the AMP Issue 65

"Works of art make rules; rules do not make works of art."
— Claude Debussy

In This Issue... 16 pages [about 23ish minutes to read] You'll Get... 

____________________

• RECOMMENDS— DiscMakers 

• the BIZ— Nine Predictions: What the Music Industry Will Look Like in 10 Years by Ted Gioia

• On SONGWRITING— So… Is Your Song Good? from Seth Godin

• the GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of ALL TIME— Tori Amos

• COACHING— I want to... I had to...

• PS from PS— I had to write this...

_____________

Here’s the playlist

_____________

• Recommends— DiscMakers

If you're a Singer Songwriter looking to take your music career to the next level, Disc Makers is a partner you need to know. For decades, they've been a trusted resource for independent artists, offering top-notch CD and vinyl manufacturing, digital distribution, and packaging services. Whether you're releasing a new album or looking to create limited-edition physical copies, Disc Makers can help bring your project to life with professional quality. 

What sets them apart is their commitment to empowering independent musicians—helping you not only produce your music but also market and distribute it effectively. Their comprehensive services also include graphic design, mastering, and even USB duplication, making them a one-stop shop for all your production needs.

Here's a taste of DiskMaker wisdom from CEO Tony van Veen. He's frequently talked about how to drive revenues from your music as an independent artist, and much of that revolves around live performances. But what if you are an artist or Songwriter who doesn't perform live? Is it possible to pay the bills from your music income?

Well, Tony's not going to lie. It's not easy to do. But in today's Indie Music Minute, there are 5 music revenue streams for artists who don't perform live and he explains which is the one that looms like a giant over the other four. He also offers some advice on how to put yourself in the best position to get some of that revenue.

Tap this link to watch Tony's Video (06:19) Passive Income For Professional Musicians. 

Connecting with DiscMakers ensures you have the tools to get your music out there in a polished, professional way, so you can focus on what you do best— creating. For any Singer Songwriter serious about growing their audience, Disc Makers is an invaluable ally. 

They offer a host of Free Guides and Catalogs. Their catalog features all of their current products and prices and downloadable PDF guides give expert advice on everything from outfitting and using your home studio to planning your album and selling CDs—and a whole lot more.

You can sign up for their newsletter here: DiskMakers Newsletter Signup.

____________________

• the BIZ— Nine Predictions: What the Music Industry Will Look Like in 10 Years by Ted Gioia
Offering a forecast for 10 years in the future— and it's filled with good news (surprise!)
__________

This article has been edited down to fit the AMP. We kept the main points. The original piece Ted wrote is more complete and detailed. We encourage you to read it. Tap here: Nine Predictions for the Future of the Music Business

___________

I'd go broke as a fortune teller. Visitors to the palm-reading store want upbeat predictions— hot dates, happy weddings, unexpected inheritances. But my predictions are usually more like a weather forecast for East Antarctica. In my world, there's always a cold front coming in.

But today, I'm going to surprise you. I see a brighter future for our music culture. The new golden age might not arrive tomorrow, but if we take a long enough time horizon, the trends are encouraging. 

Music is hard to kill.

Some powerful people are trying to strip the soul from music, turning it into generic content driven by algorithms and bots. But they will destroy themselves. You can't strip away what makes music magical without sparking a backlash. A resistance will rise, led by smart, independent folks who still understand what music is really about.

So, do you want your music from the club or the data center? Because the choice will be clear.

Nine Predictions for the Future of Music

1. Major record labels will turn into sterile IP management companies.
They already are. Record labels and streaming platforms are run by lawyers, accountants, and tech people who are out of touch with creativity. Worse, they've lost faith in the magic of music. Instead of launching new artists, they're obsessed with buying up old song catalogs. Their business model is backward-looking, focused on squeezing profit from nostalgia instead of creating something fresh.

This means that when something new and exciting emerges in music, they will probably resist it. Instead of embracing the future, they'll bet on AI-driven imitations of yesterday's hits. And they'll be too late to realize that…

2. Artists will bypass the big companies to connect directly with fans.
Look at how fast TikTok took off. Record labels didn't know what hit them. Artists now have more ways than ever to reach their audience directly, and more options are coming. While many music startups will fail, some will succeed, and they will change the landscape forever.

I'm a writer who bypassed legacy publishing with platforms like Substack. The same thing is happening in music. We're still in the early days of direct distribution, but over the next 10-15 years, the shift will be enormous. The big players— Spotify, Universal Music Group, and others— are getting worse, making it easier for artists to cut them out. Musicians will have plenty of options, and those platforms that don't adapt will fall behind.

3. Listeners will demand fresh sounds, breaking away from formulaic genre styles.
Music genres haven't really evolved much in this century. Whether it's pop, rock, or hip-hop, you'd be hard-pressed to tell if a song came out this week or 25 years ago. This is the result of algorithms and corporate stagnation, which are always looking backward, using past data to predict the future.

But audiences are growing tired of these stale formulas. They crave something new. And if the major companies don't provide it, they'll go elsewhere to find it. We've already started to see this happen, but the shift is just beginning.

4. Alternative platforms will flourish faster than big corporations.
This shift is happening across all creative fields, not just music. The dominant players are struggling, while alternative platforms grow year after year. Do you think Random House can outdo Substack writers? Or that Universal Music Group can stop the next generation of artists from going directly to fans through platforms like Bandcamp?

The answer is no. The big players are slow and risk-averse, which means they'll be left behind. Meanwhile, independent platforms that embrace innovation and flexibility will thrive.

5. The best strategy for companies is to empower the next generation of artists.
In this decentralized world, companies will need to be fast and flexible. Some labels have already started offering better deals to TikTok stars— because they know those artists don't need them. These stars have already gone viral and proven their ability to succeed without a label.

Unless the major companies adapt quickly, they'll find themselves locked out of the future. Owning old songs won't save them in a rapidly changing environment where new talent rises from unexpected places.

6. Boring, passive music won't disappear, but the excitement will be elsewhere.
Spotify will keep churning out formula-driven playlists, full of AI-generated content. You'll hear dead rock stars in commercials, and the same old hits will keep playing everywhere. But this won't be where the energy is. The more they try to turn music into a formula, the more they guarantee their own irrelevance.

The real excitement will come from the artists and platforms that embrace creativity, risk-taking, and innovation.

7. Superfans— TrueFans— for we of NML Nation— will drive the economics of the music industry.
Superfans / TrueFans already generate 30% of streams for major artists and buy half the merchandise. This passionate audience will drive the future. Tech companies may prefer passive listeners who are easier to manipulate, but superfans  / TrueFans are far more valuable to musicians. A single superfan / TrueFan can be worth 10 or 20 times as much as a passive listener.

This growing divide between the tech companies and the music industry will drive a deeper rift. Superfans / TrueFans will push the industry in new, more exciting directions that can't be predicted by algorithms.

8. Live music will be the hottest event in town.
Superfans  / TrueFans crave live music and are willing to pay for it. Just look at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour— live shows are proving to be the most profitable corner of the industry. Despite all the hype about AI and digital, the biggest income stream in music today comes from real, in-person experiences.

Live music connects artists with their audience in a way that digital platforms simply can't replicate. And that's where the future of the industry will thrive.

Innovation will come from the fringes.
The most exciting changes in music will come from outside the mainstream. The next big thing won't be from a corporate boardroom but from live music scenes, underground venues, and alternative digital platforms. Look outside the U.S. and to countries previously ignored by the Billboard charts. Look to the rebels and outsiders who challenge the status quo. They will shape the future of music.

The gatekeepers have a little time left to collect their fees, but the next wave is coming. And it will knock them off their thrones. We'll all be better off when it does.

That's what I see 10 years from now. And it might not take anywhere near that long.
__________

Ted Gioia is a celebrated music historian, author, and cultural critic, known for his deep insights into the history of music and its broader cultural impact. He has authored 12 influential books, including The History of Jazz and Music: A Subversive History, which have garnered critical acclaim for their thought-provoking perspectives. Gioia has also served on the faculty at Stanford University, where he contributed to shaping the discourse around music and culture. Currently, he writes The Honest Broker on Substack, where he offers frank and opinionated commentary on music, books, media, and culture. His writing is both engaging and informative, appealing to readers who seek a deeper understanding of the arts. 

If you're passionate about music and culture and want a fresh, candid take, we highly recommend following Ted Gioia on Substack for his rich and insightful commentary. You can subscribe by tapping here: The Honest Broker.

____________________

• ON SONGWRITING— So… Is Your Song Good? from Seth Godin

How often do we assume that popular things are good, and that good things become popular?

If your work doesn't catch on, does that mean it wasn't good?

In almost every field, people with insight, taste and experience admire and emulate good things that aren't popular, and are surprised by popular things that aren't good.

Perhaps we need to broaden our definition (or narrow it) so we can be clear about what we mean.

in partnership with We the People of the United States of America

No matter who...
Just be sure you do... 

VOTE!

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Tori Amos

A Visionary Voice of Vulnerability and Power

"Tori Amos is not just a Singer Songwriter; she's a soaring sonic storyteller, a visionary who fearlessly delves into the darkest corners of the human experience and emerges with a message in melody that transcends time and space."

Tori Amos is one of the most influential and groundbreaking Singer Songwriters of her generation, known for her fearless lyricism, masterful piano compositions, and willingness to explore the depths of human emotion. Amos' career has spanned over three decades, during which she has left an indelible mark on both the music industry and popular culture. 

Musical Prowess: Production and Hits
Amos burst onto the scene with her solo debut, Little Earthquakes (1992), which remains one of her most celebrated albums. The record featured hits like Silent All These Years and Crucify, both of which showcased her unique ability to blend deeply personal narratives with mesmerizing melodies. The album sold millions worldwide, setting the stage for a career defined by bold artistic choices and continuous reinvention.

"Tori was a pioneer in combining raw emotion with a kind of baroque, classical beauty. She changed what it meant to be a woman with a piano."
— Fiona Apple

Her follow-up, Under the Pink (1994), cemented her status as a musical force, with songs like Cornflake Girl and God. The album debuted at number one in the UK and reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., confirming her appeal on a global scale. Over the years, Amos has continued to evolve her sound, moving from the raw, confessional tones of Boys for Pele (1996) to the lush, orchestral arrangements of Night of Hunters (2011).

Some of her most iconic albums include: Little Earthquakes (1992), Under the Pink  (1994), Boys for Pele (1996), Scarlet's Walk (2002) and Native Invader (2017).

"Tori creates entire worlds with her music, and each one is as haunting as it is mesmerizing. She's a true artist in every sense of the word."
— Björk

Throughout her career, Amos has been prolific, releasing over 15 studio albums, selling more than 12 million records worldwide, and earning multiple Grammy nominations. Her sound combines elements of alternative rock, classical, and electronic music, making her difficult to categorize and yet universally lauded for her musical innovations.

Concerts and Live Performances
Tori Amos' live performances have always been a spectacle of raw emotion and technical mastery. Playing barefoot at her signature Bösendorfer piano, she brings a theatrical quality to her shows. Her world tours consistently sell out, and her fanbase is known for its dedication, often attending multiple concerts on the same tour. Standout performances include her famous Plugged Tour in 1998, which was Amos' first foray into using a full band on stage, and the Scarlet's Walk tour, which drew rave reviews for its intimate and powerful delivery.

Collaborations and Awards
Amos' influence is also reflected in her collaborations with other prominent artists and producers. She worked with Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails on Under the Pink, and her collaborations have included legends such as Robert Plant and Maynard James Keenan of Tool. These musical partnerships allowed her to transcend genre barriers and appeal to fans of rock, alternative, and even industrial music.

"Tori Amos has this ability to transform pain into something breathtakingly beautiful. She is fearless in her vulnerability, and that's something every artist aspires to."
— Trent Reznor

Despite the acclaim and accolades, Amos has often flown under the radar when it comes to mainstream awards. She has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and has received numerous honors from organizations like the BRIT Awards and the Ivor Novello Awards.

Personal Struggles and Inspirations
Amos' personal life has deeply influenced her music. She has openly discussed her struggles with identity, loss, and trauma, most notably in songs like Me and a Gun, which recounts her experience with sexual assault. This vulnerability became a cornerstone of her artistry, giving voice to many who had felt silenced by similar experiences.

Her role as an activist is just as significant. Amos founded the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) in 1994, the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S. Through both her music and her activism, she has helped millions of people find strength in the face of adversity.

"Tori was a trailblazer for women in alternative music. Her power and grace, combined with a total mastery of her instrument, are unmatched."
— Florence Welch

Political and Social Activism
Tori Amos is known for weaving political themes into her music, especially those related to feminism and environmentalism. Albums like Scarlet's Walk and Native Invader delve into the complex relationships between people and the planet, with Amos addressing climate change, colonialism, and indigenous rights.

Her activism extends beyond the music, as she has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and environmental protection. These themes are often subtle but potent, allowing her songs to serve as both art and activism.

"Tori's music gave me permission to explore darker, more introspective themes. Her bravery in confronting personal trauma has had a profound impact on my own approach to songwriting."
— Regina Spektor

Impact and Influence
Amos' influence on other Singer Songwriters and musicians is undeniable. Her willingness to merge confessional songwriting with innovative production has inspired countless artists across generations. Musicians such as Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, and Florence Welch have cited Amos as a major influence on their work. She has paved the way for female artists to express themselves more freely and explore unconventional narratives in their songwriting.

A Legacy of Fearless Expression
Tori Amos has carved a unique place in the annals of music history. Through her vast body of work, she has challenged societal norms, confronted personal and political trauma, and inspired a generation of singer-songwriters to find strength in their vulnerability. Her legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of all time is secure, and her music continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, offering a space for healing, introspection, and empowerment.

Tori Amos is not merely a Singer Songwriter; she is a song-poet-storyteller, a healer, an activist and an artist who transcends time and genre.

____________________

COACHING— I want to... I had to...

an NPR Author Interview by Ari Shapiro with Al Pacino from October 14, 2024

__________

We estimate there are tens of millions of people around the world who want to become successful Singer Songwriters. Best guess... a few hundred thousand do. And the reason they do? Because they had to. We'll let a fellow artist explain.

__________

Ari Shapiro: In the Bronx in the 1940s, a kid growing up in a tenement started to figure out his destiny. He was 5 when he watched a movie about the struggles of an alcoholic, and then he'd mimic the performance over and over for his Sicilian immigrant relatives. By junior high, he was doing the school plays. One guy told him he'd be the next Marlon Brando. Soon enough, this boy the neighborhood kids called Pacchi was acting opposite Brando in one of the great movies of all time….

When you were a teenager, you saw a performance of Chekhov's The Seagull that changed your life.

Al Pacino: Yeah, that's right.

Shapiro: And the detail that stands out to me about it was that you were sitting in a theater with about 2,000 seats, and there were maybe 15 people in the audience.

Pacino: (Laughter) Yeah.

Shapiro: And one of them was you. And I imagine those actors must have felt like they had failed that day, like they were playing to an empty house. And it changed your life.

Pacino: Here's the interesting story about that, because I saw this play, and I was taken with it. Somehow, it just— it really got to me. I just went out and bought Chekhov's short stories that I couldn't believe that I could be holding his book and reading. I was sort of enamored with him. 

And I remember going to the Howard Johnson's that was on the corner for a lunch break from school. And I walked in, and as a waiter at the counter was the lead of the play, The Seagull, that I had just seen. And I just said to him, like, hey. I just saw you. You know, you were— I saw you up there in Bronx. He said, oh, yeah. And then we started talking. I was 15, 14. He was about, I guess, in his 20s. And when I told him how much I admired him and what he was doing, I said, and there it is, right? There— actors have other jobs.

Shapiro: Yeah. There's something you used to tell aspiring actors when they would ask, why did you make it and I didn't? You would give them the same answer...

 You wanted to. I had to.

Pacino: I had to.

Shapiro: Tell us about that had to.

Pacino: I knew as a youngster 'cause you know, my life as a youngster— you've read it. You know a little about the issues that I came in contact with. But at the same time, I knew I would follow this because I was in a play, a Strindberg play, actually. And at some point, I started speaking in a way that was coming from me inside and using the author's words. And I found that this was a wonderful way to live. You know, I thought, I mean, this is it. I have this. It doesn't matter what happens— if I become famous, if I eat, I don't eat, if I make money, I don't make money. I was that strongly connected.

Shapiro: So I had to was not I had to feed myself, I had to pay the rent, I had to make a living, and I didn't have a college degree.

Pacino: No, no. No.

Shapiro: I had to is something deeper.

Pacino: Deeper, I would say. Yeah.

I had to...

____________________

PS from PS— I had to write this...

In the ever-shifting seascape of music, we're witnessing a transformation that echoes Al Pacino's profound 'I had to' realization. This isn't just about wanting success; it's about possessing an unshakable, visceral need to create and connect. It's the difference between a casual performer and a Singer Songwriter like Tori Amos, who fearlessly delves into the darkest corners of human experience, emerging with melodies that transcend time and space.

As Ted Gioia predicts...

...the future belongs to those who create out of necessity. 

While major labels morph into 'sterile IP management companies' fixated on squeezing profits from nostalgia, true artists— the ones who 'had to'— will forge new paths. Bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Connecting directly with their audience through platforms we can not even imagine yet. These are the creators who will shape fresh sounds, shattering the algorithms that have kept music stagnant for far too long.

This shift isn't just about technology or business models. It's about rediscovering the soul of music. It's about creating songs that may not fit neatly into a Spotify playlist, but resonate deeply with those who need to hear them. As Seth reminds us, popularity doesn't always equate to quality. The most impactful art often comes from those operating on the fringes, challenging norms and pushing boundaries.

Consider Tori Amos, whose raw vulnerability and musical innovation have inspired generations of artists. Her success isn't measured merely in album sales or streaming numbers, but in the lives she's touched, the conversations she's sparked, and the barriers she's broken. This is the kind of impact that comes from someone who creates because they 'had to,' not because they 'want to.'

As you navigate this new era, channel that 'had to' spirit in everything you do. Whether you're crafting lyrics, composing melodies, or supporting other Singer Songwriters as a TrueFan, approach it with the urgency and passion of someone who has no other choice. Create not because you want to, but because you must. Engage with music not as passive background noise, but as a vital force that shapes our world.

Remember, in this era of AI-generated playlists and nostalgia-driven content, it's the human touch— the raw, unfiltered expression of necessity—  that will truly resonate. As Pacino found his calling on stage, speaking words that came from deep within, so too must we find and nurture that inner voice that demands to be heard.

This is the essence of true artistry. It's what will drive the future of music. And it's what will ensure that, no matter how the industry changes, the power of a song to move, inspire, and transform will never fade. So, ask yourself: Are you doing this because you want to, or because you have to? Your answer might just be the key to unlocking your full potential as a Singer Songwriter.

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."

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...