the AMP Issue 76

"Engaging people online starts with understanding your audience. People want to feel connected. If you're just speaking at people and you're not speaking with people, they'll go elsewhere for that connection."
— Ariel Hyatt

In This Issue...  14 pages [about 21ish minutes to read) You'll Get... 

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• Recommends— 8 Amazing FREE Tools that Can Jumpstart Your Music Marketing from Cyber PR Music and Ariel Hyatt

• the BIZ— the TrueFans Manifesto

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters— Laura Nyro

• Coaching— the 3 H's— Hero. Holding. Hindsight from CyberPR's Ariel Hyatt

 •PS from PS— We Three Things of the AMP are...

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Here’s the playlist

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• Recommends— 8 Amazing FREE Tools that Can Jumpstart Your Music Marketing from Cyber PR Music and Ariel Hyatt

Here's a brief description of each of the tools listed in the Cyber PR Music "8 Amazing Tools that Can Jumpstart Your Music Marketing"

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FREE Resources For Musicians
Supercharge your PR and Marketing knowledge with our library of FREE resources for musicians.

Learn the strategies, hacks, and platforms we use right here at Cyber PR to execute successful campaigns for artists just like you every day.

Cyber PR is committed to helping musicians in all ways possible. We have put together the following action sheets and educational pieces to help you on your musical journey. We hope they help you learn and grow.

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• Music Publicity Checksheet
A step-by-step guide to help you prepare for and execute a successful music publicity campaign. It includes tips on crafting a compelling press kit, identifying media outlets, and pitching your music effectively.

• Musicians Communications Map
A tool designed to streamline your communication strategy, helping you organize and prioritize outreach to fans, media, and industry contacts for better engagement and results.

• Best Times to Post on Social Media
A reference guide that outlines the optimal times to share content on different platforms, ensuring your posts reach the maximum number of people and drive engagement.

• Livestreaming Marketing and Promoting Checksheet
A checklist that provides tips for planning, promoting, and executing successful livestream events to connect with fans and boost your music's visibility.

• Music Marketing Checksheet
A comprehensive guide to creating and executing a marketing plan for your music, covering topics such as branding, content creation, fan engagement, and analytics.

• Social Media Organizer
A tool to help you plan and organize your social media content calendar, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all platforms.

• How to Identify Your Ideal Fan
A resource to help you define and understand your target audience, so you can tailor your marketing efforts and connect with fans who resonate with your music.

• 12 Q's for a Non-Egotistical Artist Bio
A framework of questions designed to help you write an authentic, engaging artist bio that highlights your story, values, and achievements in a way that connects with your audience.

Tap the link to download the freebies: FREE Resources For Musicians

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• the BIZ— the TrueFans Manifesto 2025

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

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 your 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.

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• The Greatest Singer Songwriters— Laura Nyro

Laura Nyro's One-of-a-Kind Music

"Laura Nyro was light years ahead of her time. She wasn't just a Songwriter; she was a force of nature, blending soul, jazz, pop, and gospel into something entirely her own. Her music wasn't just heard— it was felt."
— Elton John

Laura Nyro (1947–1997) was a Singer Songwriter, pianist, and composer whose work reshaped the landscape of popular music in the late 20th century. Often cited as one of the greatest Songwriters of all time, Nyro's artistry transcended genre boundaries, blending elements of pop, soul, gospel, and jazz to create a signature sound that remains unmatched.

Musical Innovation and Biggest Hits
Laura Nyro's music was characterized by its emotional depth, intricate melodies, and daringly unconventional song structures. Her lyrics explored themes of love, heartbreak, spirituality, and social consciousness, often with a poetic complexity that defied pop norms.

"Laura Nyro was a complete original. Her voice, her piano playing, and her songs were like nothing else in the world. She was one of my great inspirations."
— Joni Mitchell

Nyro's most iconic compositions include:

Wedding Bell Blues (performed by The 5th Dimension)

Stoned Soul Picnic (The 5th Dimension)

Eli's Comin' (Three Dog Night)

And When I Die (Blood, Sweat & Tears)

Save the Country (The 5th Dimension)

These songs, popularized by other artists, became chart-topping hits and solidified her reputation as a Songwriter's Songwriter.

"She was a tremendous influence on my early work. Her music showed me the possibilities of pop beyond the mainstream."
— Carole King

Albums and Legacy
Nyro's albums, particularly Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968), New York Tendaberry (1969), and Christmas and the Beads of Sweat (1970), are regarded as masterpieces. Critics hailed her fearless storytelling and groundbreaking fusion of musical styles.

Her live performances, including her legendary appearance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, showcased her vocal virtuosity and emotional intensity. Though her recordings often found greater critical than commercial success, her influence was profound, shaping the work of countless artists who followed.

"She was the quintessential New York Songwriter, with a blend of soul and sophistication that few have matched. A true pioneer."
— Billy Joel

Personal Life and Struggles
Nyro was born in The Bronx, New York, into a musical family. Her father was a jazz trumpeter, and she began playing piano and writing songs as a teenager. While her private life was famously guarded, Nyro had a son, Gil Bianchini, and was known for her enduring friendships and dedication to her craft.

She faced challenges throughout her life, including struggles with the music industry's commercial pressures and a battle with ovarian cancer, which sadly claimed her life at the age of 49.

Activism and Social Conscience
Nyro was deeply committed to social and political causes, often addressing themes of justice and equality in her work. Songs like Save the Country became anthems for the peace movement, reflecting her belief in music as a vehicle for change.

"Laura Nyro was a musical goddess. Her songs and her spirit were so moving, so timeless."
— Elton John

Influence and Legacy
Laura Nyro's influence on Singer Songwriters is immeasurable. Elton John described her as a "genius," crediting her as a formative inspiration. Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Rickie Lee Jones all acknowledged her impact on their music, as did more contemporary artists like Tori Amos and Sara Bareilles. Her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 was a long-overdue recognition of her enduring contributions to music.

Trailblazer and Visionary
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Nyro was a trailblazer. She controlled her own artistic vision, often producing her own albums and rejecting conventional expectations. Her ability to meld diverse influences into a singular voice paved the way for future generations of Singer Songwriters.

"Laura Nyro stands as one of the most innovative and influential Singer Songwriters in the history of music. A true original, she redefined what a song could be, seamlessly blending genres like pop, soul, jazz, gospel, and Broadway into a singular sound that was entirely her own."
— New Music Lives™ 

Her music broke away from traditional structures, offering poetic lyrics, soaring melodies, and emotional depth that resonated with both artists and audiences. Though many of her songs became hits for others, Nyro's performances and albums remain timeless masterpieces, hailed for their artistry and vision.

"Her songs were like short stories or poems, full of emotion and surprise. No one wrote like Laura Nyro."
— Rickie Lee Jones

As a pioneer, Nyro's impact extends far beyond her music. She was among the first female artists to take control of her creative process, producing her own records and charting her unique path despite commercial pressures. Her influence on future generations is profound, shaping the work of icons like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Elton John. Whether through her chart-topping compositions, her commitment to social and political causes, or her trailblazing spirit, Laura Nyro's legacy is that of a revolutionary artist who transformed music and inspired countless others to follow their own creative instincts. She remains a shining example of authenticity, innovation, and emotional power in the world of Songwriting.

in partnership with Jason Blume 

• Coaching— The 3 H's— a Simple and Powerful Tool For Creatives by Ariel Hyatt of CyberPR Music

For many, 2024 was a tumultuous year. Several of my beloved clients and community members suffered illnesses and losses. If there's anything that has become certain, it's that nothing is predictable.

I normally start the new year off with an email about setting goals or getting help with delegation— and I will get to those posts in the coming weeks.

Today, I want to take a moment to acknowledge you and invite you to acknowledge yourself— no matter where you are now on your journey.

This exercise is called the 3 H's— Hero. Holding. Hindsight.

Before we begin, please STOP! the 'Shoulds.'

If your head is filled with all the things you should be doing— like posting on TikTok 98717 times per week, figuring out how to make that track on Spotify pop, or intuitively mastering your next waterfall strategy— I invite you to stop and let's do something else first.

This is an invitation to acknowledge yourself for anything and everything you've done that proves you are a superhero [or SuperShero].

• Have you helped your kids or family members navigate these crazy few years?
• Have you switched careers or jobs?
• Have you helped loved ones get through rough times?
• Have you battled an illness?
• Have you created some new art you love?

Have you taken a moment to acknowledge yourself for the things you've done—whether they're small victories or monumental accomplishments? If not, let's do this in 3 parts.

Part One: Hero [or Shero]
Write THIS: Turns Out, I'm A Superhero/ Supershero, and here's why…

Some things should come to mind immediately. Acknowledge yourself for all of it— big and small. Don't overthink, just write.

Part Two: Holding
If you're struggling with something, write it out as if you're gently talking to yourself:

• I see that you feel uncertain because ______________.

• I see that you feel sad because ______________.

• I see how much energy it takes to ______________.

After listing these things, write this: I see all of these things, and I hold you with gentleness.

This is a crucial step to acknowledge yourself for your struggles and the energy you've poured into navigating them.

Part Three: Hindsight
Pull out your calendar from last year. For each month, pick at least one good thing that happened. Acknowledge yourself for these moments, no matter how small.

• In January, I _______.

• In February, I _______.

• In March, I _______.

Did you create something new? Witness amazing music, art, or film? Have a joyful moment with loved ones? Write them down and acknowledge yourself for making it through another year with triumphs, big or small.

Why this Matters
Are you wondering what this has to do with marketing and promoting your music?

Everything

Marketing and publicity require energy. If your energy is depleted or you feel like you're not enough, putting yourself out there will feel harder than it needs to. But when you take the time to acknowledge yourself for your strengths, resilience, and wins, it shifts your mindset.

• Part 1 reminds you of the superhero-level strength you've shown.
• Part 2 lets you bear witness to your challenges and hold them with kindness.
• Part 3 shines a light on the good, helping you see patterns of positivity and success.

When you acknowledge yourself, marketing feels authentic and aligned with your energy.

Rise Above the Clouds
As I wrote this, the plane I was on took off on a dreary day— grey and brown stretched as far as the eye could see. Even my beloved Manhattan looked bleak. But as we rose above the clouds, the sky turned a brilliant blue, and the sun shone; I took this photo to show you.

This exercise is about how to rise above the clouds, acknowledge yourself, and see the bright blue sky ahead.

I'll be back with actionable tips to help you promote your music, but for now, take this moment to hold yourself with gentleness and acknowledge yourself for all you've done.

In the meantime, I hold you with gentleness.

X Ariel

With Special Thanks to Julie Flanders of October Project, who taught me a version of this exercise.

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Ariel Hyatt is a seasoned digital marketer, author, and educator dedicated to empowering independent musicians. As the founder of Cyber PR, a New York-based artist development and marketing strategy firm, she has been instrumental in guiding artists through the evolving music industry landscape. Cyber PR specializes in crafting comprehensive marketing plans, executing effective publicity campaigns, and providing strategic guidance to musicians and music-related brands.

With over two decades of experience, Ariel has authored several influential books, including Music Success in 9 Weeks, Cyber PR for Musicians, and Crowdstart, offering valuable insights into social media, marketing, and crowdfunding for artists. Her commitment to education is evident through her speaking engagements across 12 countries, where she has shared her expertise with over 100,000 creative entrepreneurs.

Under Ariel's leadership, Cyber PR continues to innovate in the realms of digital PR, social media strategy, and artist development, providing musicians with the tools and knowledge necessary to build sustainable and impactful careers in the music industry.

Join over 20,000 musicians and industry pros— subscribe for solid advice, tips on navigating the music business and a host of free resources including a free Music Marketing Toolkit. Tap this link: CyberPR Music 

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• PS from PS—  We three things of the AMP are...

... bearing gifts... Okay. Christmas left over.

But these three things in this issue of the AMP are gifts. So...

Yesterday evening, as I was reading through Laura Nyro's story, something struck me. Deeply. Here was a Singer Songwriter who refused to fit into any box. Bending soul, jazz, and gospel she made record executives scratch their heads. Yet her authenticity resonated so powerfully that her songs became hits for countless other artists. 

It reminded me of what I've been sharing with indie artists for years: 

True success isn't about chasing trends. 
It's about being unapologetically yourself.

We've recently been offering our TrueFans Manifesto for 2025. I'm more convinced than ever that genuine connection matters more than mass appeal. The music industry keeps evolving, but this truth remains constant: Real, lasting success comes from building meaningful relationships with Fans who truly value your art.

Singing the right things
for the right people.

Now, I ask you to take on board Ariel Hyatt's 3 H's exercise. It will hit home with many of you. Like you, I've had moments where the industry's constant demands— post more, stream more, do more— felt overwhelming. Ariel's reminder to acknowledge your own journey— be more— hold space for your own challenges, and celebrate  your  own progress resonates deeply with what we're building and continuing to refine here at New Music Lives™. I'm reminded that while tools and techniques matter, they're most powerful when they amplify (AMP up!) your authentic voice rather than replace it.

This is why I get excited every morning. We're not just running a platform, we're nurturing spaces for genuine Singer Songwriters to connect with people who truly value their work. Because in the end, it's not about gaming algorithms or chasing viral moments. It's about creating something real that connects deeply with those who need to hear it.

Just like Laura Nyro did. Just like you do. 

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...