping on the keyboard, here's what I've discovered about how many sister and brother Singer Songwriters you have.

• Professionals: 5,000 - 10,000. Well-known artists. These are established Singer Songwriters who make a living primarily through their music.

• Indie and underground musicians: 50,000 - 100,000. Artists who have some success, but may not be widely recognized names.

• Aspiring artists: 500,000 - 1,000,000. People actively pursuing a music career, releasing songs, and performing regularly.

• Part-time performers: 1,000,000 - 2,000,000. Those who write and perform their songs alongside other careers or commitments.

• Hobbyists: 5,000,000 - 10,000,000. People who write and possibly perform as an avocation, without professional aspirations.

So… the total estimate I'm making is there are between 6,555,000 and 13,110,000 Singer Songwriters. (That's in the English-speaking and singing world.)

Let's remove the Pros and the Hobby folks. That leaves between 1,500,000 - 3,100,000. Seems more reasonable. Still seems a lot.

Let's estimate the percentage actively performing and touring for each of these groups:

• Indie and underground musicians: 50-70% Performing locally and touring. Often regionally.

• Aspiring artists: 20-40% Performing and touring. Mostly locally.

• Part-time performers: 5-15% Doing occasional gigs

Snare drum please…

There are between 175,000 and 770,000 Singer Songwriters.

Although a Brit Labor Party supporter all my life, I'll be conservative this once:
I think there are 400,000 active performing Singer Songwriters in the English-speaking world.

Now THE REAL question is: How many of them are making a living from their music? 

Are you?

Our mission at New Music Lives™ is "To Put Success In Your Singer Songwriter Career." And we're closer than we've ever been.

Stay tuned. Coming soon. Really. 

Until we speak again...

Help Us Create More Success For 
More Singer Songwriters Than Ever Before!

It's Time... For a Change. Big Time. Past Time.

New Music Lives™ is 100% committed to the success of every Singer Songwriter we can reach. With the AMP, we're intent on providing the very best resources, inspiration, and knowledge— free of charge— to ALL Singer Songwriters, because Your Music  MUST BE HEARD! 

Our mission is clear: "Put Success in Your Singer Songwriter Career."

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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...