the AMP Issue 62

"Strum your guitar sing it kid 
Just write about your feelings 
not the things you never did 
Inexperience, it once had cursed me 
But your youth is no handicap 
it's what makes you thirsty"
— Harry Chapin
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Hey! Is the AMP a newsletter or a magazine...?

In This Issue... 14 pages [about 22ish minutes to read] You'll Get... 

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• RECOMMENDS— Tech This Out! Google's Latest: NotebookLM

• the BIZ— The Music Creator Economy is undergoing a profound recalibration by Mark Mulligan MIDiA Research

• the GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of ALL TIME— Harry Chapin

• COACHING— For Singer Songwriters: Pixar Story Rules from former Pixar artist Emma Coats

• PS from PS— SongWriting— the Powerful Tool For Change That Changed Me

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Here’s the playlist

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• Recommends— Tech This Out! Google's Latest: NotebookLM

​Are you sick an' tired of hearing about AI? Yet... If so, apologies, ‘cause here you come again / Just when you were about to make it work without you. Hang in. Please. This one will blow your mind. 

NotebookLM is an AI-powered research and writing assistant that works best with the sources you upload. Thanks to Tim Ferris and (our own) Paul Saunders for the turn on. Here's more about Google's latest uber-human-machine-mind. 

Google has released an experimental AI called NotebookLM that allows you to upload PDF and text files for processing. The AI then generates various outputs such as FAQs, study guides, and briefing documents. One intriguing feature is its ability to create a 10-minute long podcast-style conversation between a man and a woman, discussing the uploaded documents as if they were the most fascinating topic they've ever encountered.

As an example: We submitted the full text of New Music Lives™ TrueFans Manifesto— the same 20-page PDF Special Report we give to all AMP subscribers. In addition to handing back (on request) pages of detailed notes, summaries, key points and conclusions, we got this 8:50 min audio. They call it a 'Deep Dive.'

Make the time to listen. It will blow your mind. Promise. AND... while you're listening, imagine what you could do with it for your Singer Songwriter career.

Deep Dive— the TrueFans Manifesto isten 

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• the BIZ— The Music Creator Economy is undergoing a profound recalibration by Mark Mulligan MIDiA Research

The music creator economy has been long in the making, but was thrust into the wider music industry's limelight with the Covid lock-downs triggering a surge in new creators. As with any bubble, many creator tools companies saw their ensuing surge flatten post-lockdown. 

The market is now settled into a steadier, organic growth pattern, but this lock-down cohort of creators is transforming the music creator economy. 

The effects, however, will be felt much more widely. Their new needs, expectations, and aspirations will be seen not only in the way they make music, but also in how they navigate their careers. The music creator economy is one of the driving forces of the Bifurcation process turning one music industry into two.

This rise of this new generation of creators coincided with structural fissures beginning to manifest in the traditional streaming economy. Streaming has been through a number of cycles with creators: 1) distrust; 2) enthusiasm; 3) royalty dissatisfaction; and now 4) apathy. Our latest music creator report, which presents data from MIDiA's latest global music creator survey, shows that progressively more creators are starting with lower expectations for streaming. Their royalty expectations are already so low that this is no longer a pain point for them. Instead, they are becoming critical of streaming's ability to further their careers, focusing on the medium's closed door between them and their fans. Today's creators want platforms where they can build high value, smaller fanbases, rather than low value, large-but-anonymous audiences.

Here are a few highlights from MIDiA's report:

Tip of the iceberg: The traditional music business only sees the smallest segment of the music creator economy— the around seven million Artists Direct that self-release onto streaming via distributors like DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and Amuse. However, this segment is the smallest component of the base of music creators, and it has been growing more slowly than the share that upload directly to social platforms for a number of years. Though the growth rates for non-DSP and Artists Direct were much closer in 2024 than 2023, a growing share of non-DSP are only uploading to social platforms. MIDiA's 2024 survey found that a quarter of music creators upload directly to user-generated content platforms like TikTok without using a distributor or label

Long-tail imbalance: Despite the democratization social and streaming have driven, streaming is still dominated by big artists, with less than three percent of artists accounting for more than nine tenths of all streaming royalties. What's more, the top 0.009% has increased its share since 2017, so it's little wonder the long tail is losing faith in streaming. Two-tier licensing is only going to grow the imbalance and represents a closing of the door on the long tail by the music industry establishment. It's a case of 'if you can't join them, beat them.'

A new generation of creators: Creators with less than five years' tenure represented close to half of all music creators in 2023. This wave of creators, swelled by the lock-down cohort, brings with it a different set of needs, expectations, and aspirations that will shape tomorrow's music business. It is a generation that values speed and results from their creation; and control and autonomy in their careers.

New expectations: This new cohort of creators is driven by making the best music they can and moving people with their music, even if that is only a few people. They want creative fulfillment and high-quality fan bases rather than large-scale, anonymous audiences. They are thus gravitating to SoundCloud, YouTube, and TikTok— places they can engage directly with fans.

Different tools: These newer, younger creators are also prioritizing different tools and workflows, spending their time with Splice, Beatstars, Label Radar, and FL Studio. While older, more established creators opt for the likes of Cubase, Pro Tools, and Native Instruments.

The Music Creator Economy is undergoing a profound recalibration, driven by a new generation of creators with distinct needs and expectations. Post-lockdown... 

These creators are shaping the future of the music industry by prioritizing creative fulfillment, direct fan engagement, and control over their careers. 

As traditional streaming platforms continue to lose favor with many in the long tail, these artists are turning to alternative platforms and tools that better align with their vision for high-value fan relationships. This shift is not just a passing trend but signals a lasting transformation in how music will be created, distributed, and consumed in the years to come.

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Mark Mulligan is MIDiA's founder and part of the music analyst team. He covers everything from market shares, to forecasts, to business models and product strategy across the music value chain.

MIDiA Research is a leading insights and data provider for the music, video, and entertainment industries. They specialize in delivering in-depth analysis and reports that help creators, companies, and professionals stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. MIDiA's comprehensive research covers trends, consumer behaviors, market opportunities, and technological advancements, making their insights invaluable for Singer Songwriters looking to navigate and succeed in today's music industry.

For more information and to subscribe to their insightful reports, visit MIDiA Research

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• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Harry Chapin

A Legacy of Storytelling and Activism

"Hank Williams once said, 'A song ain't nothing in the world but a story set to music.' If that's true, then Harry Chapin wrote some of the greatest stories ever told, capturing the heartache, hope, and humanity in every lyric. His legacy as one of the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time is written not just in record sales, but in the lives he changed through his words and deeds."

Harry Chapin's contribution to the world of music transcends mere entertainment; he was a master storyteller, a humanitarian, and one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. His ability to weave profound narratives into songs, his relentless advocacy for social causes, and his collaboration with fellow musicians all contribute to his enduring legacy in the world of music. 

Music and Production
Harry Chapin's career began in the early 1970s, where he quickly rose to fame with his knack for creating story-driven songs. His debut album, Heads & Tales (1972), featured the now-legendary hit Taxi, which established his reputation as a unique voice in the folk-rock genre. This was followed by a string of successful albums, including Sniper and Other Love Songs (1972), Short Stories (1973), and Verities & Balderdash (1974). The latter became one of his best-selling albums, driven largely by the success of his chart-topping single Cat's in the Cradle.

"Harry had a way of telling stories that felt like they were about your own life. His songs were universal, yet deeply personal."
— Bruce Springsteen

Cat's in the Cradle, perhaps his most iconic song, tells a poignant story about a father's regret over missed opportunities with his son. It reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Chapin a Grammy nomination. His music production was defined by its rich, narrative-driven style that invited listeners to reflect on life's complexities.

Throughout his career, Chapin released 11 albums, with more than 14 million records sold worldwide. His albums often featured collaborations with other talented musicians, including his brothers Tom and Steve Chapin, as well as celebrated cellist Tim Scott.

Concerts and Live Performances
Chapin was known for his captivating live performances. His concerts were intimate affairs, where he connected with audiences on a deeply personal level, often blending humor and raw emotion. He performed nearly 200 concerts annually, with half of his earnings donated to charitable causes— a testament to his dedication to both music and activism.

"Harry's passion for helping others was as strong as his passion for music. He didn't just sing about change; he made it happen."
— Billy Joel

One of his most memorable live albums, Greatest Stories Live (1976), captured the essence of his storytelling on stage. The album became a fan favorite and solidified his reputation as a performer who lived his art in the moment.

Political and Social Activism
While Harry Chapin was a celebrated musician, his activism became a defining aspect of his legacy. In the late 1970s, Chapin turned much of his attention to the issue of hunger. In 1975, he co-founded World Hunger Year (now known as WhyHunger), an organization dedicated to eradicating hunger and poverty. Chapin used his fame to bring attention to these issues, performing benefit concerts and lobbying Congress for change.

"Harry Chapin showed us that music could be a vehicle for storytelling and social justice. His songs had a purpose beyond entertainment.”
— Jackson Browne

His tireless work earned him the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously in 1987, recognizing his extraordinary efforts to fight hunger in the United States and beyond. Chapin's activism was driven by a deep sense of social responsibility, and he believed that musicians had an obligation to use their platform for the greater good. As he once said... 

"Our lives are to be used, and thus to be lived as fully as possible, and truly it seems that we are never so alive as when we concern ourselves with others."

Personal Life and Struggles
Harry Chapin's personal life was as multi-faceted as his music. He was married to  Sandra Chapin, with whom he had two children. His family was his inspiration for many of his songs, particularly Cat's in the Cradle, which was based on a poem written by his wife about the relationship between a father and son.

Chapin's life, however, was not without struggles. Despite his success, he faced criticism for his political activism and for being "too preachy" in his music. He also dealt with the financial strain of constantly funding his charitable endeavors, often prioritizing his activism over his career. 

"There was an honesty in Harry's music that was rare. He wrote from the heart, and that's why his songs resonated with so many."
— Kenny Rogers

Tragically, Chapin's life was cut short in a car accident in 1981 at the age of 38. His death was a significant loss to the music world, but his legacy endures through his music and the organizations he helped establish.

Influence on Other Singer Songwriters
Harry Chapin's impact on Singer Songwriters is profound and far-reaching. His  narrative-driven style paved the way for many artists who sought to tell meaningful stories through their music. His influence can be seen in the work of Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and many others who weave social commentary into their songs.

"Harry was more than a songwriter— he was a force for change. His music moved people not just to sing along but to take action.”
— Pete Seeger

Chapin's ability to marry music and activism inspired a generation of artists to use their platform for good. His storytelling approach also influenced the way Singer Songwriters approach their craft, emphasizing the importance of content and meaning in songwriting. 

Harry Chapin's influence on both the music industry and social activism showcases why he remains one of the most revered Singer Songwriters of all time. His songs, his activism, and his profound impact on those who knew him personally and professionally continue to inspire generations of artists.

in partnership with Your Morning Coffee and Jay Gilbert

• COACHING—  For Singer Songwriters: Pixar Story Rules from former Pixar artist Emma Coats

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If there's any group of creatives that truly understands the art of storytelling, it's Pixar. Their mastery of creating emotionally compelling, engaging stories has become legendary. As Singer Songwriters, you are storytellers too— crafting narratives through both lyrics and melody. By learning from Pixar's renowned principles, you can take your storytelling to new heights, weaving richer, more impactful stories into your songs. Here are 22 essential 'story rules' from Pixar that can guide and inspire you in the craft of songwriting and storytelling.

These rules, based on Emma Coats experiences and observations, became a valuable resource for storytellers in all creative fields. Emma's insights that she learned from her senior Pixar colleagues emphasize the importance of character, structure, and emotional resonance, influencing writers, filmmakers, and Songwriters alike.

1: You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.

2: You gotta keep in mind what's interesting to you as an audience, not what's fun to do as a writer. They can be v. different.

Trying for theme is important, but you won't see what the story is actually about til you're at the end of it. Now rewrite.

4: Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.

5: Simplify. Focus. Combine characters. Hop over detours. You'll feel like you're losing valuable stuff, but it sets you free.

6: What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?

Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.

8: Finish your story, let go even if it's not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on. Do better next time.

9: When you're stuck, make a list of what WOULDN'T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.

10: Pull apart the stories you like. What you like in them is a part of you; you've got to recognize it before you can use it.

11: Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you'll never share it with anyone.

Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th— get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.

13: Give your characters opinions. Passive/malleable might seem likable to you as you write, but it's poison to the audience.

14: Why must you tell THIS story? What's the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That's the heart of it.

15: If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.

16: What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don't succeed? Stack the odds against.

No work is ever wasted. If it's not working, let go and move on— it'll come back around to be useful later.

18: You have to know yourself: the difference between doing your best & fussing. Story is testing, not refining.

19: Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great; coincidences to get them out of it are cheating.

20: Exercise: take the building blocks of a movie/song you dislike. How d'you rearrange them into what you DO like?

21: You gotta identify with your situation/characters, can't just write ‘cool'. What would make YOU act that way?

22: What's the essence of your story? Most economical telling of it? If you know that, you can build out from there.

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Emma Coats is an accomplished storyboard artist, director, and writer best known for her work at Pixar Animation Studios. She gained widespread recognition for her contributions to films like Brave (2012), where her storytelling skills helped shape the film's visual narrative. Emma's background in animation and her ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through simple, compelling images made her an integral part of the Pixar creative team.

After her time at Pixar, Emma continued to explore her passion for storytelling, working on various animation and live-action projects. She has since become a respected voice in the industry, known for her keen understanding of narrative and her ability to teach others how to shape meaningful, authentic stories.

Tap here to contact Emma: [email protected]

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PS from PS—  SongWriting— the Powerful Tool For Change That Changed Me

i am the morning DJ on W.O.L.D.
playing all the hits for you wherever you may be
the bright good morning voice who's heard but never seen
feeling all of forty-five, going on fifteen
i am the morning DJ on W.O.L.D.

While I was on the crackling airwaves as a DJ on a pirate radio station in the UK, I first encountered Harry Chapin's song W.O.L.D. The song's poignant narrative of an aging DJ struck a chord deep within me, igniting a passion that would shape my entire career. Chapin's masterful storytelling captured my soul, opening my eyes to the profound impact a well-crafted song could have.

As I delved deeper into Chapin's catalog, I discovered a world where music transcended mere entertainment. Here was a Singer Songwriter who seamlessly blended captivating narratives with social activism, using his platform to shine a light on pressing issues like hunger and poverty. This revelation was transformative, making me realize that songwriting could be a powerful tool for change.

Chapin's approach to his craft— the way he wove complex human experiences into accessible, moving songs— showcased the true potential of the Singer Songwriter. His work demonstrated that songs could be vehicles for storytelling, empathy, and social commentary all at once. This multifaceted approach to songwriting became my new north star.

Inspired by Chapin's legacy, I began to see Singer Songwriters as vital voices in the cultural conversation. I realized that these talented individuals needed support, development, and a platform to thrive. This understanding, born from Chapin's influence, has became the driving force behind New Music Lives™.

Without the passion for creativity that Harry Chapin's work instilled in me, New Music Lives™ would not exist. His example showed me that supporting and nurturing Singer Songwriters wasn't just about fostering talent— it was about amplifying important voices and stories that could touch hearts and change minds.

Today, as I work to help Singer Songwriters flourish, I carry with me the lessons learned from that first encounter with W.O.L.D. Every Singer Songwriter we support, every story we help them tell, is a tribute to the enduring power of Harry Chapin's legacy for creating change.

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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