the TrueFans AMP— Issue 106

"When music is everywhere, it risks being nowhere. We're drowning in sound… but starving for songs that truly stay with us because they mean something."
— the TrueFans AMP™

In This Issue... 19 pages (long one, about 28ish minutes to read) You'll Get... 

• Recommends— Carrd Website Builder by Carlo Kiksen of The Fanbase Builder

• Your BIZ— Daily Mental Health Habits Every Music Artist Should Practice adapted from the Symphonic Blog, by Randi Zimmerman

• The Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— the Carpenters

• In Partnership with Symphonic

• IMHO— (Part One) Music: Too Much of a Good Thing? (Part Two) Riding the Wave: What's a Music Artist to Do? by John Fogg

• PS from PS— To Be Done

Here’s the playlist

• Recommends— Carrd Website Builder from Carlo Kiksen of The Fanbase Builder

Creating stunning websites without coding skills

This tool makes creating a professional online presence as simple as posting on social media.

Why it matters
Artists need websites because industry professionals expect them to have one. Sync agents, journalists, and booking agents look for professional contact details and portfolios that are easily accessible online.

A website is the only digital space artists truly control. Unlike social media, no algorithm changes or platform policies can affect it. When someone searches an artist's name, a professional website appears instead of scattered social media posts.

How it works
I have been using the website tool Carrd.co for many years now when I need a simple website. It specializes in one-page websites that are perfect for artists who need a clean, professional online presence. The platform offers:

• Pre-designed templates suited for portfolios, landing pages, and showcases. Artists can choose from minimalist designs to more vibrant, creative layouts that match their brand aesthetic.

• Drag-and-drop simplicity: The interface is intuitive enough for complete beginners. Artists can add text, images, music players, and social media links by simply dragging elements into place.

• Responsive, mobile-first design: All Carrd websites are fully responsive, ensuring fans have a seamless experience regardless of their device or screen size.

• Custom domains: With a paid account, artists can use their domain name (e.g., artistname.abc) instead of a generic subdomain.

• It's cheap: The free plan allows up to three websites, whilst the paid plans start at just $19 per year— yes, PER YEAR— for additional features like custom domains and enhanced customization options.

• Customer service: In my experience, founder AJ responds promptly to customer service queries.

Yes, but..
One-page websites have limitations. Artists with extensive catalogues, detailed biographies, or complex merchandise operations might find Carrd too restrictive. The platform works best for artists who prefer simplicity over comprehensive functionality.

Additionally, while Carrd is excellent for basic websites, it lacks advanced features such as e-commerce capabilities, complex forms, or detailed analytics that some artists and their teams might require as their careers develop.

Music Artists can start by visiting Carrd.co and exploring the template gallery to find designs that align with their aesthetic. The free plan allows experimentation without financial commitment.

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About Carlo Kiksen & The Fanbase Builder
Carlo Kiksen is a freelance strategist and writer focused on music, creativity, and underground culture. He helps artists and creators move beyond algorithm-chasing to build authentic, lasting fan relationships. His weekly newsletter, The Fanbase Builder, offers practical, emotionally grounded strategies for turning listeners into loyal fans. Subscribe at newsletter.thefanbasebuilder.

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• Your BIZ— Daily Mental Health Habits Every Musician Should Practice
Adapted from the Symphonic Blog, by Randi Zimmerman

From unpredictable schedules and performance pressure to the nonstop hustle of internet culture, it's easy to feel overwhelmed as an artist. But mental health isn't about massive breakthroughs— it's about small, consistent habits that keep you grounded and creative.

Here are practical tips you can use daily to take care of your mind so you can focus on your music.

Start with Micro-Habits
Contrary to what some guru on the internet might preach, you don't need a 5am cold plunge and a 10-mile run to get your mind right. Often, doing too much just adds more stress. Enter micro-habits: small actions that make a big difference over time.

Try these:

These mini moments reset your nervous system and help you stay consistent, focused, and inspired.

Build a Pre-Show or Morning Routine
How you start your day— or prep before performing— can set the tone for everything that follows.

Three simple steps:-

Stretch it out— especially your neck, shoulders, and back
Try box breathing— inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4
Set an intention— "I'm here to connect" or "I'm proud of what I've made"

Routines don't have to be long. They just need to be yours.

Do a Quick Mental Check-In
Whether you call it journaling, reflecting, or brain-dumping, getting your thoughts out of your head helps clear mental static.

Try asking yourself:

Don't worry about being deep or poetic. Just be honest. Studies show reflective writing reduces stress and boosts emotional regulation— especially helpful for artists juggling a million ideas.

Download a Mental Health App
You're already on your phone. Make it work for you.

Here are 3 musician-friendly mental wellness apps:

Pick one. Use it regularly. That's all it takes.

Breathe. Ground. Reset.
No one is 100% chill all the time. The key is knowing how to come back to center.

Two go-to techniques:

Use them anywhere— before a show, in the studio, or during a break. They're free, fast, and they work.

Therapy is a Tool, Not a Taboo
If your daily habits aren't enough, or if anxiety or creative blocks persist, therapy can help. It's not just for crisis— it's for growth.

Start here:

When might therapy be worth exploring?

Therapy can give you structure, tools, and healing space. It's an investment in you and your music.

End Your Day Intentionally
How you close the day matters as much as how you start it. A nighttime routine helps shift your brain out of go-mode and into recovery and healing.

Here's a sample wind-down:

Good sleep— better creativity, memory, and emotional balance. Make space for rest, and everything else improves.

Don't Forget the Basics
Sometimes the best mental health hack is… drinking water. Or going outside. Or standing barefoot on actual grass.

Just 10–15 minutes of sunlight can boost your mood and regulate your sleep. Staying hydrated helps your brain work better, especially during long sessions or gigs. Prioritize fresh air, movement, and nature— even in small doses. These aren't "extra credit." They're essentials. 

The Wrap
If you're serious about building a long-term music career, take your mental health as seriously as your songwriting. Daily habits— simple, consistent, real— make the difference.

Because when your mind is clear, your creativity flows. You're more present, more productive, and more powerful in your art.

Every artist struggles sometimes. You're not alone. And you're not stuck.

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About the Author
Randi Zimmerman is a music journalist and editor for the Symphonic Blog. Known for her clear, supportive, and actionable writing, Randi helps independent artists navigate the music industry with confidence. Her pieces break down complex topics— from release strategy to mental health— into do-something-about-it-now guidance musicians can actually use. And scroll down to the gold box to learn more about Symphonic.

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"Karen Carpenter had the greatest female voice in the history of pop music. Not just because of the purity and tone— but because of the ache. The vulnerability. It was like she was singing straight from the soul of every lonely heart in the world."
— Elton John

If there was ever a musical act to prove that quiet could be powerful, it was The Carpenters.

In an era dominated by hard rock, rebellion, and volume, siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter made a different kind of noise— subtle, melodic, heartbreakingly tender. And yet, it resonated around the world. Critics called their music "easy listening." Fact was and is their music just makes listening easy. 

Their music wasn't just popular— it was personal. Smooth, lush, impeccably arranged, and often deceptively simple, their songs became the soundtrack to countless lives. From love to loss to longing, The Carpenters wrote and sang it all— with a clarity and sincerity that was never forced, always true.

Songs That Stay With You
Between 1969 and 1983, The Carpenters released 10 studio albums and scored 12 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including three No. 1s: They Long to Be Close to You, Top of the World, and Please Mr. Postman.

Other unforgettable tracks? We've Only Just Begun, Rainy Days and Mondays, Superstar, Yesterday Once More, For All We Know, and Only Yesterday. Each one a masterclass in songwriting structure, harmony, and emotional resonance.

Richard's arrangements— steeped in classical and jazz influences— gave the songs depth and sophistication. But it was Karen's voice that sealed their immortality. That contralto: warm, clear, restrained, aching. Unmistakable.

"Karen Carpenter's voice was the sound of angels. I'm still in awe."
— Barbra Streisand

"She had a gift. Not just a voice, but a gift. The way she delivered a line— it was from another world."
— Quincy Jones

Richard, ever the perfectionist, believed in songs that sounded effortless— but were anything but.

"We didn't go chasing trends. We did what we believed in— melodic, beautiful songs that told stories. That's what we were about."
— Richard Carpenter

A Sonic Signature
The Carpenters weren't just performers— they were creators. While many of their hits came from outside Songwriters (like Burt Bacharach & Hal David, Paul Williams, and Leon Russell), their original songs— like Goodbye to Love, Yesterday Once More, and Only Yesterday— are standout contributions to the pop canon.

And their production work? Immaculate. Richard's studio acumen and Karen's nuanced delivery made every track feel like a perfect take— even when dozens of takes were required.

"I wore out my copy of Close to You. It was that perfect."
— Sheryl Crow

They also pioneered the "power ballad" template years before the term existed, blending orchestration with electric guitar solos (Listen to: Tony Peluso's now-famous solo on Goodbye to Love). That fusion of soft pop and rock edge became a staple for decades.

A Life in the Spotlight— and the Shadows
Their fame was massive— selling over 100 million records worldwide, winning three Grammy Awards (including Best New Artist in 1970), and performing sold-out concerts around the globe.

But the spotlight had its price.

Karen Carpenter's struggle with anorexia nervosa became public after her tragic death in 1983 at just 32 years old. It was a shock to fans and an awakening for society. Her story put a name to an illness few understood at the time, and her legacy continues to fuel awareness and compassion.

Richard, devastated by the loss of his sister and collaborator, retreated from the limelight. But he has remained the steward of their music, producing compilations, documentaries, and tribute projects that have introduced new generations to their timeless sound.

Influence and Impact
The Carpenters' influence on Songwriters, singers, and producers is vast and often underestimated. Their precision, emotional depth, and studio innovation laid the groundwork for artists across genres.

"They made beautiful music. Flawless production, exquisite melodies. You can't do better than that."
— Michael Bublé

They've been cited as inspirations by the likes of Madonna, Sheryl Crow, k.d. lang, Michael Bublé, and Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore (yes— really). Their influence transcends taste and trend. Because, ultimately, The Carpenters didn't make "easy listening." They made essential listening. Easy.

"Even punk rockers listened to the Carpenters. That's how good they were."
— Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth)

Legacy That Lasts
What makes The Carpenters belong among the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time? It's not just the hits or the harmonies. It's that they wrote and recorded songs that made people feel— deeply, intimately, unmistakably.

Their music didn't scream for attention. It whispered truths we all recognized, in voices that somehow made even sadness beautiful.

They weren't chasing stardom. They were crafting songs for the soul.

And in doing so, they became eternal.

Why the Carpenters Still Matter 
If you're a music artist today— especially a Songwriter— there's a goldmine to be uncovered in the Carpenters' catalog. Not just in their songs, but in their sensibility.

They remind us that:

They weren't trying to be cool. They weren't chasing trends. They were telling the truth, gently, beautifully, and with exquisite musicality. And that's why their songs— 50 years later— still get covered, streamed, and cried to.

Study them. Listen closely. Try playing Superstar without feeling something deep in your bones. Try writing a line as haunting as "Don't you remember you told me you loved me, baby?" and mean it.

"Every time I hear Karen's voice, I stop what I'm doing and just listen. It's that powerful."
— Adele

Because if you can do what the Carpenters did— write and sing from the center of the heart— you won't just have fans.

You'll have TrueFans... and lots of them.

in partnership with Symphonic— Free Newsletter, Blog, Podcast and More

• IMHO— (Part One) Music: Too Much of a Good Thing? by John Fogg

The Beautiful, Brutal Glut of Music

It's estimated that 100,000 new songs are uploaded to streaming services every day. That's not a typo. And in just the past six months alone, listeners have streamed music 2.5 trillion times. A staggering, mind-blowing, body-thumping, soul-stirring number.

Or is it?

There was a time— not so long ago— when music was precious. I waited for it. Saved up for the LP. Lived for the release date. Rewound the cassette until it stretched. We burned our own mixes with care. You loved your favorite records because they weren't just sound— they were your story. And your soundtrack.

Today?

We can have it all — instantly, endlessly, and mostly for free. That's the front.

But everything has a front and a back.

The Back of the Glut
So I ask: Is this flood of music— this daily tidal wave of tracks— actually wounding music?

It might be. Here's how.

1. The Devaluing of Music
When music becomes ubiquitous, it risks becoming disposable. 

 Skip rates are up. Average listen time per track is down. Albums get buried. Context is lost. Meaning fades.

When you can hear anything, sometimes you truly hear nothing.

2. The Algorithm Eats the Artist
With so much music flooding the stream, discovery isn't human anymore— it's data-driven. The gatekeepers today are algorithms. Your success as a Music Artist? It's often decided by click patterns, not soul patterns.

It's not just write a great song. It's write a great song that fits the playlist that feeds the machine that boosts your monthly listeners enough to maybe show up on Discover Weekly.

3. The Pressure to Keep Up
For many artists, abundance doesn't equal freedom— it equals exhaustion. "Release more. Post more. Stream more. Be more." The art suffers. The joy suffers. Burnout becomes the genre nobody talks about.

There's little room for silence. And no silence means no space to create.

4. The Listener Gets Lost
Listeners are overwhelmed. Skimming. Swiping. Searching. Recommender systems feed us familiarity. We don't stumble onto the unknown the way we used to. We don't build relationships with records. 

We taste. Rarely chew. Never 
swallow. So don't digest.

If music once helped us feel, reflect, and connect, now it's often just background. A vibe. A wallpaper.

None of this means the music is worse. Far from it. There is so much good music being made today— by brilliant, brave artists around the world. Maybe more than ever.

But maybe… just maybe…

We don't need more music. 
We need to listen more deeply.

We need to fall back in love with albums. With the pause between notes. With the full body yes of a lyric that lands like truth.

What's the answer?
Not less music. But more intention. As creators. As curators. As listeners. As a community.

Music isn't dying. But maybe it's asking for our attention. Not the kind that swipes and scrolls… But the kind that sits still… and listens.

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(Part Two) Riding the Wave: What's a Music Artist to Do?

If we're living in a time of too much music, then being a music artist today is like shouting into a hurricane.

So what do you do?

You stop trying to be heard by everyone… 
and start singing for your TrueFans.

Because in a world where millions of songs pour into the stream every week, the only thing that cuts through is real connection with real people. Your people.

1. Make Fewer Songs. Make Better Songs.
The pressure to constantly release new music is real. But more isn't always more. What if you flipped the script?

Slow down. Go deep. Make records worth returning to. Not tracks to skip past.

As Rick Rubin says:

"The audience comes last. The artist comes first. 
Your only job is to make something you love."

If you love it, chances are others will too. And those who do? They'll stay.

2. Play the Long Game
Forget going viral. Go valuable.

Trends fade. Algorithms change. But a song that touches someone— really touches them— lives forever.

So, build a career, not a flash. Cultivate a body of work, not a feed of posts.

3. Curate Your Own Context
Don't just release songs. Create a world for them to live in.

Tell stories. Share meaning. Invite listeners into your creative space— your inspirations, struggles, dreams.

Music today is as much about the experience as the sound. You're not just dropping a track, you're offering a moment, a message, a mirror.

4. Start Conversations, Not Campaigns
Your listeners aren't data points. They're people.

Speak to them, not at them. Ask questions. Show up. Be human. That's how you build a following that lasts— and loves you back.

Kevin Kelly was right:

"You only need 1,000 TrueFans to make a living. Fans who will buy everything you do."

And they are looking for you. But they'll only find you if you stop trying to be everywhere, and start being yourself.

5. Use the Tsunami to Surf
The flood of music may feel like chaos— but it's also freedom.

You can create what you want, when you want. No label needed. No permission required.

The gatekeepers are gone. So step through the open gate and build your own house. Invite your fans inside.

6. Reclaim the Magic of the Moment
Finally… remember why you do this.

Not to chase charts. Not to beat the algorithm.

But because music is what you love. What you're here to give.

So give it. With heart. With care. With soul.

In the end, the artists who will thrive in this too-much-of-everything world are the ones who create with clarity, connect with honesty, and commit to the long road.

The Sea is Wild. The Music is Loud. The World is Waiting.
So pick up your instrument. Tune your voice. Find your frequency. And ride the wave.

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Now... How about a 'To Be Done' list of take action things you can do, like a Music Artists map for navigating the flood, with calm, clarity, and courage? Good deal. So, I asked Paul to do that for you in this week's PS from PS right below...

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John Fogg is a million-selling author and the editor of the TrueFans AMP™

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• PS from PS— To Be Done
(Not a To-Do List a To-Be-The-One-Who-Does-It List.)

Pick one. Maybe two. Then stop planning. Start doing.

• Release One Song That Matters More Than It Streams
Stop chasing quantity. Write, record, and release one piece that says something real. Then give it time to breathe.

• Start a 1:1 Fan Connection Habit
Message one listener a day. Or week. Thank them. Ask what their favorite song is. Be the artist who talks back.

• Make a Listening Ritual
Each week, choose one album you'll sit with— start to finish. Full attention. No skips. Refuel your soul with the kind of music you want to make.

• Create One Personal Playlist
Curate your own "This Is Me" playlist. Your songs. Your stories. Your sound. Then share the why behind each track.

• Write One Song With No Thought of Release
Make music just for the love of it. For the practice. For the healing. For the art. (Then see what happens.)

• Say No to One Thing That's Noise
One social platform. One fake collab. One gig that drains instead of feeds. Clear space for what truly matters.

• Email Your List (or Start One)
Not everyone's on TikTok. But most people check email. Write to your fans like they're friends. Because they are.

• Take One Silent Walk
No earbuds. No input. Just steps. (And doesn't have to be 10,000.) Let the next song come find you.

• Ask for Help
From a mentor. A fellow artist. A community. You don't have to do this alone. (You never did.)

• Remember Why You Started
Write it on a post-it. Tattoo it on your soul. Come back to it every damn day.

You don't have to do it all.
But you do have to start.

One move. One fan. One song. One step.

To. Be. Done.

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...