the AMP Issue 56

“I started writing songs in high school. And eventually, I got some songs recorded by some major artists, mostly because I was out there performing, and I was working in coffee houses and lounges, and people came to see me and hear my material.”
— Gordon Lightfoot

In This Issue... 16 pages [about 22ish minutes to read] You'll Get... 

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• RECOMMENDS—  Kris Kristofferson: The Counter-Culture Hero Documentary 

• the AMP ARCHIVES— the best Singer Songwriter's Resource Library ever!?!

• the GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of ALL TIME— Gordon Lightfoot

• BACKSTAGE PASS—  How to build a loyal fan base by Rob Abelow

• COACHING— Is that the best you can do? by John Fogg

• PS from PS— Who Are Your Most Valuable Fans?

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Here’s the playlist
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• Recommends— Kris Kristofferson: The Counter-Culture Hero Full Documentary by Biography on YouTube (44:13)

In the world of singer-songwriters, few figures embody the spirit of rebellion, resilience, and raw talent like Kris Kristofferson. This captivating documentary is a must-watch for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the life of a true American icon. From his days as a Rhodes scholar and army captain to his journey as a helicopter pilot, and ultimately, his rise to fame as a Songwriter and Singer, Kristofferson's life is nothing short of extraordinary.

The documentary takes you through the highs and lows of Kris's career, offering an intimate look at the man behind the music. You'll hear firsthand accounts from those who knew him best, including Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and even his ex-wife and daughters.

These personal insights shed light on the complexities of Kristofferson's character— a man who defied the norms, challenged the status quo, and became a counter-culture hero in the process.

Whether you're familiar with his work or discovering him for the first time, this documentary will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the depth and breadth of Kristofferson's influence. His famous songs, infused with honesty and grit, continue to resonate with audiences across generations. So, grab a seat and get ready to be inspired by the life and legacy of one of the most intriguing figures in the history of music.

Watch the documentary here: Kris Kristofferson: The Counter-Culture Hero

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• the AMP ARCHIVES— the best Singer Songwriter's Resource Library ever!?!

We'd like to think so. But... Hey... Maybe there's a better one. Jason Blume has a ton of great material. So does American Songwriter, and SongTown, and Jay Gilbert, and... You'll find much of them and theirs curated in the AMP. And the way to lay your hands and eyes and ears on them is the AMP Archives. Last issue was all about that. This issue, is a reminder of what a valuable resource is yours. 

the AMP Archive— You've Got ALL the Back Issues

Once upon a time... the AMP is more than a year old. And unless you were with us from the very start, you've probably missed some things. Most of you. So there's probably a wealth of good and great stuff you haven't seen. As a Singer Songwriter AMP Subscriber, they're all yours no matter when you've joined us. Here's how to get them. All.

On your phone or lap/desktop, open any email issue of the AMP. Tap Read Online on the upper right beside the date. That will open up a browser window on the web. Across the top of that page, you'll see a navigation bar: the AMP >  Posts > and the current issue. Tap the AMP on the far left. You'll go right to the Archive page (pictured above) which will allow you to search all 54 past Issues of the AMP or all 43 past issues of the Amp Posted. You can use keywords to search for specific articles, authors or features. Scrolling down the page will offer you boxes for each Issue with the date of publication. There are currently 6 pages of back issues in all.

That's it. That's all... All the AMPs fit to print and they're all yours. It's a 'Who loves ya Baby' thing... ❤️  And for a taste of what's there, this issue of the AMP is all from the Archives. Think of it as the AMP Greatest Hits select collection. Tap here, the AMP Archives to go there now. Enjoy.

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• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Gordon Lightfoot

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Gordon Lightfoot: The Songwriting Legend Who Shaped Music History

Gordon Lightfoot is one of the greatest songwriters to ever put pen to paper. His melodies and lyrics have left an indelible mark on the world of music, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come. 
— Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame

When you think of the greatest Songwriters of all time, the name Gordon Lightfoot inevitably rises to the top. A masterful storyteller and a musical genius, Lightfoot's influence spans across genres, from folk to country, leaving an enduring impact on generations of musicians and listeners alike. With a career that stretched over six decades, his contribution to the music world is nothing short of legendary.

Musical Prowess and Production
Gordon Lightfoot's music is synonymous with rich storytelling and intricate melodies. His ability to weave narratives that resonate deeply with listeners is a hallmark of his songwriting. Lightfoot's production style evolved over the years, embracing both the simplicity of folk and the complexities of orchestral arrangements. This versatility allowed him to create a diverse catalog that appealed to a broad audience.

"I've always admired Gordon Lightfoot's ability to tell a story with his music. He's one of the greats."
—  Elvis Presley

Among his most iconic songs are If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Each of these tracks showcases Lightfoot's gift for capturing human emotions and experiences in a way that is both poignant and timeless. If You Could Read My Mind is a classic example, with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics that speak to the complexities of love and loss.

If I could read your mind, love
What a tale your thoughts could tell
Just like a paperback novel
The kind the drugstore sells
When you reach the part where the heartaches come
The hero would be me
But heroes often fail
And you won't read that book again
Because the ending's just too hard to take

His albums, such as Sundown and Gord's Gold, not only topped the charts but also solidified his place in music history. Sundown, released in 1974, became his first and only album to reach number one on the Billboard 200. The title track, Sundown, was a smash hit, reaching the top of the charts and becoming one of his signature songs. Gord's Gold, a compilation album, brought together his greatest hits and introduced his music to new generations of fans.

"Gordon Lightfoot is one of my favorite songwriters. He has a way with words that few others have."
—  Johnny Cash

Concerts and Awards
Lightfoot's live performances were as captivating as his recorded music. His concerts were often intimate affairs, where his warm voice and acoustic guitar created a connection with the audience that felt personal and profound. He toured extensively throughout his career, with notable performances at prestigious venues such as Massey Hall in Toronto, where he performed a record-breaking 170 times. These concerts became legendary, with fans and critics alike praising his ability to bring his songs to life on stage.

"Gordon Lightfoot has a voice that could bring tears to your eyes, and a songwriting  talent that has touched millions."
— Kris Kristofferson

Over the years, Gordon Lightfoot received numerous awards and accolades, reflecting his significant contributions to the music industry. He was honored with 16 Juno Awards, Canada's equivalent to the Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1986. In 2003, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor in the country. His legacy was further cemented in 2012 when he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his outstanding contributions to Canadian culture.

Personal Life and Inspirations
Gordon Lightfoot's personal life was as complex and intriguing as his music. He was married three times, and his relationships often served as inspiration for his songwriting. Songs like Beautiful and The Circle Is Small reflect the ups and downs of love and relationships that Lightfoot experienced throughout his life. Despite facing personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism, Lightfoot remained dedicated to his craft, using his music as a form of expression and healing.

Lightfoot's inspiration came from various sources, including his deep connection to nature and his Canadian heritage. His love for the outdoors is evident in songs like Canadian Railroad Trilogy, which captures the spirit and history of Canada's development. His ability to draw from his environment and experiences allowed him to create music that felt both personal and universal.

"Gordon Lightfoot, every time I hear a song of his, it's like I wish it would last forever."
— Bob Dylan

Influence on Country Music and Collaborations
While Lightfoot is often associated with folk music, his influence on country music is undeniable. His storytelling style and acoustic arrangements resonated with country audiences, and many of his songs have been covered by country artists. For instance, Marty Robbins' rendition of Ribbon of Darkness reached number one on the country charts in 1965, bringing Lightfoot's music to a broader audience.

Lightfoot's collaborations with other artists further highlight his impact on the music industry. He worked with legendary musicians such as Bob Dylan who's admiration for Lightfoot is a testament to the Canadian's influence on one of the most iconic  songwriters in history. Lightfoot also collaborated with fellow Canadian artists, including Anne Murray and Joni Mitchell, further solidifying his place as a central figure in the Canadian music scene.

Lightfoot's Legacy
Gordon Lightfoot's legacy is one of profound influence and enduring relevance. His music continues to inspire new generations of songwriters, and his contribution to the art of storytelling through song remains unparalleled. His ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, combined with his technical skill as a musician, makes him one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

"Gordon Lightfoot has been an inspiration to me throughout my career. His songs are timeless and resonate with truth."
— Neil Young

Lightfoot's impact on music extends beyond his songs. He helped shape the sound of country music, bringing a folk sensibility to the genre that influenced countless artists. His collaborations and covers by other musicians further spread his influence, ensuring that his music will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

Gordon Lightfoot's place in music history is secure. His songs have become the soundtrack to countless lives, and his influence can be heard in the music of today's songwriters.

As one of the greatest songwriters of all-time, Lightfoot's legacy is one of unparalleled artistry and heartfelt storytelling, ensuring that his music will endure for generations to come.

in partnership with Where Music's Going and Rob Abelow

• BACKSTAGE PASS— How to build a loyal fan base by Rob Abelow

Fred. [We know: Who's Fred? Friend of Rob's] Again is the model for music's future. 
He's a masterclass in building fandom, redefining what fan interactivity & involvement look like. 

• Direct fan relationships 
• Community over everything 
• More of a friend-dom than a fandom 

Here are all the things Fred is doing right—  and what we can learn: 
 
8 Lessons on How to Build a Loyal Fanbase

1. BUILD DIRECT RELATIONSHIPS
Fred has focused on direct fan engagement from day 1, prioritizing real-time, personal interactions & lean-in locations over mass broadcast channels. 

•  Discord & Reddit communities
•  Exclusive Whatsapp chats
•  1:1 direct messaging 

The results may appear smaller at first, but it creates genuine community, a true understanding of your fans, and the ability to activate them in real-time. 

Everything builds on this foundation. 
It's not just about big numbers.
It's about deep interactions.
 
2. EMBRACE AUTHENTICITY
He's pouring beers behind the bar & attending quiz night with fans. His music samples from everyday moments creating a collaborative diary. 

•  self-shot videos
•  voice memos from friends
•  sharing facetime with collaborators 

There is no pretense. It's never about being slick. Or coming across as bigger, better &  more famous than you. You're all along for the ride.
 
3: COMMUNITY COMES FIRST
For the launch of Actual Life 3, Fred asked the most engaged fans in his Discord to host 18 launch parties across the globe. 

•  Set up events
•  Spread the word
•  Listen to the album 1 day early 

Superfans became the central nodes, rallying the community to connect more deeply in person with Fred as the context. 

First, feed the community.
Then, the masses.
 
4. REWARD FANDOM
Before his Los Angeles Coliseum show, Fred hosted a secret listening party for 150 fans he found & invited who went to his first LA show in 2021. 

•  He greeted each personally, 
•  handed out mugs of tea,
•  & previewed new songs. 

All 2 days before his first arena show in front of 77,000. 
Show fans they're been seen.
Show them they're valued.

5. GET FANS INVOLVED
Fred is constantly including fans in his process, asking for input & cultivating community-generated content. 

•  Voting on which tracks to release
•  Asking fans to suggest local venues
•  Video recaps from the dance floor
•  Co-creating material 

Don't serve fans "content". 
Make them part of the journey.
 
6. CREATE MAGICAL MOMENTS
Fred is the king of pop-up shows. 

•  No roll-out
•  No pre-hype
•  Fans find out first 

Every event feels like you're lucky to be there. You had to be in the know. It's alive. It's ephemeral. Fans band together on Discord & Reddit, creating guides to help each other get into the next one. 

They're marketing through magic. Through FOMO [Fear Of Missing Out]. By understanding that every event or sale isn't about maximizing profits, but investing in your lore. 

What's crazy? 

He's taking the pop-up show mentality to arena tours & selling them out on 3-day notice with a $0 ad budget. These decisions are backed by direct fan data, not vanity metrics like monthly listeners. 

Know your fans, know your worth.
The best marketing is from the ground up.
 
7. MAKE FANS a MAIN CHARACTER
When a fan accidentally paused Fred's decks during his now iconic Boiler Room set, he simply flashed a smile, and embraced him & it became the most memorable moment of the now viral set. 

Later, Fred invited this fan to accept his Best Live Act award by DJ Mag. He took this fan's worst moment & made it his best. 

Lift your fans up.
Everyone's in it together.
 
8. BE A CONNECTOR
Fred finds ways to bring people together around his art. 

Like leading a massive community bike ride across London to celebrate the release of Actual Life 3. Or facilitating a fan's marriage proposal in the middle of his set. 

What people want more than anything else is human connection.
This is the dopamine Fred delivers.
 
There Is No Formula
No rinse and repeat. But there are lessons to learn. 

• Create direct fan relationships 
• Embrace authenticity 
• Put community first 
• Reward your fans 
• Encourage participation 
• Create magical moments 
• Make fans a main character 
• Bring people together 

Community building may be the most important skill you can have today. 

And when done right, the community can be the best fuel for momentum & cutting through. Your magical moments go viral. The word-of-mouth is sticky. You've created a space others want to enter. 

If you lean all the way in, your reach will grow.  And it will last. 

- Rob 

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Scroll back up to in partnership with... to learn all about Rob Abelow and Where Music's Going

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• COACHING—  Is this the best you can do? by John Fogg

So... You've finally finished the song. Whew. Long exhale. Very long. 

It's good. Very good. But... Is it the best you can do?

I'm going to tell you a story. It's a fairly famous anecdote about Henry Kissinger when he was Secretary of State in the Nixon White House. Kissinger was known for his demanding standards and relentless pursuit of excellence. The tale is as follows:

A young aide was tasked with writing a report for Kissinger. After finishing the report, the aide handed it in. He was shortly called to the Secretary's office. Kissinger handed him back the report and asked, Is this the best you can do? 

The aide, feeling uncertain, took the report back. He stayed up all night researching and re-writing. First thing the next morning, he handed it in to Kissinger. Again. 

Kissinger called him to his office and once again asked, Is this the best you can do? 

The aide, now more anxious than ever, took the report, and revised it further. And then further again— and brought it back to Kissinger. 

For the third time, Kissinger asked, Is this the best you can do? The aide, exhausted, frustrated, convinced there was nothing more he could improve, said, Yes! This is the best I can do. 

Kissinger replied, "Good. Now I'll read it."

This story speaks to striving for excellence. Not accepting mediocrity. Being unwilling to settle for less than your best. 

Is this the best you can do? 

Is that a question worth asking yourself?

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Fun fact: The aide in the story is identified as Winston Lord, who later became a prominent diplomat and served as the U.S. Ambassador to China from 1985 to 1989. Winston Lord worked closely with Henry Kissinger during the Nixon administration and played a significant role in the historic opening of relations between the United States and China. 

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PS from PS— Who Are Your Most Valuable Fans?

Every Singer Songwriter has fans. The successful ones have a tribe of TrueFans. The super-successful ones have a super-tribe. Have you ever wondered who your most valuable fans and TrueFans are? Here's a quick pic of these special people:

•  They spend 10 times more on you.

•  They consistently engage with you. 

•  They're the most active on your social media.

•  They're your biggest advocates, eagerly sharing your music with family, friends, and strangers.

So, who are these incredible, devoted fans?

The answer is simple: They're the ones who show up to your live-in-person gigs.

These are your TrueFans, and they deserve your EXTRA attention. So, how can you identify them in the sea of faces at your shows? Several ways:

•  Have a sign-up sheet at the entrance

•  Display a QR code for easy check-ins

•  Create an eye-catching banner with a call to action

The key is to be Aware of them. Appreciate their value. And Acknowledge them. The more publicly the better. Make the effort to connect and engage. Big Time. These fans are the lifeblood of your career. Getting to know them as up close and personal as possible is crucial for your success.

And look, humans have been making music for at least 400,000 years. And until 100 years ago, it's all been LIVE! I'm not negating the power of digital any and everything for your Singer Songwriter career. But let me ask you this…

Name one successful Singer Songwriter who does not perform live?

Case made. Now, some exciting news: We're on the brink of bringing you a game-changing tool designed specifically for performing Singer Songwriters that will...

1. Effortlessly identify who attends your shows.

2. Simplify the process of connecting with your TrueFans

3. Enable you to build meaningful relationships with your most valuable supporters

Your ability to nurture these vital connections is about to reach a whole new level. Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your TrueFan tribe?

PS to my PS: Be sure to read How to build a loyal fan base by Rob Abelow up above. It's all about your most valuable fans

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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Money should never be a barrier for any aspiring artist. Those Singer Songwriters who need the AMP the most are often the ones who can afford it the least. That’s why we’ve made the AMP accessible to everyone. Free. No Charge. And No Strings. 

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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...