the AMP Issue 71

"Dylan can do no wrong."
— Warren Zevon

In This Issue... 17 pages [about 25ish minutes to read] You'll Get... 

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• RECOMMENDS— Elizabeth Cawein's TEDx Talk on Building a Thriving Music Scene

• the BIZ— It Takes Ten Years to Become an Overnight Success by Sara Pinzón for Catapult

• the GREATEST SINGER SONGWRITERS of ALL TIME— Warren Zevon

• COACHING— The Best Way To Promote Your Music Is Totally Free! by Tony van Veen of DiscMaker

• PS from PS— Why New Music LIVE

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Here’s the playlist

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• Recommends— Elizabeth Cawein's TEDx Talk on Building a Thriving Music Scene

As a Singer Songwriter passionate about fostering music in your community, Elizabeth Cawein's TEDx Memphis talk, "How to Build a Thriving Music Scene in Your City," is a must-watch. In this compelling presentation, Cawein explores how music cities like Austin, Nashville, and Memphis became cultural hubs— not by accident, but through intentional support for their music ecosystems.

Key takeaways from her talk include:

• Music as a Necessity: Cawein highlights that music isn't just entertainment; it's vital for personal growth, community connection, and even the economic health of a city. 

• Creating a Music Ecosystem: Thriving music cities support both professional musicians and engaged audiences, ensuring that music has a robust local foundation. 

• Actionable Steps for Change: Whether it's showing up at local gigs, promoting your city's unique music identity, or voting for leaders who support the arts, everyone has a role to play in shaping a music city's future. 

• Inspiration for Songwriters: For artists like you, this talk underscores the importance of your contribution to your community's cultural identity and offers inspiration for collaboration and advocacy. 

Why This Matters for Singer Songwriters
As a Songwriter, understanding the ecosystem that nurtures musical growth can empower you to not only thrive creatively, but also become a part of a larger movement to elevate your city's music scene. Cawein's insights are both inspiring and practical, making this talk invaluable for any musician looking to make an impact locally and beyond.

Watch Here:

How to Build a Thriving Music Scene in Your City – TEDx Memphis This talk isn't just for music fans— it's a call to action for every artist to be a catalyst for change.

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• the BIZ—  It Takes Ten Years to Become an Overnight Success

By Sara Pinzón for Catapult
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This article has been edited and condensed to fir the AMP. the original has more details that are worth knowing, so... we encourage you to read the original. It's here: It Takes Ten Years...
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Success in the music industry is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from every setback.

In the fast-paced world of music, the allure of instant fame is everywhere. Stories of artists seemingly rising from obscurity to dominate charts overnight make headlines. But the truth is, these "overnight successes" are almost always the result of years of persistence, strategic planning, and growth.

The industry has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Indie artists and labels now have unprecedented access to tools that were once reserved for major players. 

Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, combined with the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, offer a level playing field for those willing to put in the work. In 2023, indie artists collectively generated nearly half of Spotify's $9B+ revenue— a milestone that proves the growing power of independent creators.

The Best Time to Be an Indie Artist
Gone are the days when success meant securing a deal with one of the "big three" labels. 

Today, with a laptop and basic equipment, artists can record, produce, and distribute their music globally. 

Streaming services have democratized music distribution, while social media provides direct fan engagement, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.

But with these opportunities comes increased competition. Standing out requires more than talent; it demands savvy marketing, strategic planning, and adaptability. The barriers to entry may be lower, but sustaining a career requires persistence and focus.

Social media, in particular, has become a critical tool for music discovery. Platforms like TikTok have launched indie hits such as Djo's End of Beginning and Tinashe's Nasty. While these viral moments are valuable, the real challenge lies in converting fleeting attention into long-term fan relationships.

How Indie Artists Can Succeed in Today's Landscape
Leveraging digital tools effectively is crucial. Each social media platform has its own culture, and what works on TikTok may not resonate on Instagram. To stand out, artists should:

• Study successful creators: Analyze what type of content resonates in your genre. 

• Be consistent: Regular, high-quality posts help keep you on your audience's radar. 

• Build relationships: Social media is about connection, not just broadcasting. Respond to comments, share behind-the-scenes moments, and invite interaction. 

• Collaborate strategically: Partnering with other artists or influencers can expand your reach. 

Social media is a powerful piece of the puzzle, but it's not a magic solution. 

At its core, a sustainable career is built on meaningful music and genuine connections with fans.

The Truth About Viral Success
In an age of TikTok trends, it's tempting to chase virality as the ultimate goal. While going viral can offer a significant boost, it doesn't guarantee long-term success. Many artists struggle to maintain momentum after a viral moment, especially if the attention is superficial.

Virality is fleeting. True success comes from building a foundation over time— refining your craft, engaging deeply with your audience, and creating a body of work that stands out. Every post, song, and fan interaction is a step in this process. Viral moments can be tools, but they should never be the destination.

If you do experience a viral moment, here's how to capitalize on it:

• Follow up quickly: Release new content while the buzz is fresh. 

• Engage with new fans: Respond to their comments and give them reasons to stay. 

• Diversify your platforms: Build connections through email lists or other direct channels to reduce reliance on algorithms. 

Lessons from Success Stories

Sabrina Carpenter's career is a testament to perseverance. Starting as a child actor on Disney Channel's Girl Meets World, she began releasing music in 2014. While her early albums gained modest attention, she didn't achieve mainstream success until 2022— nearly a decade into her music career.

Carpenter's single Because I Liked a Boy went viral on TikTok, propelling her to wider recognition. But it wasn't just luck. Years of refining her artistry and building a loyal fanbase prepared her to seize the opportunity. In 2023, her album Emails I Can't Send debuted in the top 25 of the Billboard 200, and her creative live performances further solidified her reputation.

Chappell Roan's journey illustrates the importance of authenticity and persistence. Signed to Atlantic Records at 17, she released a debut EP in 2017 but struggled to find mainstream success. After being dropped by the label, Roan took control of her career, leaning into a theatrical, unapologetically queer style that resonated deeply with her audience.

Her 2023 debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, earned critical acclaim, blending pop hooks with narrative storytelling. Roan's story shows that setbacks can be opportunities for reinvention. In today's music landscape, artists can thrive outside traditional systems by staying true to their vision.

Charli XCX's career spans more than a decade, but her path to mainstream success has been anything but straightforward. After gaining attention with features on I Love It and Fancy, Charli spent years refining her experimental pop style.

Her 2024 album Brat marked a turning point, combining her boundary-pushing sensibilities with a clear marketing strategy. By creating a world around the album—defining the persona of "the brat" and crafting a community for fans— Charli built buzz that rivaled releases by industry heavyweights. Her success underscores the power of long-term strategy and artistic evolution.

Conclusion: There Is No Rush

The stories of Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX highlight an essential truth: 

Success in the music industry is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about persistence, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from every setback.

Building a sustainable career requires a balance of patience and strategy. While viral moments and streaming numbers can provide temporary boosts, true success comes from creating meaningful art, fostering genuine connections with fans, and staying committed to your vision.

The digital age offers more opportunities than ever before, but it also demands more effort. There's no shortcut to longevity. The music industry rewards those who are willing to put in the time and embrace the journey— brick by brick, day by day.
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Catapult Distribution is a leading digital music distributor that has been serving independent artists and labels worldwide since 2006. They specialize in distributing albums, singles, and ringtones to major digital music platforms, including iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube Music.

By partnering with Catapult, artists gain access to a streamlined distribution process, ensuring their music reaches a global audience across over 1,000 music stores and platforms in more than 250 countries. Catapult offers a user-friendly dashboard for easy submission and management of music, detailed monthly reports on sales and streams, and automatic monthly payments via PayPal without transaction fees.

Catapult's mission is to empower independent musicians by providing efficient and transparent distribution services, allowing artists to focus on their creative work while Catapult handles the complexities of digital distribution. Their commitment to high artist payout percentages, exceptional customer service, and a straightforward pricing model has established them as a trusted partner in the independent music community.

Tap this link to learn more about all Catapult has to offer: CatapultMyMusic. 

in partnership with Where Music's Going and Rob Abelow

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Warren Zevon

"Warren Zevon was a Songwriter's Songwriter— a master storyteller with a sharp wit, a dark edge, and an unmatched ability to turn life's absurdities into musical masterpieces."
— New Music Lives™

The Troubadour of Life's Shadows
Warren Zevon occupies a unique space in the pantheon of the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time. Known for his biting wit, poignant storytelling, and adventurous approach to Songwriting, Zevon's career spanned decades of musical evolution. His ability to blend sardonic humor with deep emotional resonance earned him respect among peers and fans alike, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in the singer-songwriter tradition.

"Warren was a poet, a rocker, and one of the bravest artists I've ever known. His songs cut through the noise and got straight to the heart of what it means to be human."
— Bruce Springsteen

The Music: Hits, Records, and Productions
Zevon's discography is a testament to his brilliance. His biggest hit, Werewolves of London (1978), with its infectious piano riff and sardonic lyrics, became a cultural touchstone. Featured on his breakthrough album Excitable Boy, the song is still celebrated as one of rock's quirkiest anthems. Other standout tracks include Lawyers, Guns and Money, a wry reflection on personal turmoil, and Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner, a darkly comedic tale of revenge.

His albums Excitable Boy and Warren Zevon (1976) remain his most critically acclaimed works. The latter included Desperados Under the Eaves, a haunting ballad that exemplifies his ability to weave personal despair with wry commentary.

"Warren had a unique way of looking at the world. He wrote songs that nobody else could write, and his music will live forever."
— Bob Dylan

Zevon's production style was ahead of its time, blending rock, folk, and classical influences. His collaborations with top-tier musicians such as Jackson Browne (who co-produced Warren Zevon), Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham, and Eagles members 

Don Henley and Glenn Frey elevated his records to new heights.

Concerts and Collaborations
Zevon's live performances were legendary for their raw energy and emotional intensity. He often shared the stage with music greats, from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen, who admired his craftsmanship. His collaborations extended beyond music; Zevon contributed scores for films and TV, showcasing his versatility.

Awards and Legacy
Though Zevon was never a commercial juggernaut, his work earned critical acclaim. In 2003, he received five posthumous Grammy nominations, winning two for his final album, The Wind, recorded as he faced terminal cancer. The album's centerpiece, Keep Me in Your Heart, is a poignant farewell that epitomizes his ability to find beauty in life's darkest moments.

Zevon's legacy as a trailblazer lies in his fearless exploration of unconventional themes. He tackled mortality, war, addiction, and absurdity with unmatched candor, paving the way for Singer Songwriters unafraid to delve into life's shadows.

"Warren was one of the smartest and most fearless Songwriters of his generation. Working with him was like standing next to a fire— it was intense, but the brilliance was undeniable."
— Jackson Browne

Inspiration and Influence
Drawing inspiration from literary giants like Hunter S. Thompson and F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zevon infused his music with a literary quality that resonated with his peers. Bruce Springsteen once called him "the best friend a song ever had," and Bob Dylan frequently covered Zevon's songs during live performances.

Zevon's influence on subsequent generations of Singer Songwriters is profound. Artists like Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, and Conor Oberst have cited him as a key influence, appreciating his sharp lyrical wit and uncompromising artistic vision.

Personal Life and Struggles
Born in Chicago in 1947, Zevon's life was as tumultuous as his music. He struggled with alcoholism and addiction for much of his career but achieved sobriety in the 1980s, channeling his experiences into deeply introspective works. His personal relationships, including a marriage to Crystal Zevon, who later chronicled their life together in I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon, reveal the complexity of his character.

"His songs are like short stories with teeth— he could make you laugh and cry in the same line."
— Tom Waits

Zevon's battle with mesothelioma in his final years highlighted his resilience and humor. Choosing to face death head-on, he remarked, "Enjoy every sandwich," a phrase that became a mantra for his fans.

Political and Social Activism
Though not overtly political, Zevon's work often carried social commentary. Tracks like The Envoy addressed geopolitical issues with a satirical edge. He was also a staunch advocate for artistic integrity, resisting commercial pressures to conform to industry trends.

"Warren Zevon was the best guest we ever had. He was funny, brilliant, and his music touched everyone in the room."
— David Letterman

Legacy in the Singer Songwriter Tradition
Warren Zevon's impact on the world of music cannot be overstated. His ability to balance humor and pathos, his fearless exploration of life's complexities, and his literary approach to Songwriting ensure his place among the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time. His influence continues to resonate, inspiring artists to blend honesty and wit in their work.

Warren Zevon's multifaceted legacy, ensures that his contributions to music and culture continue to inspire generations of Singer Songwriters.

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COACHING— The Best Way To Promote Your Music Is Totally Free! by Tony van Veen of DiscMakers

A couple of months ago, I did a video about why artists don't invest in marketing their music, in promoting their music, and the response was overwhelming. I got well over a hundred comments on the YouTube video. Answers ranged from, there are too many scammers out there, to I don't know what to do, to I tried some stuff and only lost money. 

Of course, all the reasons that I just mentioned why artists don't invest in marketing and promo are legit. 

There are a ton of options out there. There's plenty of unscrupulous marketers promising artists results and not delivering.

And certainly, it is very hard to be able to track a return on your marketing investment, especially if you only run like one campaign for a few weeks. But there is one way to promote your music that doesn't cost a penny and which works great. You know what that is? 

It's performing live.

That's right. The mere fact of you playing live in front of an audience is the best promotion that you can do. Here's why.

Number one, whenever you play live, wherever you do it, whether it's at a local coffee shop, a local club, opening up for another artist, or even busking, your music will get heard by people who don't know it. If they like what they hear, they'll pay attention and you may gain a new fan. Number two, as a live performer, you don't have to rely just on your sound to get noticed.

Live is a full 360 experience. Your sound, your look, your stage presence, the energy of the live environment of itself, they all contribute to make an impression on the listener's mind. Live, you just have more hooks to sink into a listener and grab their attention.

And because of that, in my experience, I'm way more likely to like an artist, I don't know, when I first see them live than when I first hear them on Spotify. Right? Haven't you experienced it? That you see a band live, you want to check them out on Spotify,  and the recorded songs just don't hold up as well as what you just experienced at the concert? I've certainly experienced that way more often than the other way around, where I like an artist's recordings and then I'm disappointed by them when I see them live. That just doesn't happen very often.

Number three, and finally, at a live concert, it is actually way easier to convert someone who hears you for the first time into a fan in a way that will allow you to generate  revenue in the future. How so? Check out this scenario. 

You get a slot as an opening act on a three-artist bill at a local club. There's maybe 300 people in the crowd. You play a kick-ass set, people's heads are bobbing, clearly some people are into it. How is this better than if someone discovers a song of yours on  Spotify? Certainly on Spotify they can like your song, they could even follow you, and maybe check out some other music that you have.

It's cool, but live there are so many more opportunities. Let me quickly list them. The first benefit from performing live is that you can add new fans to your mailing list, which is impossible with Spotify.

The old-school way to do that is with a sign-up sheet at your merch table, but  nowadays everyone has a smartphone. You can ask them right in the middle of your set to email or text or WhatsApp you their name and email address, and by the time you get off stage, you may have a few dozen new names for your mailing list. Like, just go like, 

"Hey, if you like what you're hearing and you'd like to hear more, here's an easy way. Please take out your smartphone. You got it? Send me a quick email to tony at bandname .com and tell me your name, and I'd be thrilled to add you to my mailing list so that we can stay in touch."

Of course, it doesn't have to be those exact words.

You can experiment with things with different phrasings. You can even offer an incentive, like a free exclusive download of a not available on Spotify. But the point is...

...getting people onto your list is a major benefit from performing live.

And you'll be able to promote to those people for free, forever, through that email, as you evolve and grow as an artist. You can use it to encourage them to get onto your socials, your YouTube, your Spotify, and certainly you can sell them merch and your new CDs and LPs when your next album comes out. Which brings me to the second awesome benefit from playing live.

You can generate immediate revenue from your new fans. If you deliver a kick-ass performance, tell the audience while you're on stage that you have a merch table in the back, and you'll be there autographing CDs after your set. If you give a good show, I guarantee that people will wander over to chat, to check out your merch, to take a selfie, and of course, buy your CD or a t-shirt.

And man, once they meet you, once they have an autographed LP of yours, they'll be a fan for life. [We call them TrueFans.] You can make hundreds of dollars from a fan like that, over their lifetime, from concert tickets, merch, sales, CDs, finals, stickers, you name it. And there's a third benefit.

The more you perform live, the better you become as an artist. You can see others perform. You can compare yourself and up your game.

You can watch other artists' musicianship and up your game. This will all help you become a better artist, which will help you gain more and more fans over time, because more people will like you each time you play, because you're better. And the final benefit, that you build your network by performing live.

Maybe not so much if you're busking, but even if you're performing at a coffee shop,  you could network with the booker or the shop owner. And certainly as an opening act, you can mingle and get to know the other artists, the promoter, the sound guys, which can only help you down the road. So let me quickly summarize.

Performing live is an awesome discovery opportunity, exposing unsuspecting listeners to your music. If they like you, even a little bit, you can get them to join your mailing list, even buy your merch. You can network with fans as well as other artists and promoters and maybe people in the biz, and you'll learn to become a better, more well-rounded artist.

And again, the best thing is, all this costs you nothing. In fact, you'll frequently get paid for performing live, and you'll still reap all these benefits that I was just talking about. And yes, I know, someone will inevitably say, well, it does cost something to play live.
Gas, tolls, parking, food, lodging sometimes. True. You got me.

But it's still way cheaper than trying to gain fans by buying ads on Facebook or Google or Spotify. And if you do your job right as an artist, you can walk away with more money at the end of every concert than you walked in with. 

There is one thing you've got to do, however, when you play live that's essential and that too many artists don't do.

You have to tell the audience your name. I've been at so many concerts where I'll ask someone in the crowd, hey, these guys are pretty cool. Who are they? And too often, the answer is, I don't know.

That's a huge missed opportunity. So make sure to mention your name a couple of times during your set, at least at the very beginning, and also before your last song. And enunciate well when you say it, so that everyone in the audience knows who you are before you get off stage.

Look, for many artists, performing a concert is the end goal. They know they need to promote the concert to get fans there. They know they should sell vinyl and CDs and t-shirts to make some income, but they don't think of the concert itself as a promo opportunity, as an opportunity to gain new fans who can be with them for life, buying more concert tickets and merch and CDs and vinyl for years to come.

And if you think of it like that, then you see how performing live becomes like a flywheel. The more you do it, the better you get at it, the more fans you gain, the more money you make, the more people you can get to your next concert, and so on and so on. I hope you found this helpful.

Let's get gigging. See you next time.

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About Tony van Veen
About Tony van Veen is the CEO of DIY Media Group, the parent company of Disc Makers, BookBaby, and Merchly. With over three decades of experience, he has been instrumental in empowering independent artists to produce, distribute, and promote their own music. Under his leadership, Disc Makers transformed from a regional vinyl pressing plant into a leading provider of CD and DVD manufacturing services for independent artists in the U.S.

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.

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PS from PS— Why New Music LIVE

Look at this picture...

It's from almost 10 years ago. 2015. A young Chappell Roan is playing in small venues. Finding her voice. 

Fast forward. 2023. She's commanding stages with her theatrical, unapologetic style. 

The times between these moments? Countless LIVE performances where Ms. Roan discovered not just who she was as an Singer Songwriter, but who her audience was too.

This same-ish story echoes through the careers of so many greats. Warren Zevon, armed with his piano and sardonic wit, built his legend one smoke-filled bar room at a time. His LIVE performances weren't concerts— they were masterclasses in connecting with an audience. How to turn complex stories into shared experiences. Even David Letterman called him, "The best guest we ever had," because Zevon understood that LIVE performance is where artists become unforgettable.

Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX both started young. Both faced setbacks. And both used LIVE performances to evolve and experiment. Carpenter's creative LIVE shows helped cement her reputation well beyond her Disney roots, while Charli XCX's boundary-pushing performances turned her experimental pop into a movement.

So here's the truth of what Tony van Veen so sagely pointed out: Every time you step on stage— whether it's a coffee shop corner or a club opening slot— you're not just playing songs. You're offering something streaming platforms can't... 

A real, breathing, moment-by-moment connection giving your audience the chance to be part of your story and the bragging rights to say, "I was there when..."

The stage is where email lists grow into communities. Where merchandise becomes memorabilia. Where casual listeners transform into devoted TrueFans who'll support your journey for years (and years) to come. Remember, some of music's most compelling success stories didn't start with a viral moment or a lucky break— they started with an artist, a stage, and the passion to connect, one show at a time. Artist-To-Fan.

Now, imagine combining the raw energy of those early Chappell shows with technology that turns momentary connections into monetary appreciation and lasting support. Picture Warren Zevon's intimate performances, but with tools that let every audience member become a TrueFan right from their phone... Before they get their selfie.

Here's what's coming:

Our direct fan support platform launches soon, TrueFan Boost— a simple system that AMPs up the energy of LIVE performances and converts it into bankable support. When a fan is moved by your performance, they instantly scan a QR code and contribute to the success of your career. No more fumbling with tip jars or hoping they'll remember your merch table later.

And that's just the beginning, in Q1 2025, we'll be rolling out our revolutionary house concert platform, TrueFan Jam, which will transform living rooms, backyards and intimate spaces into the perfect venues. We're taking those magical moments that Charli, Chappell and Sabrina Carpenter built their careers on and making them accessible to every Singer Songwriter.

Think about this. Please. Instead of competing with espresso machines in coffee shops or TV's with the game on in some bar somewhere, you'll be performing for rooms full of engaged listeners who are there specifically for your music and you. Each show an opportunity to build lasting connections, and with TrueFan Boost turning emotional responses into immediate "FANancial" support.

We'll be bringing on the first Singer Songwriters to this new app this month, if you would like to be one of the first, let us know.

These first pioneers will help us to shape the future of LIVE music, creating a new model where authentic connections lead to sustainable careers, and the door will be fully open in the New Year. 

The stage has always been where music comes aLIVE. Now, with New Music LIVEs, it's also where careers are built, one true fan at a time.

Until we speak again... 

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...