the TrueFans AMP— POSTED Issue 84

Author

PAUL SAUNDERS
May 24, 2025

"Music is probably the one real magic I have encountered in my life" 
— Tom Petty 

• How artists create brand worlds Using Baudrillard's theories of hyperreality from basebuilder .co— Artists can leverage the philosophical concepts of simulation and hyperreality to create compelling brand narratives. Why it matters— Having great music is just the first step in building sustainable music careers. To generate revenue, musicians need a fanbase. To build a fanbase, they require a brand.

• In Wake of $25+ Mil. NEA Grant Termination, Non-Profit Arts Funding Up In The Air from  Pollstar News— This past May 2, more than five hundred recipients of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants across the majority of states received an email informing them that their grants were terminated or withdrawn. 

• 3 Classic Rock Songs That Highlight the Ups and Downs of Money from americansongwriter .com— These famous classic rock songs take on the world of finances and money in honest and occasionally humorous ways.

• Your TrueFans AMP™ is out now and... It's a loooonnngggg one. Chock full.

• Leila L’Abate on Tracy Chapman. On Facebook— When this song is sung from the Black experience and perspective, it has a much greater urgency and depth. Leila L’Abate is so worth following. Such fascinating stories. What’s yours…?

in partnership with ThinkPositiveAlways

Why Every Singer-Songwriter Should Bookmark ThinkPositiveAlways.com

In an industry where resilience is just as important as talent, staying inspired is essential. Think Positive Always isn’t just a website— it’s a daily dose of encouragement, wisdom, and motivation that helps artists keep going, no matter what challenges they face.

Whether you’re a Songwriter looking for fresh lyrical inspiration, an independent artist building your fanbase, or simply someone who needs a little boost to stay on track, Think Positive Always delivers the kind of content that uplifts and fuels creativity.

At ThinkPositiveAlways.com, you’ll find:

A Vast Collection of Inspiring Quotes— From legendary musicians, poets, and thought leaders to modern-day motivators, their extensive library of quotes is a goldmine for Songwriters. Whether you're looking for something to post on social media to connect with your fans or need a spark of insight for your next song, these words can be the catalyst for your creativity.

Deep-Dive Resource Articles— Topics range from mastering self-belief and overcoming creative blocks to staying focused on long-term success. Some standout reads include:

• The Power of Persistence: How to Keep Going When No One Believes in You 

• Creativity and Fear: How to Break Through Self-Doubt 

• The Daily Rituals of Highly Successful Artists 

Shareable Content for Social Media & Newsletters— If you’re an artist who engages with fans online, Think Positive Always makes it easy. Their curated quotes and insights can be perfect for social media posts that encourage and inspire your audience. In an era where authenticity is everything, sharing content that resonates with your journey— and theirs— can strengthen the connection with your listeners.

Encouragement for the Musician’s Journey— Let’s face it, the artist’s path is filled with ups and downs. Some days, the lyrics flow effortlessly; other days, self-doubt creeps in. Think Positive Always provides daily reminders that every great Songwriter has faced challenges— and that perseverance, faith, and a positive mindset are key to making it.

a Final Word
Whether you need a pick-me-up on a tough day, a source of inspiration for your next lyric, or content that speaks to the heart of your audience, Think Positive Always is an invaluable resource.

Take a look at ThinkPositiveAlways.com— because sometimes, a single sentence can change everything.

... and here's the more...

• Writing in Your Best Genre— In this episode of Song Revolution, hosts John Chisum and Bryant Urich continue their deep dive into genre, style, and artistic identity—with practical insights on how to discover and develop your best musical lane. From personal stories to real-world examples like Anya Lee, Clark Beckham, and the NCS Collective, John and Bryant unpack how to write with intention, identify your audience, and stay creatively inspired.

• The 3 Most Important Lines In a Song (Amateur Songwriters Miss These!) from SongTown on YouTube— In this week’s SongTown Songwriting Podcast episode, multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson, break down the 3 most important lines in a Song. Master these 3 concepts and you will instantly be writing better songs!


• Opinion | Country Music Is Entirely at War With Itself from nytimes .com— American pop culture typically goes country when the White House goes Republican. But there’s a wrinkle this time around— a veritable renaissance has come for country music over the last decade, as Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and queer artists have staked a legitimate claim to the genre...

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...