the TrueFans AMP Issue 91

In This Issue... 15 pages (about 22ish minutes to read) You'll Get... 

• Recommends— Inspiring Quotes; a Source of Daily Inspiration for Songwriters

• the BIZ— the Music Industry Wants Solutions. But Do Listeners See Problems? by Tatiana Cirisano of MIDiA Research

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters— Brandi Carlile: a Force of Nature in Song and Spirit

• in partnership with Where Music's Going and Rob Abelow

• Guest Article— a Good Melody Tells A Story— Without Words by Tony Conniff

• PS from PS— the Artists First Revolution

Here’s the playlist

• Recommends— Inspiring Quotes; a Source of Daily Inspiration for SingerSongwriters

Inspiring Quotes is a celebration of what unites us— the drive to live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives. It's the human goal, and we could all use a little inspiration for the journey.

Every great song begins with a spark— an idea, a feeling, a single phrase that carries the weight of emotion and meaning. For Songwriters, inspiration is everything. It's the fuel behind the melodies, the stories woven into lyrics, and the voice that connects with an audience on a deeper level.

That's where InspiringQuotes.com comes in.

Who They Are & What They Offer
InspiringQuotes.com is dedicated to sharing words that uplift, challenge, and ignite creativity. Every day, they curate and deliver thought-provoking, beautifully crafted quotes from the world's greatest thinkers, artists, poets, and musicians. Their mission is simple: to spark meaningful reflection and fuel the creative process for anyone seeking daily wisdom and encouragement.

For those who write songs, tell stories, and put emotions into music, a single powerful quote can be the catalyst for a new lyric, a chorus, or even an entire album.

a Resource for Singers and Songwriters
What makes InspiringQuotes.com a go-to resource for Singer Songwriters?

• Daily Creative Fuel: Every quote they share is an opportunity to see the world differently, to explore a new perspective, or to express an idea in a fresh way. 

• Legendary Voices: From Bob Dylan to Joni Mitchell, John Lennon to Leonard Cohen, their collections highlight the wisdom of the greatest Songwriters and Song Poets who've shaped music history. 

• Storytelling & Emotion: Great songwriting is about storytelling, and the right words at the right moment can unlock emotions waiting to be turned into lyrics. 

• Themed Collections & Insights: Whether it's perseverance, love, loss, or artistic courage, their themed quote collections offer inspiration on the subjects that matter most to creatives. 

• a Great Resource To Share: For your newsletter, website, emails and SMS text to fans, Inspiring Quotes gives you a never-ending library you can quote to Inform, Involve and Inspire your fans.

Explore & Subscribe
InspiringQuotes.com offers a variety of newsletters tailored to different interests, from daily motivation to deep reflections on creativity, life, and art. Whether you're looking for a quick jolt of inspiration each morning or a thoughtful exploration of timeless wisdom, their newsletters deliver.

If you're a Songwriter searching for your next great lyric, a musician looking to express something deeper, a savvy musical marketer or simply someone who appreciates the power of words, InspiringQuotes is a resource worth exploring. Tap the link to subscribe today and let the words of the world's greatest minds fuel your music, your craft, and your journey.

• the BIZ— the Music Industry Wants Solutions. But Do Listeners See Problems?

by Tatiana Cirisano of MIDiA Research
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Key Takeaways

• The music industry's next phase of growth depends on solving real problems faced by multiple stakeholders— not just one group in isolation 

• Areas like live music demand, fan engagement, and discovery offer clues about where meaningful overlaps might exist 

• MIDiA spotlights potential solutions that could create value for artists, listeners, labels, and platforms alike 

History is full of examples of products that failed because they were "solutions without a problem." The Segway couldn't replace walking, Google Glass solved a problem nobody had, and NFTs have struggled because most examples are novelties rather than addressing real needs.

This matters as the music industry hunts for next-era growth drivers. The independent music space has hit its streaming limit, and it's increasingly difficult to break through the noise. While industry consensus agrees something new is needed, we must recognize a critical distinction: low-cost streaming and discovery struggles are industry problems, not consumer problems.

For any new offering to succeed, it must solve problems for everyone involved— artists, listeners, labels, and platforms. Unfortunately, these stakeholders' "problems" rarely overlap, largely due to misaligned incentives. Labels, artists, and streaming platforms are driven by different— often conflicting— needs.

Finding the Overlaps
The most promising innovations will emerge where stakeholder problems intersect:

1. Slowing streaming revenue growth
affects artists, labels, and streaming services. The industry's focus on monetizing fans through premium products must address real fan needs. Giving fans more social content isn't enough— that's already ubiquitous. Focus instead on allowing fans to be creative with music without takedowns or enabling better access to live shows.

2. Demand for concerts exceeds supply
This problem is shared by artists and listeners. While live music is booming, pain points abound— artists struggle with rising touring costs and disappearing venues, while fans face ticket scarcity and soaring prices. What untapped solutions might serve both sides?

3. Lack of ownership of fan data
Artists and labels both struggle here. Data issues are systemic, with stakeholders hoarding information to maintain leverage. As MIDiA's Olivia Jones writes, "just as a rising tide lifts all boats, a lowering tide sinks them."

4. Discovery challenges
This uniquely impacts artists, listeners, and labels. While discovery is existential for artists but merely inconvenient for listeners, evidence shows younger audiences are reaching their breaking point with streaming over-saturation. Algorithmic recommendations aren't solving the problem. Online radio is re-surging, and platforms like TikTok are full of tastemakers promoting underappreciated acts. We must distinguish between gatekeeping and curating, recognizing that most listeners want to discover new music but lack time to do it themselves.

The Lesson
Innovation should start by identifying market problems, then finding areas where solutions can benefit multiple stakeholders. This approach requires more effort than simply throwing solutions at the wall, but it's how we'll drive the industry forward— by addressing real needs at the intersections where various players' interests align.

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Tatiana Cirisano
Tatiana is Vice President of Music Strategy at MIDiA. Prior to this, she served as a music business reporter for Billboard, where she wrote award-winning industry analysis as well as cover stories on artists like Tame Impala and Alicia Keys. Throughout her work she is dedicated to publishing fresh perspectives that drive the music industry forward, with an emphasis on fandom and consumer behavior.

MIDiA Research stands at the forefront of industry intelligence, providing comprehensive analysis and deep insights into the digital entertainment and technology sectors. Esteemed globally for their influential reports, precise market forecasts, and strategic guidance, MIDiA Research helps leading companies, industry executives, and innovative startups navigate complex market landscapes with confidence. Their expert team addresses critical topics, including music streaming trends, consumer engagement, emerging technologies, digital media economics, and much more.

MIDiA's widely-respected work is essential reading for anyone seeking clarity, strategic foresight, and actionable intelligence in today's fast-paced digital economy. In addition to their premium reports and advisory services, MIDiA offers a valuable newsletter to keep you informed about the latest industry developments and opportunities. Explore their resources, stay informed, and gain a decisive edge in your business endeavors.

Visit MIDiA Research, discover more and subscribe to the MIDiA Newsletter

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters— Brandi Carlile: A Force of Nature in Song and Spirit

“Brandi Carlile is one of the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time. Her voice is a beacon of hope, and her songs are a testament to the power of storytelling.”

Brandi Carlile's journey from a small-town upbringing in Ravensdale, Washington, to the global stage is a testament to her extraordinary talent, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to her craft. With a career spanning over two decades, Carlile has become a defining voice in contemporary Americana, seamlessly blending folk, rock, and country influences into a sound uniquely her own.

"She's a storyteller in the truest sense. Brandi's songs stay with you.”
— Kris Kristofferson

Musical Milestones and Chart-Topping Hits
Carlile's discography is a rich tapestry of introspective storytelling and powerful vocals. Her breakout album, The Story (2007), introduced audiences to her emotive songwriting, with the title track becoming an enduring anthem. Subsequent albums like Bear Creek (2012) and The Firewatcher's Daughter (2015) showcased her evolving artistry, with the latter earning her first Grammy nomination for Best Americana Album.

"Brandi brings a raw honesty to her music that's both refreshing and deeply moving."
— Dolly Parton

In 2018, By the Way, I Forgive You, solidified her status as a powerhouse, earning six Grammy nominations and winning three, including Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song for The Joke. Her 2021 release, In These Silent Days, continued this trajectory, with the single Right on Time garnering three Grammy nominations.

Key tracks defining her career include: The Story. The Joke. Right on Time. That Wasn't Me. and The Eye.

A Catalyst for Joni Mitchell’s Triumphant Return 
One of Carlile's most remarkable contributions is her pivotal role in bringing Joni Mitchell back to live performance. After a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 2015, Mitchell had been absent from public stages. Carlile, a devoted admirer and friend, initiated intimate jam sessions at Mitchell's home, lovingly termed "Joni Jams." These gatherings rekindled Mitchell's passion, leading to her historic return at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. Their magical collaboration resulted in the Grammy-winning album Joni Mitchell at Newport, cementing Carlile's legacy as a powerful connector in music history.

Carlile reflected... 

"It was euphoric being on stage with a friend I've grown to love like family over the past few years. It felt like she levitated. I turned to her at one point and said, 'You're flying, Joni.'"

A Harmonious Partnership with Elton John
Carlile's creative partnership with Elton John further showcases her collaborative genius. Their 2025 joint album Who Believes in Angels? debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and produced the Academy Award-nominated track Never Too Late.  Their profound chemistry was highlighted during memorable live performances, including their critically acclaimed London Palladium concert.

"Brandi's voice is one of the most beautiful I've ever heard. She's a true artist."
— Elton John:

John himself noted the intensity of their sessions, candidly sharing, "I was not in great shape... I was exhausted," underscoring the powerful artistic bond they formed.

"Collaborating with Brandi was a highlight. Her passion is infectious."
— Pearl Jam

Awards and Recognition
Carlile's accolades underscore her lasting impact. She has earned 11 Grammy Awards from 26 nominations, notably becoming the first female Songwriter to receive two Song of the Year nominations simultaneously. Among her accolades:

• Best Americana Album for By the Way, I Forgive You
• Best American Roots Song for The Joke
• Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for Broken Horses
• Best Americana Performance for Dear Insecurity (with Brandy Clark)

Personal Life and Advocacy
Beyond music, Carlile is a devoted wife and mother, married to Catherine Shepherd since 2012, raising two daughters. Her personal experiences deeply inspire her music, evident in intimate songs like The Mother.

"Brandi's talent is matched only by her generosity and spirit."
— Sarah McLachlan

An outspoken advocate for racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and artists' authenticity, Carlile made headlines when she returned her Tesla in protest of certain political positions, demonstrating her steadfast commitment to her beliefs.

Influence and Legacy
Carlile's authenticity and passionate artistry have deeply inspired countless artists, establishing her as a guiding light within the Singer Songwriter community. Her tribute performances, notably of Joni Mitchell's Blue, solidify her respect and reverence for musical legends, reinforcing her stature within their ranks.

"Her songwriting cuts to the core. Brandi has a way of making the personal universal."
— Adele

Brandi Carlile's legacy continues to unfold, her contributions resonating powerfully throughout the music industry, profoundly influencing generations of artists and audiences alike.

in partnership with Where’s Music Going and Rob Abelow

• Guest Article— a Good Melody Tells A Story— Without Words by Tony Conniff

A good melody tells a story— without the words. You may think it's the lyric, but in a song melody is usually the element that conveys the greatest amount of emotion.

A simplified way of thinking about it (although these elements always overlap) is...

the words go to the head, the melody and music go to the heart, the rhythm goes to the body.

Of course melody doesn't tell a literal story. But a good melody often takes you on a condensed journey with a satisfying Act 1, Act, 2, and Act 3. Just like in a traditional movie or play, Act 1 presents the situation; Act 2— the longer part in the middle – develops the conflict, usually reaching a climax at the end of the Act; and Act 3 restates the themes and all issues (harmonic and melodic, in this case) are usually resolved.

This is far from the only way to put together a melody. In fact, the examples here are pretty traditional and old-school. But they're great illustrations of the idea that, to work, A Good Melody Tells A Story (it doesn't just wait around for the words to do the storytelling).

I've found the simplest way to illustrate this is in your basic 8 bar melody, which often includes 4 phrases (2 bars each)—

1) Statement of the main theme (Act 1)

2) Restatement with slight variation (Act 2a)

3) Main Variation (Act 2b)

4) Restatement and/or Resolution of the main theme (Act 3)

Conceptually, pretty straightforward. Some examples (think about them without the words):

Yesterday (Paul McCartney)— Starts with a simple 3-note descending phrase. Next it rises up by scale tones to a higher statement of that phrase. Then descends by scale tones to a lower restatement. Then a final phrase that resolves with three notes going in the other direction (down-up-up).

Reason To Believe (Tim Hardin)— First phrase: statement of theme. Second: slight variation. Third: A longer, passionate phrase that leads to the highest point (both melodically and emotionally). Fourth: resigned resolution.

Allentown (Billy Joel)— Tremendous soaring melody. The first two phrases are structurally very similar to those in Yesterday. But the third phrase is double the usual length, allowing it to either loop around— back to another verse— or add a 2 bar phrase (bars 9 & 10) that restates the first phrase (and the title).

Smoke On The Water (Deep Purple)— not the vocal melody; the guitar riff! Think about it… Statement— slight variation— restatement— resolution. All with 4 notes.

There are thousands of other examples of all different styles and genres. I don't recommend that your melody always follow the patterns above. But thinking about melodies as having a drama of their own can add a lot of interest and emotion, and help yours stand out.

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Tony Conniff is a multifaceted musician, songwriter, producer, and educator based in New York City. A Manhattan native, he began his musical journey as a self-taught bass guitarist, gaining experience through diverse recording sessions, Broadway productions such as Rent, Dreamgirls, and Once On This Island, as well as live performances and roles as a musical director. ​

Expanding his expertise, Conniff delved into songwriting, music production, and composition. Since 2010, he has been performing his original songs with his band and special guests, cultivating a dedicated following in NYC clubs. ​

As an educator, Conniff has been teaching since 1999 and founded the Tony Conniff Songwriting Workshops in 2007. He offers workshops and private coaching in songwriting, music recording/production, LogicPro, and more. His teaching roles include positions at the Gotham Writers Workshop and the Collective School of Music, along with guest lectures at institutions like Drexel University and Bloomfield College. He also conducts songwriting workshops for Gilda's Club/Red Door in New York. ​

Conniff is the author of Unpredictable Songwriting, an 84-page ebook that explores the inspiration and lessons derived from successful and adventurous Songwriters. The book has received praise from industry professionals, including Grammy-winning songwriter Marc Shaiman and multi-Grammy–nominated Songwriter Clay Mills. ​

Beyond his teaching and writing, Conniff has released two albums, Let It Drown Me (2016) and Tight Leash (2018), and has produced numerous other artists at his studio. He also maintains a weekly blog on songwriting, sharing insights and advice drawn from his extensive experience in the music industry. ​

For more information about Tony Conniff's work, workshops, and music, visit tonyconniff.com.

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• PS from PS— the Artists First Revolution

on a more personal note...

the Artists First Revolution... Has Begun!
I've been around this music business more than 50 years— since I was just a kid of 17, spinning 45 rpm vinyls on pirate radio ships off the coast of Great Britain. I've done it all. Most all. From lugging amps as a roadie to scouting fresh talent in the faux-posh  suites of A&R. Managing brilliant artists. Even DJing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So you can believe me when I say this from the depths of experience— and my frustration: 

The music industry is fundamentally broken. It sucks. Badly. Been so for years, and it's killing music. At its roots.

Think I'm exaggerating? Ask yourself— why is  the system designed to pay the artist last and least? How is it acceptable that musicians pour their heart and soul, talent and brilliance into their craft, only to scramble for pennies while executives toast each other with overpriced champagne?

The truth? 

It's a pyramid scheme. Pure and simple. 

The whole industry is stacked so the wealth trickles down slowly, rarely, and never near adequately to the artists themselves— those creative  people who source the magic... The Musical Artists without whom there would be no music industry.

It's time to flip this pyramid upside right. The only real solution— the ONLY one— is what we at New Music Lives™ call the Artist First Revolution. A straightforward, no strings, put the artists first— Always and in All Ways. We must assure that Musical Artists don't just survive they thrive, making a good living and living deeply fulfilling creative lives.

Our tools, TrueFans CONNECT™ and SET.Tools, aren't just new toys— they are revolutionary instruments designed to finally empower you with control over your career and financial destiny. And guess what? They're FREE. No hidden hustle or hassle. No sneaky fees. You get paid FIRST. You get direct support from the very moment your music moves someone— exactly when the connection is strongest and most meaningful. In other words...

You Are In Control.

It's Time… for a Change. Big Time. Past Time. This isn't melodrama; it's reality. And the choice facing each Musical Artist today is starkly simple: 

Lead this change, follow it closely, or frankly, just get out of the way.

We are spearheading this revolution— not because it's good business, but because it's Mp3— My Passion. My Purpose. My Promise. I'm beyond tired of seeing talent strangled by greed and indifference. Your voice matters. Your music matters. And you  damn well deserve to be heard and supported. And celebrated. 

FIRST!

Join us. Help us. Let's remake this industry into something fair and fine. With Integrity. Something that honors artists and the extraordinary gift they give the world. It won't happen without you. But with you? Anything is not just possible. Together we can make it inevitable!

Let's change the game. Big Time. Today. Right Now.

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...