the AMP Issue 46

"That's the motivation of an artist— to seek attention of some kind."

"I don't take compliments very easily. I think most musicians suffer from low self-esteem to some extent."

 "I believe musicians have a duty, a responsibility to reach out, to share your love or pain with others."
— all from James Taylor

In This Issue... 15 pages [less than 22 minutes to read] You'll Get...

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• RECOMMENDS— Summer Of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

• the BIZ— MIDiA Research 2024-2031 Global Music Forecasts

• BACKSTAGE PASS— 11 Trends That Will Put Success In Your Singer Songwriter Career

• COACHING— Should You Hire a 'Song Plugger'— or Not? from Jason Blume 

• ONE OF the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time— James Taylor

• MONDEGREEN— Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight by James Taylor

• PS from PS— The Power of True Fans— Transforming Followers into Devoted Advocates

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Here’s the playlist

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• RECOMMENDS— Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised

As Woodstock became a generational event in the summer of 1969, with an estimated 400,000 attendees and a feature film, the six-week Harlem Cultural Festival unfolded in Mount Morris Park to much less media fanfare. But Summer of Soul, from Ahmir Thompson, better known as Questlove, makes the case for its significance as a musical and political revelation. The documentary unearths stirring footage of Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, Sly and the Family Stone, and others performing at an anxious time for Black people in America. Our critic Wesley Morris called it "a mind-blowing moment of American history."

"Summer of Soul... is a restoration of a brilliant cultural display of 'the gifts of song and story' Black Americans have contributed to their unchosen land, it is implicitly an argument for reparations, meeting all the criteria for Morris's fantasy Truth Commission. It is at once a riveting entertainment and a work of 'sobering virtue,' that provides "catharsis rather than a loophole…It is not a way out." It is a way in. If a Truth and Reconciliation Commission ever were to happen and if it were televised, Summer of Soul needs to be its overture."  
— Cineaste Magazine

Available on all major streaming channels 

You can catch the trailer on YouTube. Tap here: Summer of Soul 

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the BIZ— MIDiA Research 2024-2031 Global Music Forecasts

This is a short summary of key highlights from MIDiA's comprehensive 70+ page report. A link to download the summary is provided below..
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As this report reveals, 2023 was a positive year for the global recorded music market. Crucially, it was a year in which the industry demonstrated its ability to diversify revenue growth with strong performance across not only streaming, but also physical, performance, and expanded rights.

Streaming remains the beating heart of revenue and will remain so for the forecast  period covered in this report. However, it now exists as one part of a robust, diversified  revenue portfolio.

The strong growth in 2023 should not be taken lightly. It came in the midst of uncertainty in the wider global economy and geopolitical turmoil. Moreover, subscriber growth continued at a a good pace despite the first wave of major price increases in the history of music subscriptions.

All these factors point to a recorded music market that has demonstrated its inherent consumer appeal, even in challenging times.

The coming years will not be without challenges, not least the coming bifurcation of the industry between the traditional streaming-centred business on one side and the  continued rise of a more social and fan-focused business on the other.

The full report can be downloaded here: MIDiA Research 2024-2031 Global Music Forecasts https://www.midiaresearch.com/music-forecasts

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• BACKSTAGEPASS— 11 Trends That Will Put Success In Your Singer Songwriter Career

These trends are likely to impact the best ways for Singer Songwriters to create a successful career, especially heading into 2024 and beyond.

1. Social Media and Streaming Platforms: Utilizing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify can be crucial for exposure. These platforms allow artists to showcase their work, engage with fans, and even go viral. Streaming platforms also offer revenue opportunities and can help in building a global audience.

2. Crowdfunding and Fan Funding: Sites like Kickstarter, Patreon, and Bandcamp allow artists to fund their projects through fan contributions. This method not only helps in raising funds for recording or touring but also strengthens the connection with the fanbase.

3. House Concerts and Live Streaming: Personal and intimate venues like house concerts are becoming popular. Additionally, live-streaming concerts on platforms like Twitch or Instagram Live can reach audiences who can't attend in person.

4. Content Marketing: Creating engaging content beyond music, like blogs, vlogs, or podcasts, can help in building a brand and keeping the audience engaged.

5. Collaborations and Networking: Collaborating with other artists and industry professionals can open up new opportunities and broaden the fan base. Networking can be crucial in establishing a career in the music industry.

6. Direct-to-Fan Sales and Merchandising: Selling music, merchandise, and exclusive content directly to fans can be a significant revenue stream. It also helps in maintaining control over one's career and creative output.

7. Focus on Niche Markets: Targeting specific niches or genres can help in building a dedicated fanbase, which can be more sustainable in the long term.

8. Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data analytics to understand audience preferences and behaviors can guide marketing strategies and music distribution.

9. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Aligning with social causes or focusing on sustainable practices can resonate with audiences, especially among younger demographics.

10. Independent Music Distribution: Utilizing independent distribution channels can offer more control and better revenue sharing models than traditional record deals.

11. Personal Branding: Building a strong personal brand and online presence is increasingly important, as it helps to stand out in a crowded market.

These trends indicate a shift towards more independent and direct-to-fan approaches in the music industry, leveraging technology and personal connection to put success in your career.

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• COACHING— Should You Hire a Song Plugger— or Not? from Jason Blume 

In order to have our songs chosen over those that artists write with the go-to hitmakers, we need to provide something fresh; something wow; something that pushes the boundaries, yet manages to still be consistent with the hits in the genre we are targeting.

A talented songwriter based in Nashville asked if I would recommend an independent song 'plugger.' [Someone who mentions a product, event, or establishment publicly in order to promote it: during the show he plugged his new record.] Some of her songs had won contests and she had some impressive accomplishments. But she had not secured a hit song or publishing deal in Nashville.

Hiring an independent plugger sounds like an ideal way to overcome the frustration of hitting brick walls trying to pitch our own material or secure meetings with publishers. Instead, for a fee— a monthly retainer with a bonus structure— we can hire someone to pitch our songs. 
 
So, what's the catch?
 
I have been teaching songwriting for almost 35 years. During that time, I've seen countless students invest tens of thousands of dollars to hire independent pluggers. In some of these instances, they received monthly reports detailing the places and people to whom their songs had been pitched.
 
But the stone-cold reality is that I have never seen a songwriter who had not previously had success in Nashville secure their first major label cut as a result of the efforts of an independent song plugger.

A few years back, I asked my 5,000 Facebook friends— most of whom are Songwriters— if they— or anyone they know— had secured their first major label cut by engaging an independent plugger.
 
Zero.

I am not saying that it will never happen. But I am not liking those odds.

So... why haven't talented songwriters found success by engaging independent pluggers?

The pluggers who maintain credibility with industry pros are those with a track record
of delivering hits. With rare exceptions, these pluggers typically only represent writers with track records.

While publishers routinely play songs at face-to-face meetings, independent pluggers— other than those who represent hit writers— are relegated to email pitches which are relegated to the trash.

In many instances, they provide detailed monthly pitch reports so their clients know that their songs are indeed being submitted.
 
There are indeed successful independent song pluggers whose clients are currently signed to publishing deals or have delivered hits in the past.

Why would a hit songwriter, especially one who is signed to a publishing deal, pay money to engage an independent plugger?

I will answer this by sharing my own experience.

I was at the very bottom of the totem pole at the publishing company to which I was signed. Other writers at the company had won recent Song of the Year Grammys and had racked up strings of iconic number-one singles.

When an artist came to the office to be played four or five of the very strongest songs, my songs were almost never among those that were played.
 
After five years as a staff writer, my publisher told me that he was not renewing my contract. During those five years, I'd had more than 30 of my songs go on hold for major labels, with zero releases.

I'd had several independent releases, including the title cut on an album by Kimberly Rhoads, who would find success years later as Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town.

I was devastated at being fired. 

Who would sign a songwriter who had failed to deliver a hit during five years with a successful publishing company?

On the precipice of losing everything I had worked for, I suggested to my publisher that he extend my contract for six more months. I told him that I knew— as strongly as I had ever known anything— that I was a breath away from breakthrough success.

I asked him to advance me a total of $5,000 and to pay for my demos for the next six months. I promised that if I had not secured a hit in that time, I would shake his hand, thank him, and say goodbye.
 
He agreed.

That afternoon, I met with an independent plugger and engaged her services. She was new at song-plugging, but she had strong industry connections.
 
Six months later, songs I had written were on Billboard's pop, country, and R&B charts. Actually, there were two of them on the country charts. One of those recordings, John Berry's version of Change My Mind, hit the top 10— and #1 on the  Billboard Country Singles sales chart.

That song played on the doorbell of the house that it paid for.
 
It had been placed by my independent plugger— and it changed my life. If I had lost my publishing deal, there would have been no recordings by Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, Collin Raye, Jesse McCartney, and so many more.

I completely understand the frustration and desire that drives writers to engage independent song pluggers. But so far, it has not worked.

So what can you do?
 
Perfectly crafted songs that check off all the boxes are a dime a dozen. In fact, you could probably get at least two dozen for a dime. Ha.
 
In order to have our songs chosen over those that artists write with the go-to hit makers, we need to provide something fresh; something wow; something that pushes the boundaries, yet manages to still be consistent with the hits in the genre we are targeting.

Is that a tall order?

Yes.

Is that impossible?

No.

Every year, songwriters break through with their first hit; authors land their first book publishing deal; painters' works are chosen to be displayed in a gallery for the first time. 
 
Don't settle for "good." Aim for "WOW!" and be one of those who breaks through this year.
— Jason Blume

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• One OF the 100 GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of All Time—  James Taylor

"Don't let the lovely, understated tone fool you. James Taylor delivered tales of a tortured soul in a rich, mellow tenor. His confessional Singer Songwriter style paved the way for the likes of Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills and Nash."

— Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2000)

A Legacy of Timeless Music and Influence

James Taylor, has carved an indelible mark in the music industry with his soulful voice, masterful guitar playing, and poignant songwriting. Taylor's music production, iconic hits, record-breaking sales, numerous awards, and his journey through personal struggles have all contributed to his esteemed legacy.

James Taylor's music is characterized by its soothing melodies, introspective lyrics, and intricate guitar work. He first gained widespread recognition with his self-titled debut album in 1968, but it was his second album, Sweet Baby James (1970), that catapulted him to fame. This album featured the hit single Fire and Rain, a deeply personal song reflecting on his struggles with addiction and the suicide of a close friend. The song's raw emotion and relatable themes resonated with listeners, making it one of Taylor's most beloved tracks.

Other notable hits include You've Got a Friend, written by Carole King and featured on his 1971 album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon. Taylor's rendition won him a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Songs like Carolina in My Mind, Shower the People, and How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) further solidified his status as a musical icon.

"He's often been called a singer/songwriter, but that term – applied in the early Seventies to describe Taylor and others who proffered a more folkish, introspective retort to the rock & roll tumult of the Sixties – fails to recognize that he's also incorporated all kinds of blues, Brill Building pop, Motown soul and country influences into one of the more unmistakable musical signatures of the rock era.

His is a subtle, seductive magic, owing to the sturdy craftsmanship of his songs, the casual, amber warmth and Appalachian nasality of his voice and the utterly unique way he fingerpicks the acoustic guitar."
— Parke Puterbaugh

James Taylor's commercial success is a testament to his widespread appeal and enduring popularity. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His Greatest Hits album, released in 1976, achieved Diamond status, with over 12 million copies sold in the United States alone.

Taylor's discography spans over five decades, with 20 studio albums, 6 live albums, and numerous compilations. His albums consistently performed well on the charts, with Sweet Baby James and Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon both reaching multi-platinum status. More recent works like Before This World (2015) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing his continued relevance in the music industry.

Throughout his illustrious career, James Taylor has received numerous awards and accolades. In addition to his Grammy win for You've Got a Friend, Taylor has been honored with five Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album for Hourglass (1997) and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for American Standard (2021).

Taylor's contributions to music have also been recognized with prestigious honors such as the National Medal of Arts (2011) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015). In 2000, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time.

James Taylor's personal life has been marked by both triumph and tribulation. He has been married three times and has four children. His first marriage to singer-songwriter Carly Simon produced two children, Ben and Sally, both of whom have followed in their parents' musical footsteps.

Taylor's struggles with addiction have been well-documented. He battled heroin addiction in the early years of his career, a struggle that influenced many of his early songs. Taylor has been open about his recovery journey, using his platform to advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery.

In addition to his music and personal challenges, Taylor has been an active voice in political and social causes. He has supported various humanitarian efforts and environmental causes, and he has been an outspoken advocate for political candidates and policies he believes in. His activism extends to performances at benefit concerts and public endorsements, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact beyond music.

James Taylor's influence on the music industry and subsequent generations of Singer Songwriters is immeasurable. His introspective songwriting style and soothing musical compositions have inspired countless artists. Taylor's ability to convey deep emotion through his music has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

His timeless songs continue to be covered and celebrated by artists across various genres. Taylor's impact extends beyond his own recordings, as his music has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing his place in popular culture.

James Taylor's legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of all time is well-deserved. His remarkable music production, chart-topping hits, record-breaking sales, numerous awards, and his candidness about personal struggles and activism have all contributed to his enduring influence and success. Taylor's contributions to music and society continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring his place in the pantheon of music legends.

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To visit on the MusicThisDay.com website, tap the link: The 100 Greatest Songwriters Of All Time.

in partnership with Jason Blume

• MONDEGREEN— Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight by James Taylor

Original

Go away then, damn you.

Mondegreen

Go away then, Damien.
Go away then, Daniel.
Go away then, bandanna.
Go away, Ben Dabna.
Go away, D'Artagnan.
Go away, Jim Dandy.
Go away, Lynn Daniels.
Go away, Vendanya.
... and way too many more.

If you're up for more mondegreens of James Taylor songs, tap the link. There are a bunch of misheard song lyrics for Sweet Baby James on amIright currently.

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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• PS from PS— The Power of True Fans— Transforming Followers into Devoted Advocates

In the vast ocean of social media and digital platforms, having a fan base is like owning a lighthouse that guides your creative ship. So... how about turning that lighthouse into a beacon of unwavering support? 

Building a fan base is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you convert those fans into True Fans. True Fans are those who not only appreciate your work but put their money where their ears are: They're also willing to invest their time and energy into everything you create. They are the lifeblood of your Singer Songwriter journey, providing a steady stream of encouragement and financial support that can sustain your passion projects.

True Fans are more than just numbers on a follower count; they are your most loyal advocates. They share your content, spread the word about your latest endeavors, and even defend you against naysayers. This organic promotion is invaluable, as it comes from a place of genuine enthusiasm and trust. 

When your fans become True Fans, they create a ripple effect, attracting more like-minded individuals to your community. This not only amplifies your reach but also fosters a sense of belonging among your audience, making them feel like they are part of something special and exclusive.

More. True Fans provide you with invaluable feedback and insights. They are deeply invested in your success and are more likely to offer constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. This direct line of communication can help you fine-tune your craft and stay attuned to the needs and desires of your audience. 

In a world where trends come and go, having a dedicated group of True Fans ensures that you have a stable foundation to build upon, allowing you to take creative risks and explore new horizons with confidence. So, nurture your fan base, engage with them authentically, and watch as they transform into True Fans who will champion your work for years to come.

Until we speak again. 

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...