the AMP Issue 75

"I write about what I observe, what I feel, and what I think. It's always been about expressing emotions and telling stories that people can relate to."
— Joan Armatrading

In This Issue...  19 pages [about 28ish minutes to read, but lots longer to Listen to...] You'll Get... 
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• Recommends— The 47th Kennedy Center Honors 2024 featuring Bonnie Raitt, The Grateful Dead and the Apollo Theater

• the BIZ— Will the TikTok ban happen? What you need to know from MIDiA Research

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters— Joan Armatrading

• Inspiration— 8 Inspiring Quotes about Songwriting from the Musical U Team

 • In Memoriam— The Musicians We Lost In 2024 from The New York Times The Amplifier By Lindsay Zoladz

• PS from PS— the TrueFans Manifesto 2025

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Here’s the playlist

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• Recommends— The 47th Kennedy Center Honors 2024 featuring Bonnie Raitt, The Grateful Dead and the Apollo Theater

"For Singer Songwriters, the program offered a wealth of inspiration, showcasing the power of music to transcend generations and bring people together."
— New Music Lives™

This year's Kennedy Center Honors, which aired on December 22, 2024, was a spectacular celebration of artistic excellence, paying tribute to some of the most influential figures in music and culture. This year's honorees included the legendary Bonnie Raitt, the iconic Grateful Dead, and, for the first time in the event's history, an institution— the historic Apollo Theater.

Bonnie Raitt
The evening commenced with a heartfelt homage to Bonnie Raitt, whose soulful voice and masterful guitar work have inspired generations. Emmylou Harris and Dave Matthews delivered a poignant rendition of Angel from Montgomery, a song Raitt famously performed with the late John Prine. Sheryl Crow, reflecting on Raitt's trailblazing career, shared, "I would not be doing what I'm doing if I had not seen her perform as a 17-year-old," highlighting Raitt's profound influence on aspiring musicians.

The Grateful Dead
The tribute to the Grateful Dead was a vibrant celebration of their enduring legacy. David Letterman, emerging humorously from a prop Deadhead VW van amidst a cloud of (implied) marijuana smoke, proclaimed, "Their music fills the universe." Musical performances included Sturgill Simpson's soulful take on "Ripple," and a collaborative rendition of Not Fade Away featuring Dave Matthews, Susan Tedeschi, Leon Bridges, Maggie Rogers, and Derek Trucks, which had the audience dancing in the aisles, embodying the communal spirit synonymous with the band's concerts. 

The Apollo Theater
In a historic first, the Kennedy Center honored the Apollo Theater, recognizing its pivotal role in American culture and its 90-year legacy of launching the careers of numerous Black artists. The tribute featured a dynamic tap performance by Savion Glover and a soulful medley of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell hits performed by The War and Treaty. Comedian Dave Chappelle recounted his early experience at the Apollo, humorously sharing how being booed off stage at 15 helped him overcome his fear of failure, underscoring the theater's reputation as a crucible for emerging talent. 

This year's Kennedy Center Honors not only celebrated individual artistry but also highlighted the profound impact of cultural institutions like the Apollo Theater. For Singer Songwriters, the program offered a wealth of inspiration, showcasing the power of music to transcend generations and bring people together.

If you missed the live broadcast, I highly recommend watching the performances and tributes, which are available for streaming. Experiencing these heartfelt celebrations of musical legends will undoubtedly enrich your appreciation for the art of songwriting and performance.

Keep creating and let the legacies of these artists inspire your musical journey.

Tap the link to watch the 1 hour 58 minute program: Kennedy Center Honors 2024.

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• the BIZ— Will the TikTok ban happen? What you need to know by Hanna Kahlert  from MIDiA Research

It has been a rollercoaster of a news year for TikTok since April, when President Biden signed a law that would ban the platform unless it found new owners. 

The January 19th deadline is approaching quickly, and the heat is up as of December  6th, when the Federal Appeals court  upheld the ban. While Australia recently passed a social media ban for under-16s, a TikTok ban in the US may not come to fruition as easily. TikTok has made no moves to divest from parent company ByteDance, and has indicated it will pursue an appeals process up to the Supreme Court— which could extend proceedings beyond January 19th and into the Trump presidency, where the legislative environment could swing in TikTok's favor. 

Will the TikTok ban actually happen? 

The role of the Trump administration explained
Once a law has entered the bureaucratic machinery, it takes more than a presidential  whim to strike it down. Trump's own perspective on TikTok may have warmed since his original calls to ban the app several years ago, but the Supreme Court does operate independently of him, and may choose to uphold the original law on the basis of national security. The platform's arguments around free speech have thus far fallen on deaf ears, with courts finding that the option for TikTok to divest from ByteDance, combined with alternative apps, mean that consumer access to TikTok does not equate with access to free speech, and thus a ban does not impede their rights. As this is the main argument in play, assuming legal logic and government organization remain as-is, it looks unlikely that the Supreme Court would see differently. 

Trump's government could try to intervene directly, but even so, this would not be without its legal battles. Moreover, it is difficult to imagine his administration being so aligned on the issue, given the law's original bipartisan support, and the newer involvement of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg in particular. Musk's platform, X, is not directly in competition with TikTok when it comes to features, but in terms of time, attention, and information dissemination, its interests inevitably clash. Zuckerberg is not officially involved in the incoming cabinet, but has expressed interest in active involvement in tech policy moving forward (per The Guardian). His company's app, Instagram, is a direct competitor to TikTok through Reels— so a ban of TikTok would be of direct benefit. 

Despite Trump's personal softening towards the platform, his party and administration seem to be in agreement: the US would be better off without TikTok. 

A ban will mean a slow decline for TikTok, not an overnight shift 

A Supreme Court appeal may delay proceedings, but there was never going to be a hard stop on TikTok as of January 19th anyway. The ban, once in effect, simply requires removal of the app from app stores, meaning that users who already have TikTok downloaded would be able to keep it, until a lack of updates ultimately stopped it from working. The bigger questions surround monetization— for TikTok creators through creator funds, payments through the TikTok store, and advertisers on the app. There are, as yet, absolutely no clear pathways for any of these if (or when) the TikTok ban goes into effect. 

Creators are already panicking, asking their audiences to follow them on other platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where the content style remains largely the same but their long-term futures are protected. As proven many times over in the digital entertainment world, audiences are not truly platform loyal. Some may be 'stickier' than others, but a combination of pricing and content will drive them from one platform to another. It is one thing if two platforms have unique content, as with video streaming, where users have to subscribe to more than one to get access to certain shows or films. It is quite another when the same creators are posting the same videos to Reels, Shorts, and TikTok, and stop posting to TikTok because they are worried that they will no longer get paid. 

In this context, the culture on TikTok is likely to deteriorate (or improve, depending on your perspective). With its clock ticking and monetization a grey area, for-profit  ventures will start to leave or divest their energies from the app; simply focusing on  other options as a 'just-in-case' scenario will be enough to do some damage. TikTok  will become an unmonetizable free-for-all, where users will not even have to worry much about being haunted by their posts, as the servers may soon go down. Expect cultural moments galore— but little sticking power. 

It has never been a better time to be on TikTok, but it has never been a worse time to have your strategy tied to it. 
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About Hanna Kahlert
Hanna is MIDiA's cultural trends analyst, contributing across critical developments, media & marketing, and beyond. Her key areas of interest are cross-entertainment audience behavior, the creator economy, and social platforms.

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• The Greatest Singer Songwriters— Joan Armatrading

A Trailblazing Voice in Songwriting History

"Joan Armatrading is a Songwriter's Songwriter— a true original whose music transcends genre and time."
— New Music Lives™

One of the most influential Singer Songwriters of our time, Joan Armatrading built a career that is nothing short of legendary. With her unmistakable voice, innovative Songwriting, and timeless melodies, she has inspired generations of artists while carving a niche entirely her own. From her trailblazing albums and chart-topping hits to her enduring influence on the music industry, Armatrading remains a beacon of authenticity and creative brilliance.

"Joan Armatrading is one of the most talented and groundbreaking Singer Songwriters of our time. Her music is pure and honest."
— Elton John

The Music
Joan Armatrading's music defies easy categorization. Blending folk, jazz, pop, blues, and rock, her sound is as eclectic as it is distinctive. She emerged in the 1970s with her eponymous third album, which included the timeless track Love and Affection. This song became an anthem, reaching number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and catapulting her to international fame. Her discography is rich with other standout hits, including: Willow, Drop the Pilot, Me Myself I, All the Way from America and Show Some Emotion. These tracks showcase her ability to weave intricate lyrics with captivating melodies, creating songs that resonate deeply with listeners.

Armatrading's 1980 album  became a commercial success, cementing her reputation as a global music icon. Her album Into the Blues (2007) debuted at number one on the US Billboard Blues Chart, making her the first UK female artist to achieve this feat. The record also earned her a Grammy nomination, further affirming her enduring relevance and innovation.

"Joan has always had a way of creating songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. She's a true original."
— Joni Mitchell

Concerts and Collaborations
Known for her electrifying live performances, Joan Armatrading has graced the stages of iconic venues worldwide. Her concerts are celebrated for their intimacy and emotional depth, reflecting her genuine connection with her audience. She has shared stages with legendary musicians, including Elton John and Bruce Springsteen, and her collaborations span various genres and styles.

Awards and Recognitions
Joan Armatrading's talent has been recognized with numerous accolades:

• Three Grammy nominations
• Two Brit Award nominations
• An Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection
• Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to music, charity, and equality.

A Trailblazer and Pioneer

"Joan Armatrading's voice and lyrics have been a guide for me. Her ability to speak the truth through music is unmatched."
— India.Arie

Armatrading's impact extends beyond her music. As one of the first Black British  women to achieve international fame as a Singer Songwriter, she shattered barriers and opened doors for countless artists. Her work often explores themes of love, identity, and resilience, resonating with fans across generations and cultural boundaries.

Personal Life and Activism
Joan Armatrading has kept her personal life largely private, but it is known that she married Maggie Butler in 2011, a relationship that reflects her authenticity and courage. She has also been a strong advocate for social and political causes. Her music and public stance often promote equality and justice, further solidifying her role as a voice of integrity and compassion.

"Listening to Joan Armatrading was like hearing a new language in music. She showed me that authenticity is the key to great Songwriting."
— Tracy Chapman

Legacy and Influence
Armatrading's influence on the music industry is immeasurable. Her unique Songwriting and genre-defying style have inspired a wide range of artists, from Tracy Chapman and India.Arie to Alicia Keys and Ed Sheeran. Her pioneering spirit and fearless creativity set a standard for excellence that continues to inspire emerging Singer Songwriters.

As she once said, "My songs are about real life, real people, and the real emotions we all feel." This authenticity is the cornerstone of her enduring legacy. More notable quotes from Ms. Armatrading about her music include...

"I write about what I observe, what I feel, and what I think. It's always been about expressing emotions and telling stories that people can relate to."

"I've always made music for myself first. If I don't feel it deeply, I don't think anyone else will either."

"When I write, I'm just trying to be as honest as I can. It's about capturing a moment or a feeling and putting it into words and melody."

"Music has no boundaries, and neither do I. I just write what comes naturally, without worrying about fitting into any particular genre."

"The beauty of Songwriting is that it lets you connect with people on a deep, emotional level, even if they've never met you."

Joan Armatrading's contributions to music and culture are profound. Her ability to craft songs that touch the soul, her groundbreaking achievements, and her unwavering  commitment to authenticity make her a true trailblazer. As a pioneer and an icon, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

"Joan's music is timeless. Her artistry and innovation have left an indelible mark on all of us who make music."
— Sting

in partnership with Musical U

• Inspiration— 8 Inspiring Quotes about Songwriting from the Musical U Team

Gaining insight from musicians you admire can be a helpful and motivating way to guide yourself through your own creative process. Soak in the words and be inspired.

All musicians, regardless of age and experience, start their careers at zero. No matter how hard the media tries to paint those successful stories as rosy and effortless, all true artists know it takes hard work and determination to arrive at their goal and most constantly struggle with creating the music they love.

This is not to discourage or scare you. Rather, we'd like to take this opportunity to look at what famous musicians have to say about their songwriting process. We hope they inspire and motivate you to grow your songwriting skills.

"It is only natural to pattern yourself after someone… But you can't just copy someone. If you like someone's work, the important thing is to be exposed to everything that person has been exposed to."
— Bob Dylan

One of music's most influential and fascinating artists, Bob Dylan is a prolific and renowned songwriter. If you're deeply interested in a certain artist or genre, make sure you study and expose yourself not just to it, but to everything which has inspired it.

"I wish I were one of those people who wrote songs quickly. But I'm not. So it takes me a great deal of time to find out what the song is."
— Leonard Cohen

Even one of the greatest poet-musicians knew that everyone works at a different pace. It's not a competition. Be patient and take as much time as you need.

"For a Songwriter, you don't really go to songwriting school; you learn by listening to tunes. And you try to understand them and take them apart and see what they're made of, and wonder if you can make one, too."
— Tom Waits

Improving your Songwriting skills has a lot to do with paying attention to each of the parts that make up a whole. The more you listen, the better you'll be at deconstructing a musical piece and understanding it at a deeper level.

"I have a structured Songwriting process. I start with the music and try to come up with musical ideas, then the melody, then the hook, and the lyrics come last."
— John Legend

There's no fixed way to write songs. Some artists like John Legend start with the music first, while others begin with the lyrics. Try different processes and you'll be able to find what works best for you.

"I don't force it. If you don't have an idea and you don't hear anything going over and over in your head, don't sit down and try to write a song. You know, go mow the lawn… My songs speak for themselves."
— Neil Young

There's rarely anything good born out of being unnatural and forceful, especially if it deals with creativity. If you feel stuck, take a break. Go for a walk, feed your dog, wash the dishes— music will come out naturally that way.

"For me, Songwriting is something I have to do ritually. I don't just wait for inspiration; I try to write a little bit every day."
–Sean Lennon

This tip might seem a little conflicting with #5. However, even John Lennon's son recognizes the value of practicing— an essential element in becoming good at whatever you do. Remember to set aside time every day to work on your songwriting skills.

"I don't think about commercial concerns when I first come up with something. When I sit down at the piano, I try to come up with something that moves me."
— Lamont Dozier

It's refreshing and reassuring to hear that the creator of 14 US Billboard #1 hits doesn't start by thinking commercially! The goal of songwriting should be about expressing your feelings and thoughts. Create something that resonates with you first before it has anything to do with money and fame.

"It's very helpful to start with something that's true. If you start with something that's false, you're always covering your tracks. Something simple and true, that has a lot of possibilities, is a nice way to begin."
— Paul Simon

The greatest songs often start with ordinary, real, things. Don't aim for complexity or superficiality. Start with a simple truth and use your creativity to make it sing.
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About Musical U
Musical U is your ultimate companion for mastering the skills every singer-songwriter needs. Whether you're looking to hone your ear for songwriting, improve your vocal confidence, or master the art of musical creativity, Musical U offers a wealth of tools, resources, and community support to help you succeed.

From practical ear training exercises to songwriting tips and guidance, Musical U empowers you to create music with greater freedom and authenticity. Explore free resources, including mini-courses, downloadable guides, and tutorials designed to elevate your songwriting journey.

Discover the joy of making music your way with Musical U— because every artist deserves the chance to reach their full musical potential. Check out the in partnership with Musical U in this issue today and start your journey to becoming the Singer Songwriter you've always dreamed of being!

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 •  In Memoriam— The Musicians We Lost In 2024 from The New York Times The Amplifier By Lindsay Zoladz (Includes a 16 song, 1 hr 9 min playlist)

As we look back at 2024, it's important to honor the many great musicians we lost this year. Over the past 12 months, we've said goodbye to some towering legends of American song (Quincy Jones, Kris Kristofferson), beloved cult heroes of underground music (Steve Albini, Can vocalist Damo Suzuki), and pop idols of different cultures and generations (the Shangri-Las' Mary Weiss, One Direction's Liam Payne, and the French icon Françoise Hardy, to name just a few). On today's playlist, all of their disparate sounds and styles will mingle as one long, eclectic musical memorial.

Melanie: Ruby Tuesday
The Queens-born folk Singer Songwriter Melanie Safka, who died in January at 76, was best known for her winsome 1971 ode to roller-skating, Brand New Key. As fun as that tune is, it doesn't show off the full gale force of Melanie's voice. Her powerful 1970 cover of this Rolling Stones classic, though, certainly does.

The Shangri-Las: Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)
Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the Shangri-Las, was just 15 when several of her group's biggest hits were released, including Leader of the Pack and this gloriously melodramatic ballad. On her deeply felt adolescent symphonies, Weiss could oscillate between an impassioned wail and tough-talking spoken word— a distinctive approach that proved hugely influential. She died in January at 75.

Duane Eddy: Rebel Rouser
In the late 1950s, Duane Eddy found success with his flashy, innovative style of guitar playing, full of resonant echo, vibrato and bass-heavy staccato notes. John Fogerty once called Eddy, who died in April at 86, "the first rock 'n' roll guitar god." This timelessly cool instrumental hit from 1958 explains why.

Cissy Houston: Think It Over
Cissy Houston was known as an accomplished gospel singer and member of the in-demand backing vocal group the Sweet Inspirations (not to mention, of course, being Whitney's mother), but her long recording career encompassed a wide variety of genres. In 1978, for example, she had a hit with this flashy, fiery disco tune. She died in October at 91.

The Contortions: Contort Yourself
The Singer Songwriter and saxophonist James Chance, who died in April at 71,was a central figure in New York's no wave scene, in which he specialized in a unique fusion of free jazz and punk rock. "He could lure you in with being so cute and so jerky, with the whole downtown thing," his occasional collaborator Debbie Harry once said. "But then he would do things that were really very advanced musically." This blurting, angular track, from his band the Contortions' 1979 debut, Buy, is a quintessential taste of Chance's signature style.

Big Black: Kerosene
Underground rock suddenly lost one of its most beloved and principled curmudgeons in May, when the musician and prolific audio engineer Steve Albini died at 61. The list of Albini's production credits is long and legendary, including Pixies' Surfer Rosa and Nirvana's In Utero, among many others. But as a member of bands like Big Black and Shellac, Albini also pushed sonic boundaries on his own albums. This corrosive and strangely incantatory track from Big Black's great 1986 LP Atomizer is a clear highlight in his storied discography.

Can: Paperhouse
In 1970, the members of the German experimental band Can were looking for a new lead singer and found the perfect fit in a young Japanese artist named Damo Suzuki. Though Suzuki, who died in February at 74, was part of Can for only three years, it was an indelible era during which the band produced its 1971 masterpiece Tago Mago (the drifting Paperhouse is its leadoff track) and scored an unexpected hit with the atmospheric Spoon. Suzuki's improvisational, often indecipherable vocals mirrored the freewheeling energy of Can's idiosyncratic take on psychedelia.

Shakti with John McLaughlin: Mind Ecology
Just a few days ago, on Dec. 15, the peerless tabla musician Zakir Hussain died at 73. "Throughout the years," wrote Jon Pareles, Hussain "appeared on hundreds of albums, equally at home with Indian classical traditions and fresh multicultural hybrids." This opening track from Natural Elements, his group Shakti's 1977 album with the guitarist John McLaughlin, is an enthralling display of Hussain's percussive virtuosity.

The Allman Brothers Band: Ramblin' Man
Following the untimely death of Duane Allman in 1971, Dickey Betts stepped to the forefront of the Allman Brothers Band, becoming the group's lead guitarist and occasional vocalist and songwriter. Betts, who died in April at 80, handles all three of those duties on this warm, wistful rocker— the group's highest charting hit— from the 1973 album Brothers and Sisters.

Grateful Dead: Box of Rain
"His tone was rounded and unassertive while he eased his way into the counterpoint," Jon Pareles wrote in a beautiful appraisal of the Grateful Dead's singular bassist, Phil Lesh, "almost as if he were thinking aloud." Never content to simply stand in the background and hold down the rhythm, Lesh embroidered the Dead's songs with adventurous, melodic bass melodies and occasionally took on Songwriting and vocal duties, as he did on the warm, ruminative 1970 track Box of Rain. Lesh died at 84 in October.

Toby Keith: How Do You Like Me Now?!
Toby Keith was one of country's pre-eminent hitmakers of the late 1990s and 2000s, but through his most combative songs, like Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (An Angry American), came to be known as a divisive bard of American exceptionalism. As Jon Caramanica wrote in a sharp appraisal of Keith, who died in February at 62, this made his career "an object lesson in how one incandescent and hard-to-ignore moment can shine so brightly that it obscures more nuanced truths below." This title track from his hit 1999 album better showcases the side of Keith that was, as Caramanica puts it, "a sly humorist, a good-natured blowhard, a chronicler of what really happens below thick skin."

One Direction: Fireproof
The boy band One Direction fractured irrevocably on Oct. 16, when one of its members, Liam Payne, died at the tragically young age of 31. His angelic high harmonies make this soft-rock track from the group's 2014 album Four a standout that shows off the seamless blend of One Direction's five-part harmonies.

Françoise Hardy: Le Temps de l'Amour
The French musician Françoise Hardy, who died in June at age 80, embodied youthful Parisian cool when she released her debut album Tous les Garçons et les Filles in 1962. Though she's most famous for the yé-yé pop sound exemplified by this track, Hardy  continued to evolve throughout her long career, reinventing her sound and style with the restlessness of a true artist.

Barbara Dane: Nine Hundred Miles
Barbara Dane, who died in October at 97, was an activist and a blues singer with a rich, resonant voice and an uncompromising commitment to her politics. Her 1959 recording of the folk standard Nine Hundred Miles demonstrates the extraordinary depth she could bring to a performance. As Louis Armstrong once said of Dane in Time magazine, "Did you get that chick? She's a gasser."

Kris Kristofferson: Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)
We lost a great American Songwriter in September, when Kris Kristofferson died at 88. Though plenty of other artists made his songs their own, his wry, conversational singing voice had an incomparable charm, heard here on a heartbreakingly romantic single from his 1971 album The Silver Tongued Devil and I.

Quincy Jones: Killer Joe
Finally, it's impossible to encompass the talent and vast impact of Quincy Jones, who died in November at 91, in a single track: As a producer, bandleader, arranger, composer and solo artist, he single-handedly helped define the sound of American music in the second half of the 20th century. Ben Sisario put together a 14-track playlist that just begins to scratch the surface of Jones's output, and here's one more, from his 1969 album Walking in Space. As Wesley Morris put it in a remembrance of Jones, "What you hear in all of that music is a little bit of everything— African percussion and R&B rhythm ideas, percolating alongside fur-coat string arrangements and trans-Atlantic flights of falsetto. It sounds like whatever America is supposed to mean."

Listen on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube: In Memoriam: Musicians We Lost in 2024 track list...

Track 1: Melanie, Ruby Tuesday
Track 2: The Shangri-Las, Remember (Walkin' in the Sand)
Track 3: Duane Eddy, Rebel Rouser
Track 4: Cissy Houston, Think It Over
Track 5: The Contortions, Contort Yourself
Track 6: Big Black, Kerosene
Track 7: Can, Paperhouse
Track 8: Shakti with John McLaughlin, Mind Ecology
Track 9: The Allman Brothers Band, Ramblin' Man
Track 10: Grateful Dead, Box of Rain
Track 11: Toby Keith, How Do You Like Me Now?!
Track 12: One Direction, Fireproof
Track 13: Françoise Hardy, Le Temps de l'Amour
Track 14: Barbara Dane, Nine Hundred Miles
Track 15: Kris Kristofferson, Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)
Track 16: Quincy Jones, Killer Joe

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About Lindsay Zoladz and The Amplifier from the New York Times
Lindsay Zoladz, editor and writer of The Amplifier for The New York Times, is one of the most knowledgeable and creative voices in music journalism today. Her deep understanding of the music world, combined with her sharp analytical insights and eloquent storytelling, makes her a leading authority on the subject.

Through The Amplifier, Zoladz curates a dynamic exploration of music's role in culture, creativity, and everyday life. With a keen ear for emerging sounds and a talent for connecting the dots across genres, her work resonates with music lovers and artists alike.

Whether she's uncovering hidden gems, providing thoughtful critiques, or celebrating iconic artists, Zoladz's voice is a trusted guide for anyone who values music as an art form and cultural force. Tap the link to subscribe to The Amplifier and stay inspired, informed, and in tune with the ever-evolving world of music.

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• PS from PS— the TrueFans Manifesto 2025

The TrueFans Manifesto 2025 is a groundbreaking and empowering guide for Singer Songwriters who aspire to move from striving to thriving in their careers. This Special Report, born out of Kevin Kelly's revolutionary "1,000 True Fans" concept, redefines success in the music industry by emphasizing the vital importance of cultivating deep, meaningful relationships with a core audience. It's…

...a clarion call for independent artists to recognize their fans not just as listeners but as the lifeblood of their artistic and financial success.

The manifesto artfully builds on Kelly's premise that creators don't need millions of followers to sustain a successful career. Instead, they need a dedicated base of TrueFans— individuals who are so invested in the artist and their work that they actively support them through purchases, concert attendance, and word-of-mouth advocacy. This isn't merely theoretical— it's proven. Look no further than Taylor Swift, a shining example of how connecting authentically and consistently with fans can elevate an artist to iconic status. Swift's journey, from writing thank-you notes to organizing "Secret Sessions," exemplifies the principles of TrueFans in action, proving that a fan-first approach is both sustainable and scalable.

The manifesto highlights the evolution of the music industry and how technological  advancements have democratized the artist-fan relationship. With platforms like  Patreon, Kickstarter, and Bandcamp, as well as strategies such as Single Specific Daily Actions (SSDAs), artists have more tools than ever to cultivate a loyal following. The emphasis on direct engagement, generosity, and storytelling in building these connections resonates deeply. This guide is packed with actionable insights, from leveraging live performances and personalized fan interactions to crafting limited-edition releases and creating exclusive content that drives fan loyalty.

The inclusion of Amanda Palmer's Art of Asking underscores a central theme: 

Fans want to support artists they love. 

The manifesto challenges outdated notions of fan behavior, revealing a more generous, community-oriented reality. This paradigm shift— from seeing fans as passive consumers to active patrons— is a critical mindset change for any artist seeking longevity and fulfillment.

Moreover, the manifesto doesn't stop at the theoretical. It offers practical strategies for acquiring, nurturing, and growing their TrueFans base. By combining modern digital tools with timeless principles of patronage and artistry, it provides a roadmap for navigating the Passion Economy— a model where quality and connection outweigh quantity and mass appeal.

In a world where many musicians struggle against the tide of algorithm-driven streaming platforms and fleeting viral trends, the TrueFans Manifesto 2025 stands as a beacon of hope. It reframes success as a deeply personal, achievable journey rather than an elusive, impersonal chase for mass-market dominance.

This manifesto is more than a guide— it's a mission and a movement. 

For any Singer Songwriter committed to their craft and their fans, this report isn't just recommended reading; it's a must-read. It promises not only to transform careers but to reignite the passion and purpose that first drew artists to music. Truly, it's time for a change, and TrueFans will lead the way.

Tap the link to get a PDF of New Music Lives™ TrueFans Manifesto 2025 

Until we speak again...

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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...