the AMP Issue 59

"Progress is not possible without deviation."
— Frank Zappa

Hey! Is the AMP a newsletter or a magazine...?

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

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• RECOMMENDS—  Building a World-Class Singing Voice, FREE Masterclass, Thursday, September 26 with Cari Cole 

• the BIZ—  Breaking Through: How Independent Artists Are Moving Upstream
by Jaime Marconette, from Luminate News

• the GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of ALL TIME— Hank Williams (revisited)

• BACKSTAGE PASS— the 4-Point Introduction from John Fogg

• COACHING—  Get Professional Feedback from Jason Blume

• PS from PS— Follow Up Follow Through

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Here's the playlist

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• Recommends— Building a World-Class Singing Voice, FREE Masterclass, Thursday, September 26 with Cari Cole 

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Young 'Queen Cole' is one of our New Music Lives™ partners. I met Cari many years ago and recently reconnected. All that time she has been coaching and training and coaching and, and, and. The lady knows. This free MasterClass is a rare opportunity to learn from the very best. If you have a voice and want more and better, this is a Don't Miss Opportunity!
— John Fogg

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this is from the email Cari sent us about the MasterClass

First things first, I want you to mark Thursday, 9/26 on your calendar and sign up for my brand new epic FREE Masterclass event right now! Big things are coming— and I want you to be involved! 

If you've been following along with the last few emails I've been sharing lately, let me ask you…

...are you a little worn out wondering when your voice will sound the way you want or get you the attention you deserve? 

…are you ready to turn the page and step into techniques that provide real solutions?

You can!

I'm on a mission right now to empower one million voices in a movement to transform singer's voices across the globe. 

And that includes YOURS.

It is high time to ignite your voice and get your message out to the world!  

In this brand new MasterClass I will show you the power of transformative world-class singing techniques that will completely unlock your true potential and help you achieve the vocal sound and mastery that you've always dreamed of. 

If you're ready to discover how to enhance your vocal power and performance to a world-class level, this MasterClass is for you!

In this free training, I will focus on what really matters: the exact techniques cultivated over decades that actually get results.

Since you're still here reading this, I know you're with me!

Over the years, I've heard singers and vocal coaches discussing terms like "nasal resonance," "tuck your abdomen in," and "breathe in your belly," and honestly, it leaves me frustrated.

Because I see singers being misled. And it comes down to one main problem…

Techniques that I call "window dressing"... They only address a "quick fix" on the surface of your voice and never lead to the real results you need to deliver at peak performance. 

And even when I explain that, people keep trying them!

But what if all that "window dressing" was just a distraction? 

What if the key to unleashing your vocal power was no longer found in new approaches every time...

... but was encoded inside a tried and true set of movements and techniques that fix the core mechanics of your voice to not only make you sound better in an instant but sing better— permanently.

Imagine the thrill of having complete strangers stopping you to compliment your voice, all because you've embraced true vocal mastery! This is exactly what happens to students who use these methods!

Hear me when I say your dreams matter. Your voice matters.

You deserve to have the right tools and training at your fingertips!

If you're ready to see what's truly possible for you and step into that next level, then come and join me for a FREE Masterclass Training on 9/26, Building a World-Class Singing Voice: The Ultimate Steps to Vocal Mastery, Precision, and Excellence.

But hurry, it's only a few weeks away. Go save your seat right now before it's too late.

Tap this link: Save My Seat 

• Replay provided for all registrants (+ Plus, LIVE attendees receive my PDF outline!)

Together, we're going to unleash your true vocal power and step into the vocal mastery and confidence of an award-winning, world-class singing voice! And you can be a part of our mission to transform a million voices worldwide. 

Ready to build an award-winning, world-class voice? This exclusive method is only available through us, and it's time you experienced the difference.

Can't wait to see you there!

With love and support,

Cari Cole

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To learn more about Cari scroll down below to the gold in partnership with... box

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• the BIZ— Breaking Through: How Independent Artists Are Moving Upstream
by Jaime Marconette, from Luminate News
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When we published our Global and U.S. Audio Track Streaming Pyramids for the first time in 2023, one of the questions we received was, "This is fascinating, but can you tell us what's happening inside these different rank thresholds?" Well, in Luminate's 2024 Midyear Music Report published last month, we looked to provide more insight throughout the different rankings, but with a couple of changes…we converted the streaming tiers to be based on a number of artists rather than ISRCs, and we analyzed for the distributor listed on the artist's most streamed track. 

Looking at the data this way reveals a trend in the rise of independent artists throughout the ranks and reflects the evolving dynamics of the U.S. music industry. While 43 of the 46 artists with more than 1B U.S. On-Demand Audio (ODA) streams through the first half of 2024 had major distribution, an inflection point is seen in the 10M-50M U.S. ODA rank where 62.3% of artists have major distribution, and in the 1M-10M U.S. ODA rank where 62.1% have independent.

And when looking into the share changes in the N number of independent artists throughout the tiers, we see that...

Indie artists have grown their representation at each of the higher levels....

There are also more artists entering into the 1M-10M and 10M-50M tiers. Through the first half of 2024, there were more than 29K artists that reached 1M-10M ODA streams, an increase of approximately 1,400 over H2 2023. And in the 10M-50M tier, there were more than 5K artists counted in H1 2024, which is 267 more than the second half of last year.

Not to be ignored, emerging genres on the whole also reveal key insights. For example, HyperPop listeners are highly engaged, 160% more likely to listen to vinyl and significantly more likely to discover music on platforms like Twitch. The trend of independent artists reaching new heights in the streaming economy highlights a shift toward greater diversity and a broader array of voices reaching audiences globally.
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Jaime Marconette is the Vice President of Music Insights & Industry Relations at Luminate, a leading entertainment data provider. In his role, Marconette oversees music data analysis, insights, and industry relations, helping guide strategic decisions for music companies, artists, and executives. His expertise spans market trends, streaming analytics, and broader industry insights, making him a key player in shaping the future of music data. With years of experience in the music industry, Marconette is dedicated to delivering actionable intelligence that empowers stakeholders across the music ecosystem.

Luminate is entertainment's preeminent data and insights company, providing trusted analytics across music, television, film, and digital media. With comprehensive reports and cutting-edge tools, Luminate empowers industry professionals to make informed decisions, track trends, and maximize success. Stay ahead with the latest industry insights by subscribing to the Luminate News. Tap the link. 

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• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Hank Williams (revisited)

Our very first Greatest Singer Songwriters of all time, featuring Hank Williams, was published in the AMP Issue 19, in the first week of December 2023. We've gotten better, so... Here we come again...

Hank Williams: The Pioneer of Country Music and a Timeless Influence

"Hank Williams didn't just perform and write songs— he created a quintessential soundtrack of deep feeling, heartache, longing, and the human condition. His legacy as one of the greatest Singers and Songwriters of all time is undeniable and will endure as long as Singers sing and Songwriters write songs."

Hank Williams stands tall— far higher than his actually 6 feet tall— as a pioneer of country music— and all Americana— as a Songwriter who transformed the genre and influenced countless musicians across the decades. His short, tumultuous life was packed with groundbreaking music that blended simple, raw emotion with extraordinary craftsmanship. From heartfelt ballads to foot-stomping honky-tonk hits Williams left an indelible mark on music history. His songs continue to be covered, studied, and revered by Singer Songwriters today.

Early Life and Inspirations
Born Hiram King Williams on September 17, 1923, in Mount Olive, Alabama, Hank was raised in a family that struggled to make ends meet. His love for music was sparked by his exposure to gospel music in church and the blues influence he absorbed from a local African American street performer named Rufus Payne, known as Tee-Tot. Williams' fusion of country, blues, and gospel would become the foundation of his unique sound. 

"Hank's music spoke to everyone. He was a Songwriter's Songwriter— he could take the smallest moment of human life and turn it into a universal truth."
— Kris Kristofferson

From an early age, Williams was driven to write songs that expressed the heartache and struggles of everyday life. His ability to channel personal pain into universal themes resonated deeply with audiences. Hank's life was filled with challenges, including lifelong health issues like spina bifida, which caused chronic pain, and his battle with alcoholism— a struggle that would ultimately contribute to his untimely death at the age of 29.

Musical Legacy and Influence
Hank Williams recorded some of the most iconic country songs of all time, with a catalog that remains unmatched in its emotional depth and accessibility. His biggest hits include Your Cheatin' Heart, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, Lovesick Blues, and Hey, Good Lookin', among others. These songs defined country music in the late 1940s and early 1950s and set the bar for generations of Songwriters to come.

"Hank Williams gave country music its soul. Without him, we wouldn't have the country music we know today."
— Dolly Parton

Williams was not just a performer but a consummate Songwriter whose influence transcended genres. He wrote songs that were deceptively simple but packed with emotional complexity— offering listeners a deep connection to the human experience. His records sold millions, with songs like Cold, Cold Heart and Jambalaya topping the charts and becoming anthems of heartbreak and resilience. His influence on artists like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and George Jones cannot be overstated. Williams' ability to create timeless music with relatable themes has well-earned him a place among the greatest Songwriters of all time.

High Points and Personal Struggles
Williams' career took off when he signed with MGM Records in 1947, quickly becoming a national sensation. His concert performances were electrifying, and he often toured extensively, bringing his heartfelt songs to packed audiences across the country. However, his personal life was as turbulent as his career was successful. His marriage to Audrey Sheppard in 1944 was fraught with difficulties, including infidelity and substance abuse issues, leading to their eventual divorce in 1952.

"Hank's voice could break your heart in a way that no one else's ever could. He wrote and sang from a place so real, it can make you cry just thinking about it."
— Johnny Cash

Hank's battle with alcoholism and drug addiction was well-documented, and his ongoing health struggles made it difficult for him to sustain his professional obligations. Despite these hardships, his creativity never waned. His ability to write such emotionally resonant songs, even amidst his personal turmoil, made him a legend. Sadly, his substance abuse and health problems led to his untimely death on January 1, 1953, leaving a void in the music world that has never been filled.

Political and Social Activism
Though Hank Williams wasn't directly involved in political or social activism, his music spoke to the everyday struggles of the working class and rural Americans. His songs captured the human condition in a way that transcended cultural boundaries. Williams gave a voice to the voiceless and his influence on protest songs and socially conscious songwriting would later inspire artists like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

"Hank Williams was a genius. His ability to make music that lasts forever is something every Songwriter strives for."
— Merle Haggard

A Lasting Influence on Songwriters
Hank Williams' impact on Singer Songwriters is immeasurable. His pioneering blend of country, gospel, and blues created a new standard for songwriting— one that prioritized authenticity and emotion over complexity. He proved that simplicity could be profound, and that vulnerability was not a weakness, but a strength.

Many artists who followed in his footsteps have credited Williams with shaping their own songwriting. His ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level has inspired countless musicians to strive for the same level of connection through their music. Modern Singer Songwriters continue to draw from his well of raw emotion, poetic lyrics, and catchy melodies, cementing his place as a timeless influence.

"Hank Williams is like a sacred source. I listen to him every time I need to remember why I do what I do."
— Bob Dylan

in partnership with Celebrity Vocal and Songwriting Coach Cari Cole

• BACKSTAGE PASS— the 4 Point Introduction by John Fogg

At some point in your Singer Songwriter's career, you'll probably be called on to give an introduction— or provide one for a host who's going to introduce you. You can wing it. And maybe you'll do great. And maybe you won't. And you might even blow it. Badly. Which is how I was painfully introduced to 'the 4 Point Introduction.'

I've done a hundred or so podcast interviews and introduced people on stage with this 'formula' and can attest to 'it never fails.' It comes from Dale Carnegie, author of the 1936 classic How To Win Friends and Influence People, which has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and continues selling to this day.

This 'intro' can be used on any stage, for YouTube videos, podcasts, teleseminars, and webinars, and even for writing articles and emails. It goes like this:

1. Tell the audience what the performer is going to give them. If you're introducing a Singer Songwriter or a band, or you're providing a host or MC an intro for them to use for you, briefly describe the performance they are about to listen to. The genre. Style. Unique qualities of the music and/or the performer. Let t the audience know what they can expect.

2. Tell the audience what gives the performer the 'right' to be up on that stage— build the performer's credibility by telling them about their gigs played, records sold, awards, anything you can say to make a big deal out of the performer and why the audience really wants to 'listen up.'

3. Then, tell the audience one of these two things (or both if you want):

• Share a contribution, influence, or impact the performer has made to you— personally— and explain why that's important and special for you. 

• Tell the audience one or two things you admire most about the performer and their songs— explain what makes each one of those admirable things important and special for you. 

4. For the first time… say the speaker's name. "Ladies & gentlemen… My friends… It's my pleasure to introduce..." Then say the performer's 'Name.'

Takes a minimum of forethought, usually for point 2 about building credibility. The rest is just you being authentic and enthusiastic.

That's it. That's all.

There may be other ways, but as said: the 4-Point Intro Never fails.

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• COACHING—  Get Professional Feedback from Jason Blume

I received a request from a father to listen to a song that had been written by his adult son, who was coping with severe challenges. Dad promised me the song was "GREAT," and asked me to help, stating that all his son needed was a break, such as an introduction to publishers.
 
I wanted to love the song. I wanted to do everything in my power to help this guy to whom life had dealt a really lousy hand. 
 
The backing track (played by pro-Nashville session players) was good, but it couldn't hide that the underlying song wasn't "great," and the vocals were pitchy
and not quite in the pocket. The melody rambled and if there was a chorus, I couldn't identify it.
 
I characterized the genre as alternative rock— a style in which artists virtually always write their own material. I couldn't think of any outlets for the song. 
 
I did my best to be kind, but I did not sugarcoat my comments. Dad's response was, "But he has 500 more songs."
 
My honest, professional assessment had not gotten through. 
 
This reminded me of the countless times when I pitched songs that I KNEW were great-— #1s just waiting to happen.

Nothing anyone could have said would have convinced me otherwise.

All I needed was the right connections.

Right? 

WRONG.

Through the magic lens of retrospect, I see that my songs were not even close to being competitive with the hits of the day, nor were they targeting artists who did not write their own material.

(I hate to break it to you, but Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Adele, and their peers are not going to record a song they did not write or co-write.)
 
It is crucial that we believe in ourselves. 

But sometimes, what we need to believe is that even if we are not yet where we hope to be— by polishing our skills, acquiring tools and techniques, practicing, getting pro feedback, and developing patience— we might get to where we want to be. 
 
Luck is great, but it needs to accompany exceptional songs and the ability to take care of business. It is not luck that makes a melody burn into listeners' brains; nor is it luck that makes an artist say, "This song is INCREDIBLE! It could be a Grammy contender and will propel my career to the next level."

Get professional feedback.

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Jason Blume is a renowned songwriting expert (as well as one of New Music Lives™ partners) with multiple Billboard-charting hits and a deep commitment to helping aspiring Songwriters succeed. His workshops, books, and resources have inspired countless artists to hone their craft and achieve their dreams. To learn more from Jason and tap into his treasure chest of articles and resources, and sign up for his newsletter, tap here: Jason Blume.  

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PS from PS— Follow Up Follow Through

I was thinking about providing AMP readers with a simple and effective power tool this week. A lot of ideas came to mind. But the one that spoke loudest was the importance of 'follow up'. Also called 'follow through.'

It's an idea that applies to almost everyone working in the entertainment industry— and life in general. Literally, anyone who is trying to move something forward.

Follow-up— and the persistence that's inherent in it— is largely what has always helped my career in the music business.

I came across the initial email I sent to a company I wanted to do business with back in 2014. (I can't believe I wrote 'Dear ___ ' as if I was writing a letter.)

In that email correspondence thread, I'd followed up and checked back multiple times after not hearing from them. It took almost 5 months to schedule a call with the key person at the company. I had checked in once a month for five months until the call was set. Ten years later, I see that I must've made a mental note to check in— as opposed to just hoping the email was read the first time and letting it go— because it was that important to me.

Now, this piece isn't about my email outreach, but it is about the power and importance of follow-up (politely and respectfully) when you don't hear back.

A musician friend of mine called this 'Relentless Patience.'

Most people don't follow up/follow through. They send the initial email, text, or outreach. Hope someone responds. If they don't hear back they just move on. 

There's power in persistence. 

This applies to literally everything. 

Reached out to someone to create an opportunity for yourself and didn't hear back. Check in again (again, politely of course) or take another route. If they don't respond to email after 2 follow-ups, try a social media DM. Where there's a will… If it's important.

Looking to get in touch with a specific producer and they don't respond to your first message? Without bombarding or spamming them, it's okay to follow up once more. And again. You do deserve an answer.

This also applies to releasing music. Many Singer Songwriters put out music every now and then. There is no real plan to follow up. Follow through. Instead, make it a planned schedule of releases building to an album release, a tour, or both. You can make things move more in your favor with a planned sequence of follow-up, following through on your releases with more releases. Following up is persistence.

Let's be real… communication in the entertainment industry (specifically the music biz) is a mess. It's spread across text messages, social media, DMs, emails, Slack, and more. It's so scattered that there's a decent likelihood that whoever you're communicating with may forget to respond or have missed your message altogether. 

Relentless Patience. Persistence is key. Follow up. Follow through. Follow up. Follow through. Then… Repeat. Again. 

Until we speak again... 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."

Why Free Matters
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. 

And... we're asking for your support to continue this mission— and reach more Singer Songwriters than ever!

If you like an' love the AMP, benefit from its content, and believe in our cause, please consider making a donation. Your contribution ensures we can keep providing this invaluable resource to more and more Singer Songwriters.

And here to please Share our mission with your friends, family, and fellow singer songwriters.

Every dollar helps us Inform, Involve, and Inspire more singer songwriters like you and keep the AMP the best newsletter in the business. 

Thank you for being an important part of your New Music Lives™ .comUnity. Together we are the future of music.

Join Us. Support the AMP. You  Make a Difference.

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...