- the AMP
- Posts
- the AMP Issue 79
the AMP Issue 79
PAUL SAUNDERS
January 29, 2025
"Writing is like love, it can't be forced or it dies in its own process. Writing is like love, it can't be forced or it becomes cement in a tube of toothpaste.”
― Joan Baez
In This Issue... 15 pages (about 23ish minutes to read) You'll Get...
____________________
• Recommends— Joan Baez I Am a Noise
• the BIZ— How To Survive As a Musician In 2025: Innovative Strategies For Success from Illustrate Magazine
• the Greatest Singer Songwriters— Joan Baez
• Guest Article— Capturing "Attention" In the Digital Age by Wesley Atkins
• PS from PS— The Light We Share...
____________________
Here’s the playlist
____________________
• Recommends— Joan Baez I Am a Noise
If you think you know Joan Baez, think again. Joan Baez: I Am a Noise takes you on an unfiltered, deeply personal journey into the life of one of the most iconic figures in music and activism. Streaming now, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone who cherishes raw storytelling, groundbreaking artistry, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Unlike traditional music documentaries that focus solely on career highlights, I Am a Noise delves into Baez's inner world, offering rare glimpses of vulnerability and strength.
Using never-before-seen archival footage, intimate interviews, and candid reflections, the film paints a multidimensional portrait of Baez as a woman, artist, and activist who changed the world while grappling with her own demons.
From her meteoric rise during the 1960s folk revival to her poignant moments as a civil rights and anti-war crusader, the film showcases the intersections of Baez's music and her fearless commitment to justice. It also shines a light on her complexities, from her relationship with Bob Dylan— a muse and equal in many ways— to her personal struggles with perfectionism, trauma, and the sacrifices that come with living a life of purpose.
For fans of Bob Dylan: A Complete Unknown, this documentary offers a fascinating parallel. Where Dylan's film explored the mystique of reinvention, I Am a Noise peels back the layers of Baez's authenticity, revealing a woman who never sought to hide behind an enigma. Her transparency is as revolutionary as her music.
At its heart, I Am a Noise is a story of endurance. Whether performing on world stages, standing beside Martin Luther King Jr., or opening up about her fears and regrets, Baez proves that her voice— both literal and figurative— has never wavered in its power or importance.
This isn't just a documentary; it's a testament to the courage it takes to live a meaningful life. For Singer Songwriters, activists, or anyone seeking inspiration, Joan Baez: I Am a Noise is an essential watch.
Stream it now. You'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Baez's artistry, her humanity, and the timeless impact of her work.
Joan Baez I Am a Noise is available to stream on Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video. It can also be rented or purchased on Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Microsoft Store.
____________________
• the BIZ— How To Survive As a Musician In 2025: Innovative Strategies For Success from Illustrate Magazine
____________________
As we move into 2025, the music industry continues to evolve rapidly, presenting both exciting opportunities and new challenges for musicians. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned performer, adapting to the latest trends and technologies is essential to thrive in this competitive landscape.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to not only survive but also thrive as a musician in 2025.
1. Embrace Independent Success with DIY Platforms
In 2025, the traditional label-dominated model is no longer a requirement for success. Independent artists are flourishing thanks to digital platforms like SoundCloud, Bandcamp, and distribution services like DistroKid.
These platforms empower musicians to release their music directly to fans, keeping creative control and earning a larger share of their revenue. Musicians should leverage these tools to build a strong, independent brand that resonates with niche audiences.
Use affordable production tools like BandLab or Splice to create and master your tracks at home. This reduces costs and allows for a more personalized creative process.
2. Master Digital Marketing and Social Media
The internet remains the most powerful tool for musicians to reach a global audience. With over 100,000 tracks uploaded to Spotify daily, standing out requires a strong digital marketing strategy. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are pivotal for promoting music, thanks to their viral potential. Short-form videos have become essential for fan engagement, and using these platforms strategically can help you reach new audiences.
Key Strategies:
• Engage with fans: Use DMs, stories, and comments to build direct connections with your audience.
• Content distribution: Regularly share videos, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive posts across platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
• Ads and promotion: Invest in targeted social media ads to reach new fans, and keep an active online presence by collaborating with other artists.
3. Monetize Through Live and Virtual Performances
Live performances remain critical for musicians in 2025, but the format is changing. Hybrid and virtual concerts— blending live shows with digital streams— are growing in popularity. Major artists and independent performers alike are using platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live to perform for audiences who may not be able to attend in person. This is particularly useful for expanding your fanbase beyond geographical limitations.
Use platforms like Patreon or Bandcamp Live to offer exclusive content or ticketed virtual shows, generating additional revenue while maintaining fan engagement.
4. Leverage Technology for Music Production and Distribution
Technology is an artist's best friend in 2025. Musicians now have access to a wide range of affordable software for producing, mixing, and mastering music from their own studios. Tools like LANDR and Ableton Live allow artists to create high-quality tracks without the need for expensive studio time. Meanwhile, AI-driven tools are also making waves in areas like composition, songwriting, and even marketing.
Incorporate AI tools for more efficient songwriting or mixing, but always maintain your unique creative voice. This combination of tech and artistry can help you stand out.
5. Stay Agile and Adapt to Emerging Trends
Music trends are constantly evolving, and staying ahead means keeping an eye on emerging platforms and changes in fan behavior. In 2025, sustainability is becoming an important consideration, with more musicians exploring eco-friendly practices, from carbon-neutral tours to environmentally conscious merchandise. Additionally, blockchain technology is opening up new avenues for artists to distribute music in innovative ways, offering more control and transparency in revenue generation.
6. Build and Engage with a Community
Your fanbase is your lifeline as a musician. It's not just about followers or likes but cultivating a loyal, engaged community that supports your music long-term. Artists who successfully engage with their fans on a deeper level will thrive, especially through email marketing, exclusive fan clubs, or private Discord communities.
Offer exclusive content to fans, such as acoustic versions, behind-the-scenes footage, or early access to songs. This keeps fans engaged and encourages them to spread the word.
7. Network Strategically
The music industry is built on relationships, and who you know can be just as important as your talent. Networking—both online and offline—can open doors to collaboration opportunities, press coverage, and gig bookings.
Attend industry conferences (either in person or virtually) and collaborate with other artists to grow your network.
Conclusion
Surviving as a musician in 2025 requires more than just talent. It's about being adaptable, tech-savvy, and fan-focused. Whether through harnessing the power of digital marketing, producing music independently, or embracing new technology like AI and blockchain, today's musicians have more tools than ever to carve out their niche. Remember, it's about building genuine connections with your fans and staying agile as trends continue to shift.
a Call to Action: Start today by optimizing your social media presence, exploring digital marketing tools, and experimenting with hybrid performance models to keep your career moving forward. Stay ahead of the curve, and don't be afraid to embrace new ways of reaching your audience.
By integrating these strategies, you can thrive in the music industry, not just in 2025 but beyond.
__________
Illustrate Magazine is an independent online music magazine covering a wide range of global alternative, pop, underground and experimental music. They celebrate and interrogate the most visionary and inspiring, subversive and radical, marginalized and undervalued, past and present in the realms of avant rock, electronic music, hip-hop, heavy metal, new jazz, improvised music, modern composing, traditional music, and much more. Passionate, intelligent, and provocative, this magazine is dedicated to battling the mundane and the mediocre. It's based in the US, but it serves an international readership.
Tap the link (and scroll down on the right) to subscribe to the IllustrateNewsletter for exclusive news, features, interviews, reviews of your favorite artists/bands and all things music.
____________________
• The Greatest Singer Songwriters— Joan Baez
Joan Baez: A Voice of Grace, Conscience, and Revolution
"Joan Baez didn't just sing songs— she sang revolutions. Her voice carried the weight of a generation's hopes, fears, and dreams, leaving an indelible mark on music and humanity."
— Bruce Springsteen
Joan Baez stands among the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time, not only for her ethereal soprano voice, but for her indelible impact on music and society. With a career that spans over 60 years, she is a trailblazer in folk music and a powerful voice for justice, humanity, and truth. Her legacy is both timeless and deeply influential, shaping the paths of generations of musicians and activists.
A Musical Pioneer
Baez's debut album, Joan Baez (1960), marked the arrival of a singular talent. Its collection of traditional folk ballads highlighted her extraordinary vocal clarity and ability to connect emotionally with listeners. The album became a surprising commercial success, achieving gold status and earning her a reputation as a rising star in the folk music revival.
"Her voice was so pure, it used to make me cry."
— Judy Collins
The follow-ups, Joan Baez, Vol. 2 (1961) and Joan Baez in Concert (1962), solidified her role as a major force in music. She introduced audiences to then-unknown Bob Dylan by covering his songs and bringing him on stage, fostering his rise to prominence. Her interpretations of songs like her own Diamonds and Rust, We Shall Overcome, and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down became defining moments in American music.
Concerts That Changed the Landscape
Joan Baez has graced the world's stages, from the Newport Folk Festival, where she debuted in 1959, to the iconic Woodstock Festival in 1969. Her performances, often accompanied by just her guitar, radiated an authenticity that drew audiences deeply into her music. She broke barriers as a woman in the male-dominated folk scene, and her concerts often became gatherings for activism as much as for music.
"She set the standard for those of us who came after."
— Joni Mitchell
A Force for Justice
Baez's music and activism are inextricably linked. She marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, sang at protests against the Vietnam War, and was arrested for promoting draft resistance. Her life is a testament to the belief that art can catalyze change.
"Joan's commitment to social justice is as integral to her music as her extraordinary voice."
— Emmylou Harris
Through her nonprofit work and public performances, Baez has championed human rights, environmental conservation, and peace. Her activism extended globally, with performances in war-torn regions and her vocal opposition to oppressive regimes.
Personal Life: Love and Challenges
While Baez's music often reflected her values, her personal life was equally compelling. Her romantic relationship with Bob Dylan in the early 1960s remains legendary, marked by its influence on both artists. Baez's song Diamonds and Rust is widely believed to chronicle their complex connection.
"Joan Baez brought the world a sense of hope and dignity through her music."
— Paul Simon
Despite her successes, Baez has faced challenges, including the pressures of fame and the emotional toll of her activism. She has spoken candidly about these struggles, inspiring others with her resilience and unwavering commitment to her principles.
Awards and Honors
Baez's contributions to music and humanity have earned her countless accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. These honors celebrate her artistry, advocacy, and unparalleled legacy.
"Joan Baez is a brave and generous woman. She has a strong sense of justice and a forthright honesty."
— Bob Dylan
Her Enduring Legacy
Joan Baez's influence on Singer Songwriters is immeasurable. She paved the way for female artists like Joni Mitchell, Judy Collins, and Emmylou Harris, who cite her as a guiding force. Baez's ability to blend poetic lyrics with a call to action has left an indelible mark on the craft of songwriting.
"Her influence on folk music is immeasurable; she paved the way for so many artists."
— Bonnie Raitt
Her music continues to inspire, proving that a voice, when used with intention and conviction, can change the world. As Baez herself once said, “Action is the antidote to despair.”
Joan Baez remains a beacon of artistry and integrity, a symbol of how music can illuminate the human spirit while challenging us to create a better world.
"Joan Baez's voice was a beacon of beauty and conscience, guiding us through the tumultuous '60s and beyond."
— Bruce Springsteen
____________________
The recent Los Angeles fires have devastated the music community, with thousands of musicians and industry professionals affected. Here are the primary ways you can help. Tapping the links will take you to their website.
Direct Aid Organizations
- Pledged $1 million to support affected music professionals
- Providing immediate assistance for displaced individuals
- Offering both short-term emergency aid and longer-term recovery support
- Accepting donations to expand their support efforts
- Dedicated fund for LA County music professionals
- Covers equipment loss, medical bills, and living expenses
- Direct financial assistance to affected musicians
- 100% of donations go to fire relief
- Immediate grants up to $2,500 for housing and essentials
- Larger grants up to $10,000 for equipment replacement
- Mental health support grants up to $2,000
- Focused on professional songwriters, producers, and artists
Equipment Replacement & Studio Space
- Offering instrument replacement assistance
- Supporting musicians who lost gear in the fires
- Providing free storage for evacuated musicians' gear
- Downtown LA location
- Offering free studio time in Studio City
- Supporting displaced musicians
Industry Support Initiatives
- No-cost royalty advances up to $50,000
- Available to qualified applicants in designated emergency zones
- No personal guarantees required
- Applications open through March 31, 2025
- $1 million distribution to affected songwriters and composers
- Eligibility: Members who lost homes/studios or were evacuated
Upcoming Benefit Events
- January 30th at Intuit Dome and Kia Forum
- Features major artists including Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Multiple broadcast channels
- All proceeds go to relief efforts
Mental Health Support
Backline
- Free mental health services for music industry professionals
- 24/7 support available via Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
- Case management for long-term support
- Providing outpatient mental health resources
- Focused on qualified music industry professionals
Additional Resources:
- Entertainment Community Fund
- The Black Music Action Coalition Relief Fund
- Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund (for disabled creatives)
- NAMM Relief Fund
For immediate assistance or to make a donation, visit MusiCares.org or contact any of the listed organizations directly. Every contribution helps support our music community during this crucial time.
____________________
• Guest Article— Capturing "Attention" In the Digital Age by Wesley Atkins of Publishing Altitude
__________
Although Wesley and his company is and are primarily in the book business, his perspective born of experience is useful and valuable for Singer Songwriters as well as authors, so... Trust as an independent creative artist you'll find his insight here useful and valuable.
__________
To capture attention in today's saturated market, understanding your target audience through the lens of empathy isn't just an option— it's a lifeline.
Big tech knows how to make you click, swipe, and scroll.
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram— they've got attention on lockdown, all while 'creative minds' (like you) struggle to get a piece of the spotlight.
That's your reality.
But here's your counter-attack:
Empathy and Authenticity.
To capture attention in today's saturated market, understanding your target audience through the lens of empathy isn't just an option— it's a lifeline.
Dive into their struggles. Feel their pains. And connect to their dreams.
Then, and only then, can you create content that resonates on a level that algorithms and trickery can never match.
That's your secret weapon.
Show up as you, not as a copycat.
Imitation may be flattery.
But it's also the quickest way to become “white noise” in an already noisy world.
Being authentic makes you stand out.
Your story, your values, your “why” (your authentic self)— these are what connect people to you, not just what you produce.
That's the goldmine.
Create from a place of truth.
Authenticity alone is not enough.
You've got to be real.
That means pulling back the curtain and showing the sweat, the failures, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into your art.
In a world of picture-perfect social media, “real” grabs attention like nothing else.
It's not just a strategy; it's a lifeline.
Make them feel something, anything.
The empathy you bring into your work isn't just a touchy-feely concept.
It's your direct line to your audience's emotions— the most untapped, powerful force that no big corporation can manufacture.
Tap into that, and you don't just get attention; you earn lifelong fans.
It's your game-changer.
So, while the world swipes away on their screens, lost in a sea of superficiality, be the beacon that pulls them away.
With empathy and authenticity.
And separate yourself into a “category of one.”
That's how you reclaim attention in the digital age.
Talk soon,
Wesley Atkins
__________
About Wesley Atkins and Publishing Altitude
Wesley Atkins is a visionary leader in the publishing industry, dedicated to helping creators amplify their voices and achieve remarkable success. As the founder of Publishing Altitude, Wesley has established a dynamic platform that empowers authors, artists, and creatives to navigate the ever-changing world of publishing with confidence and clarity. Since 2014, they've helped 90,048+ self-published authors who want to sell more books, build a tribe of 'raving fans' and create a meaningful, thriving business that gets noticed— using 'empathy-led data science.'
At Publishing Altitude, Wesley and his team specialize in guiding creators through the complexities of publishing, offering innovative strategies and resources that elevate their work to new heights. With a deep understanding of storytelling, branding, and market trends, Wesley's mission is to unlock opportunities for creatives to connect with their audience and leave a lasting impact.
Through his work, Wesley bridges the gap between art and commerce, helping creatives— from authors to Singer Songwriters— build platforms that resonate, thrive, and inspire.
To learn more about Publishing Altitude tap the link.
____________________
• PS from PS— The Light We Share...
I was deeply moved by Joan Baez's revelations in the doc we recommended I Am a Noise. When she speaks about wrestling with perfectionism and trauma while standing before thousands, singing anthems of hope and revolution, it strikes an all-too-familiar chord. As one Songwriter recently told me: "You can be the center of attention, surrounded by people you met 20 minutes ago, and still be extremely lonely."
Baez's story and some of our community member's confessions illuminate something profound about the Singer Songwriter's journey.
Baez's famous words, "Action is the antidote to despair," resonate deeply with our mission at New Music Lives™. Like her, many of you transform personal darkness into light for others, offering not just your own stories, but becoming passionate advocates for your listeners' pain, hopes, and dreams. A beautiful burden. One that shouldn't be carried alone.
Watching Baez courageously open up about her struggles reminds us that even our musical sheroes and heroes face these same struggles. We're creating more than a platform— we're building the sanctuary I wish every Songwriter had: a place where you can be both artist and human. Where your vulnerability is understood as strength. Where your darkness is recognized as the very source of your most powerful work.
Just as Baez's most moving songs often emerged from her deepest struggles, your challenges today may become tomorrow's lifeline for another. In our community, you'll always find a safe harbor to create, to heal, and to grow— surrounded and supported by by like-minded and like-hearted artists who truly understand the weight of turning shadows into songs.
Keep shining your light. We're here to help that and you grow even brighter.
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...
