the AMP Issue 61

"I don't have any particular methodology, to tell you the truth. 'Silver Blue' took exactly the amount of time to write that it takes to sing it, and 'Prisoner in Disguise' took about a year and a half. So you just never know."
— J. D. Souther

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

In This Issue... 16 pages [about 24ish minutes to read] You'll Get... 

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• RECOMMENDS—  the AMP Archives (Again, because... )

• the BIZ—  Navigating the Stormy Seas of Today's Music Business by John Fogg

• the GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of ALL TIME— J. D. Souther

• COACHING—  The Vital Importance of Self-Esteem for Singer Songwriters

• PS from PS— My Challenge to You

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Here’s the playlist

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• Recommends—   the AMP Archives (Again, because... )

• SPECIAL NOTICE— the AMP Archive — You've Got ALL the Back Issues

Once upon a time... the AMP is more— two month's 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/desk-top, 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 60 past Issues of the AMP or all 49 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... ❤️  Enjoy.

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• the BIZ— Navigating the Stormy Seas of Today's Music Business by John Fogg

The music industry in 2024 is constantly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for Singer Songwriters. As technology, consumer behavior, and industry practices shift, it's crucial for artists to stay informed and adaptable. 

Here's a look at the trends shaping the music business this year and their impact on your career.

— Streaming: Dominant, but Complex
Streaming continues to be the dominant method of music consumption, with platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube leading the charge. While this provides an opportunity for your music to reach a global audience, the financial returns for artists remain a BIG challenge, because they're so SMALL. With fractions of a cent earned per stream, making a living solely off streaming is an uphill battle.

Pros:
• Global Reach: Streaming gives you access to listeners across the world, helping to build a fanbase far beyond your local scene.

• Data Insights: Platforms provide data on listener demographics and song  performance, which can inform your marketing and touring strategies.

Cons:
• Low Payouts: Streaming revenue is notoriously low, making it difficult for  independent artists to rely on it as a significant income source.

• Algorithmic Challenges: Getting your songs on playlists is crucial, but algorithms favor established or already popular artists, making it harder for new voices to break through.

Diversify your revenue streams beyond streaming to ensure financial stability. Use the platform to build an audience, but don't depend on it for a living.

— Live Performances and Gigs: A Rebound, but Different
Live music is making a strong comeback in 2024 after the pandemic disruptions, but with some notable changes. While traditional concerts and tours are still major sources of income, smaller, more intimate experiences like house concerts and live-streamed shows are gaining momentum. Fans are seeking personal, memorable experiences and are often willing to pay premium prices for such exclusivity.

Pros:
• Increased Demand: As fans crave the live music experience again, venues, festivals, and events are booking more artists.

• House Concerts: These provide a unique, intimate way to connect with fans directly, often resulting in higher per-performance payouts compared to traditional venues.

Cons:
• Costs: Touring can be expensive, especially for independent artists managing their own logistics and marketing.

• Over-saturation: With the return of live events, competition for spots on festival lineups and venue stages is fierce.

Look for unconventional performance opportunities like house/home concerts, private events, or virtual gigs to supplement traditional touring income.

— Merchandise: More Important Than Ever
With the rise of digital music consumption, physical merchandise has become one of the most reliable income streams for artists. Vinyl, CDs, limited-edition products, and unique merchandise like custom apparel or signed items can create significant  revenue.

Pros:
• Fan Engagement: Merch helps deepen the relationship with your fans, offering them a tangible connection to you and your music.

• Direct Profit: Selling merch at gigs, through your website, or via platforms like Bandcamp often provides higher margins than streaming or record sales.

Cons:
• Upfront Costs: Producing high-quality merchandise requires an initial investment, which can be a barrier for indie artists.

• Logistics: Managing inventory, shipping, and fulfillment can be time-consuming and costly.

Focus on creating exclusive, limited-edition items that build excitement and provide your fans with something they can't get anywhere else.

— Record Deals: Still Viable, But... Proceed with Caution
While signing with a record label can still provide significant benefits— such as marketing muscle, distribution channels, and financial support— many Singer Songwriters in 2024 are choosing to remain independent. The rise of DIY tools for recording, distributing, and promoting music has empowered artists to take control of their own careers.

Pros:
• Resources: Labels can offer the infrastructure to help you scale your career faster.

• Promotion: Having a label's marketing department behind you can lead to bigger promotional campaigns and broader reach.

Cons:
• Ownership: Signing a traditional record deal often means giving up a large portion of your income and rights to your music.

• Debt: Advances from labels are essentially loans that need to be paid back through record sales and touring, leaving many artists in financial debt.

If you are considering a deal, carefully evaluate the terms. Maintaining ownership of your masters and having transparency around revenue splits should be top priorities.

— Social Media: The Artist's Lifeline
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube continue to be vital for building a fanbase. In 2024, authenticity is the key. Fans want to connect with real people, not just polished, curated personas. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, engaging with fans, and even collaborating with influencers can help boost visibility.

Pros:
• Direct Access: Social media allows you to engage with fans directly, share your journey, and promote new releases.

• Cost-Effective Marketing: Social media offers an affordable way to promote music and events without needing a huge marketing budget.

Cons:
• Constant Content Demand: Maintaining a presence on multiple platforms can be time-consuming and overwhelming.

• Algorithm Changes: Like streaming platforms, social media algorithms are constantly changing, making it harder for your content to reach your audience organically.

Find a balance between promotional content and personal, behind-the-scenes posts. Consistency is key, but it's important to avoid burnout.

— AI in Music: A Double-Edged Sword
Artificial intelligence is making its way into the music industry, from AI-generated compositions to tools that assist with production, marketing, and fan engagement. For Singer Songwriters, this presents both opportunities and concerns.

Pros:
• Efficiency: AI tools can help with production, social media scheduling, and even songwriting prompts, freeing up time for creativity.

• Personalization: AI can be used to analyze listener data and help target your music to the right audience.

Cons:
• Creative Integrity: There are fears that AI-generated music could devalue human songwriting and originality.

• Job Displacement: AI may replace some of the traditional roles in music production and distribution, changing how the industry operates.

Embrace AI as a tool to enhance your workflow, but stay true to your creative instincts and personal vision.

—  House Concerts: Building Intimacy and Income
House concerts are seeing a revival in 2024, offering artists a way to connect deeply with fans in a more intimate setting. These events often provide more direct income than traditional gigs and foster stronger cultivation of TrueFans.

Pros:
• Personal Connection: You can build meaningful relationships with fans in a more intimate setting, creating lifelong supporters— TrueFans

• Higher Earnings: House concerts can be more lucrative per show than traditional gigs, especially with direct-to-fan merch sales.

Cons:
• Logistics: Coordinating small, personalized events can be more time-consuming and require careful planning.

Don't underestimate the power of intimate settings. Use house concerts to build a core group of superfans who will support you throughout your career.

— TrueFans: The Lifeblood of Your Career
In an era where streaming payouts are low and competition is high, the concept of building a dedicated base of TrueFans has never been more important. A TrueFan is someone who not only listens to your music, but actively supports your career by attending your shows, buying your merch, and spreading the word about you to others. The concept, popularized by Kevin Kelly's '1,000 True Fans' theory, states that an artist doesn't need millions of listeners to make a sustainable living— just a core group of deeply engaged TrueFans.

Pros:
• Sustainable Income: With a few hundred or thousand TrueFans, you can generate a steady income through direct sales of music, exclusive content, merch, and house concerts.

• Longevity: TrueFans are loyal and are more likely to support you consistently over time, even during creative lulls or shifts in the industry.

Cons:
• Time and Effort: Building a base of TrueFans requires constant engagement, personal interaction, and authentic relationship-building.

Invest time in nurturing your TrueFan Tribe. Engage with them through  personalized content, exclusive offers, and even direct communication. By focusing on your TrueFans, you can build a sustainable and fulfilling music career, even in the face of industry turbulence.

Navigating the Challenges of 2024
The music industry today presents both challenges and opportunities for Singer Songwriters. Streaming, live performances, merchandise, social media, even AI all play significant roles in shaping your career— today and tomorrow. To navigate these stormy seas, it's essential to stay informed, adapt to new trends, and diversify your income streams. By embracing these changes and focusing on what makes your music unique, you can carve out a successful and sustainable Singer Songwriter career.

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• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— J. D. Souther 

A Legendary Songwriter, Collaborator, and Influential Voice in Music
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John David "J.D." Souther, one of the most revered Songwriters in American music, died last week on September 17. He was 78 years old. He left behind an unparalleled legacy. Known for his keen lyrical insight and collaboration with some of the biggest names in rock and country, Souther helped shape the sound of the 1970s and beyond. His contributions to the music industry, whether as a solo artist or a key collaborator, cement his place among the greatest Songwriters of all time. 

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"J.D. Souther's music wasn't just a soundtrack for a generation— it was a blueprint for how deeply personal and universal songwriting could be. His gift for melody and storytelling made him one of the most indispensable songwriters of his era."

The Music, The Hits, The Collaborations
J.D. Souther's career as a singer-songwriter took flight in the early 1970s, and it didn't take long for him to become known as a masterful craftsman of songs. He is perhaps best recognized for his collaborations with The Eagles, co-writing some of their biggest hits, including Best of My Love, New Kid in Town, and Heartache Tonight, the latter of which earned a Grammy Award.

"There are songwriters, and then there are songwriters like J.D. Souther. He was one of the best at making you feel something deep with just a few words."
— Bonnie Raitt

Souther's ability to blend country-rock with introspective lyrics made his songs stand out. His solo albums, starting with his 1972 debut John David Souther, showcased his smooth, soulful voice and storytelling prowess. His follow-up album Black Rose (1976), while not a massive commercial success, has been hailed as a lost classic, featuring songs like Faithless Love and Simple Man, Simple Dream, both of which highlight his lyrical depth.

The hit song You're Only Lonely from his 1979 album of the same name became a staple in soft rock and remains one of Souther's most beloved solo tracks. The song reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album itself solidified his reputation as a versatile artist. Over the years, Souther recorded numerous albums, with his work spanning decades, including the critically acclaimed If the World Was You (2008) and Tenderness (2015).

"J.D. was the glue that held a lot of us together in the early days. His songwriting gave us the edge we needed to become something special."
— Don Henley

Collaborations That Defined a Generation
Though Souther had a successful solo career, his collaborations with other musicians became legendary. Aside from The Eagles, he was instrumental in shaping the careers of Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor. Souther wrote and co-wrote several songs for Ronstadt, including Faithless Love and Prisoner in Disguise. His collaborations with these artists were not only successful, but set the standard for the California country-rock scene that defined the 1970s.

Impact and Influence on Singer Songwriters
J.D. Souther's influence on other Singer Songwriters cannot be understated. His songwriting approach— melding vulnerability with strong storytelling—paved the way for a new generation of musicians. Artists like Jackson Browne, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey have all praised Souther for his contributions to the craft. His ability to write songs that felt both personal and universal influenced countless songwriters.

"He had this incredible way of turning complex emotions into simple, beautiful melodies. J.D. made songwriting look easy, but only because he was that good."
— Jackson Browne

His impact also extended into the sound and production style of the period. Souther's intricate harmonies, clever chord progressions, and fusion of genres helped shape what became known as the California Sound. His close friendship and collaborations with Glenn Frey and Don Henley helped elevate The Eagles to iconic status, and his songwriting genius was a cornerstone of their commercial success.

Personal Life, Inspirations, and Struggles
Born in Detroit and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Souther drew inspiration from the landscapes and cultures he encountered. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he became immersed in the burgeoning music scene. Souther's work was influenced by a range of musical genres, from country and folk to jazz, which is particularly evident in his later albums.

"J.D. wrote songs that were full of heart, and performing them gave my career wings. I owe so much to him."
— Linda Ronstadt

Souther's personal life remained relatively private, but he was known for his dedication to his craft and the relationships he cultivated with his collaborators. His partnership with Linda Ronstadt was not only professional but deeply personal, with the two sharing a long-term friendship that greatly influenced their careers. Souther's relatively low public profile kept him out of the limelight, yet his contributions to music never waned.

While Souther kept a quiet demeanor in the public eye, his lyrics often reflected deep emotional introspection, touching on themes of love, heartache, and redemption. His work wasn't overtly political, but he had a subtle way of addressing social themes through his storytelling.

Legacy and Lasting Impact
J.D. Souther's work transcends decades, genres, and collaborations. He played an integral role in crafting songs that defined a generation and helped shape the American music landscape. His legacy as a Songwriter is secure, not just because of his own success, but because of the deep, lasting impact he has had on the artists around him.

"I always said, if you wanted a hit song, just sit down with J.D. for a couple of hours. He was a natural."
— Glenn Frey

J.D. Souther's legacy as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time is not just built on his own recordings but on the timeless music he helped create with others. His songwriting will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.

in partnership with SongTown On Songwriting

• COACHING—  The Vital Importance of Self-Esteem for Singer Songwriters

"Leonard is uniquely gifted in his ability to conjure with words. His use of metaphor is like no one else's— he can turn pain and beauty into song in a way that stops you cold."
— Joni Mitchell on Leonard Cohen: 

Talent, creativity, technical skill and music business savvy are essential ingredients for success. Yet there's one often-overlooked critical component: Self-Esteem. The music industry is notoriously competitive, and without a strong sense of your own self-worth, even the most gifted artists can find themselves crippled by self-doubt. A mindset plagued with questions like, 'Am I good enough?' or 'Is my work really worth sharing?' can become a powerful force of Singer Songwriter's self-sabotage.

On the flip side, having an encouraging and realistic sense of your self as an artist and performer isn't just a bonus— it's required. Believing in your value is the foundation for resilience, allowing you to navigate rejection, criticism, and the many uncertainties of a creative career. Developing healthy self-esteem gives you the inner fortitude to push past setbacks, stay true to your voice, and continue growing both artistically and personally.

This article gives you one powerful perspective that offers a practical strategy for recognizing your value in a sustainable, authentic way. Do this...

Name a Singer Songwriter You Admire.

Really. This is important. And fun. You'll see. Do it. Name a Singer Songwriter You Admire...

So, who do you truly admire? Just pick one for now. Once you learn what this is about you'll probably want to pick a couple more, but for now... Just one.

Okay, you've got your name in mind. Now, think— and it'd be great to write this all down— think of three things you admire most about them, who and how they are, and their music, as an artist. As a performer. As a person. Three qualities that have you flat-out hold them in high regard. With respect. Maybe even reverence. 

Got your list? Now, what makes each one of those qualities you admire so admirable for you? Think about it. 'I admire ____  [their name] _____, because..." and complete that sentence with a reason or reasons that quality matters to you.

Okay, now... Look over each of those admirable traits and realize that...

YOU. Have. Those. Qualities. TOO. 

Don't 'aw shucks' this. No denial or avoidance allowed, because it's a stone-cold fact that We the People cannot admire anything that we do not posses ourselves.

Does that need repeating or do you get it?

Imagine you've never seen nor heard a piano before. You come across this large, concert grand Steinway. Glossy ebony wood with black and white keys and some brass pedals near the floor. You might appreciate its design. Craftsmanship. Aesthetic. But you wouldn't appreciate its true essence— the ability to produce music. You'd have no concept of what this piano is or its purpose.

Now, let's say you're a musician— but your instrument is the guitar. You encounter a piano for the very first time. While you might not know how to play it, your musical background allows you to appreciate it more deeply than someone with no musical experience at all. Seeing those 88 keys and 230ish strings you can imagine the music that could come from that piano. You recognize its potential and can imagine the skill required to play it, even if you can't immediately play it yourself.

Finally, consider a skilled pianist encountering the same piano. "OMG! That's a model D Steinway. It's nine feet long!" They not only appreciate its aesthetic and understand its musical promise, but they can also sit down and bring that potential alive. They have a deep, intuitive understanding of the instrument, its capabilities, and its nuances, which comes from their own awareness and direct experience. 

When you admire something about a person— in this case another Singer Songwriter— you are like that skilled pianist encountering that Steinway grand. You KNOW because you yourself HAVE the EXPERIENCE and AWARENESS to recognize those qualities. If you didn't, you wouldn't.

So... ABC... Adele, Billie, Charlie XCX... Pick one, two or three Singer Songwriters you admire most. What do you admire most about them? And why? 

Here's a proper tag on this song we're singing:

The qualities you admire most in another person 
are those you posses yourself.

It's called the 'Mirror Game.' 

And now you know why Joni Mitchel admired Leonard Cohen so much.

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PS from PS—  My Challenge to You

Hey there,

Reflecting on this week's AMP, I'm struck by an intriguing paradox. We've journeyed through the stormy seas of the music business, celebrated the legacy of J.D. Souther, and delved into the power of self-esteem. And it's all coming together like a spot-on chord progression.

Think about this: J.D. Souther, a name that might not be on everyone's lips, but whose influence echoes through decades of music. He wasn't just writing songs; he was shaping the sound of an era. And he did it not by trying to be someone else, but by being unapologetically himself.

Let's riff on that for a moment. In today's music biz, with its algorithms and streaming struggles, it's easy to feel like you're tugging on Superman's cape, spitting into the wind and trying to pull the mask off that old lone ranger... But remember, every great Songwriter started. Somewhere. Souther didn't become a legend overnight. He wrote, he collaborated, he put himself out there— just like you're doing right now.

And that's where self-esteem comes in. It's not about ego; it's about recognizing your unique voice in this grand symphony we call the music business. Maybe you're not topping the streaming charts (yet or...), but who knows? The song you're writing right now could be the one that touches someone's heart, that becomes the backdrop to someone's life-changing moment.

So here's  my challenge to you this week: 

Write like Souther. Not in style— though you could try— but in spirit. Research him and his music if you have too. Write with the confidence of someone who knows they have something to say. Navigate the biz not as a small fish in a big pond, but as an important part of the ecosystem. Your voice matters. Your songs matter. You matter. 

The qualities you admire in the greats— like Souther, Mitchell, or Dylan— they're in you. Too. They're the reason you can recognize greatness in the first place. So tap into that. Let it fuel your writing, your performing, your entire approach to your art and your craft.

You're not just making music; you're leaving your mark on the world. Every lyric you write, every chord you strum, it's all part of your legacy. And trust me, it's a legacy worth building.

Keep writing. Keep growing. Keep believing in the power of your voice. The world is waiting for your song.

Until we speak again...

P.S. P.S. P.S. I'd love to hear about a moment when you felt truly confident in your art. Your story might just inspire a fellow Singer Songwriter who needs it!

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