the TrueFans AMP— Issue 92

"I don't try to write hits. I try to write something that matters. Something that might help somebody feel less alone." 
— Vince Gill

In This Issue...  18 pages (about 25ish minutes to read) You'll Get... 

• Recommends— 10 Ways Musicians Can Build a Fanbase by Matt Jacoby

• the BIZ— Ghosting Spotify: How to Reclaim Music, Joy, and Power

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters— Vince Gill: Pure Tone. True Heart. The Quintessential Singer Songwriter

• in partnership with the Eleven Music Career Center and Matt Jacoby

• Guest Article— 5 Essential Skills Every Musician Should Have by Terence Fisher

• PS from PS— Reclaiming Music's Human Heart

Here’s the playlist

• Recommends— 10 Ways to Build Your Fanbase by Matt Jacoby

Your music isn't going anywhere without fans.

You can share random links on social media, post to Spotify without a plan, and yell into the void about your new music all you want.

No Fans = No Listeners. No Streams. No Subscribers. No Sales. No Career.

If you have at least 3-5 tracks done, stop producing and focus solely on attracting fans. Those tracks are going to be what you share over and over again.

To get feedback. To get listeners. To experiment. To refine your sound. To build an email list. To build a following 

Seriously, there's no point in continuing to produce music unless you're going to let them pile up on your hard drive for only you to hear.

So how can you solely focus on getting fans and finding your tribe?

Learn how you can grow your fanbase with Matt's recent FREE guide. Tap this link: 10 Ways Musicians Can Build a Fanbase

Let's get an audience for your art,
— Matt Jacoby

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So... here are the 10 Ways to Build Your Fanbase— and Matt's free PDF has more specifics. Many more.

1. Use Social Media
Focus on creating engaging content across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Use trending sounds, collaborate with other creators, and consistently interact with your audience. 

2. Use Music Streaming Platforms 
Optimize your presence on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming services. Create and update playlists, use canvas videos, and encourage fans to follow your profile. 

3. Engage in Live Streaming 
Use platforms like Twitch, Instagram Live, or TikTok Live to connect with fans in real-time. Host Q&A sessions, perform live, or share behind-the-scenes content. 

4. Collab with Other Artists 
Partner with musicians in your genre or complementary genres for joint releases, remixes, or live performances to expand your reach. 

5. Create a Strong Email Marketing Strategy 
Build an email list and send regular newsletters with exclusive content, early access to tickets, or special offers to keep fans engaged. 

6. Optimize for Voice Search & Smart Speakers 
Ensure your music is easily discoverable through voice commands on devices like Alexa or Google Home. 

7. Engage in Music-Focused Online Communities 
Participate in forums, subreddits, or Discord servers related to your genre to connect with potential fans and industry professionals.

8. Use AI-Powered Marketing Tools 
Leverage AI tools for personalized fan outreach, content creation, and data analysis to refine your marketing strategies. 

9. Create Immersive Experiences 
Experiment with virtual or augmented reality concerts, interactive music videos, or gamified fan experiences to stand out. 

10. Focus on Niche Markets 
Identify and target specific subcultures or communities that align with your music style to build a dedicated fanbase. 

There's so much more in Matt's FREE guide. Here: 10 Ways Musicians Can Build a Fanbase 

• the BIZ— Ghosting Spotify: How to Reclaim Music, Joy, and Power

An essential highlight reel of Kate Ellen and Seth Werkheiser's epic guide.
(And seriously: go read the full version here — it's absolutely brilliant.) Ghosting Spotify: A How-To Guide

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Spotify feels inescapable. It's our background noise, workout hype, weekend vibe.

But—Spotify isn't inevitable.

And it isn't invincible.

In fact, it's shockingly fragile— held up by the willing participation of users, artists, and a few massive record labels. 

If enough people walk away or simply ghost Spotify, its whole corporate house of cards could collapse faster than you think.

This isn't about guilt-tripping you.

It's about joyful resistance. About rediscovering music as something alive, not just background wallpaper optimized for corporate profit.

Culture isn't fixed.

We get to redraw the rules.

Here's how— highlighted from Kate and Seth's masterclass manifesto:

Why You Might Want to Leave (or Downgrade) Spotify

1. Artists earn pennies— if anything.
Most artists make $0.003–$0.005 per stream. It takes a million streams just to scrape together about $3,000.

And now, Spotify doesn't pay at all for songs that get fewer than 1,000 streams a year. For indie musicians, it's devastating.

Meanwhile, Spotify's CEO has the nerve to say creating content costs "close to zero." (Recording and promoting an album says otherwise, buddy.)

2. Payola 2.0 is alive and well.
Spotify's "Discovery Mode" asks artists to take lower royalties for more visibility— a modern version of pay-for-play.

Plus, big labels can literally pay for playlist slots. Money talks louder than music.

3. The "streamshare" system favors the rich and famous.
Royalty pools reward mega-stars and old catalog tracks (think Drake and "Greatest Hits" playlists) while squeezing indie artists into oblivion.

4. Your playlists are stuffed with junk— and they think you won't notice.
Spotify injects fake stock music into playlists to avoid paying real artists, creating a vibe that's beige at best.

It's also priming us for a future of AI-generated music, no soul required.

5. Spotify profits from war.
Spotify's CEO has invested heavily in military AI technology— including companies supplying warfare tools to conflicts like Gaza. So yes, some subscription money feeds the war machine.

6. And... they sponsored Trump's inauguration.
If you're paying attention to the ethics here, it's another solid reason to rethink who you're supporting.

7. The sound quality sucks.
Spotify compresses music to save bandwidth— at the cost of richness and depth. Platforms like Qobuz and Tidal offer real high-resolution audio that makes Spotify sound like a bad mp3 from 2004.

Which Listener Are You?
Different types of listeners face different trade-offs when ditching Spotify:

• Background listeners: Easy switch. Internet radio, Bandcamp playlists, or free playlists can replace that ambient vibe.

• Mood curators: You'll miss the convenience a little— but your musical world will get way more interesting without the middle-of-the-road "Spotify Sound."

• Album obsessives: You'll thrive. Buying or streaming from artist-friendly platforms reconnects you to music as an art form, not a disposable commodity.

The short version: Everyone benefits from pulling away from exploitative streaming— even if it's just shifting part of your habits elsewhere.

Take the (Free!) Audio Test
Want to feel it in your bones?

Do the Tidal or Qobuz free trial sound test.

Listen to a favorite album on Spotify.

Then listen to it in lossless high-res audio.

The difference? Sickening. (Literally. You'll hear textures, dynamics, life that Spotify flattens out of existence.)

It's not subtle— it's life-changing.

What About My Playlists?!
No worries— your years of carefully curated vibes are safe.

Apps like Soundiiz or TuneMyMusic make it easy (and cheap, or free) to transfer playlists to Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music, and more.

Are Other Platforms Really Better?
Short answer: YES.

• Best for artist ethics: Bandcamp
• Best sound quality: Qobuz
• Biggest catalog: YouTube or Apple Music
(Spotify is big— but not that big.)
• Best activism vibe: Resonate and Audius

There's no perfect platform. But there are definitely better ones.

Owning Music Is Revolutionary
Streaming is disposable.

Owning music— buying a digital file, vinyl, CD— is sacred.

It turns music into something real, physical, and permanent in your life.

It's not just about nostalgia. It's about reclaiming your identity, your taste, your connection to the artists who move you.

As Kate and Seth put it:

Streaming is the spark. Owning is the fire.

Bring Music Back Offline

Listening Parties—get friends together, online or IRL, and listen to a whole album. No skipping. No algorithms. Just listening.

Go to shows, open mics, local record shops.

Talk to people. Share music by word of mouth, not via data surveillance.

This is how music lived before the corporate algorithms— and it's way, way more fun.

Learn How To Really Listen Again

Low-Stakes Adventures:
Put unfamiliar music on in the background. No pressure. Let your brain soak it up naturally.

High-Attention Rewind:
Once a track hooks you, revisit it intentionally. Turn it up. Move your body. Feel where it hits.

This is the psychedelic power of real listening.

Curate your own dopamine heist— without corporate curation.

Be Part of the Gift Economy
Artists are giving you gifts. Treat their music like a gift, not a free commodity.

Here's how you can give back:

If you have no money:

• Follow them.
• Save their music.
• Share it.
• Request it on local radio.
• Join their email lists (they own those!).

If you have a little money:

• Buy directly from them (Bandcamp = gold).
• Tip them. [TrueFans CONNECT™]
• Join their Patreon.
• Attend their shows.
• Gift their music to friends.

Reciprocity isn't about guilt. It's about weaving connection.

Final Thought
Spotify isn't the only way. It's just the laziest way.

Your attention is power.

Where you listen— how you listen— shapes the future of music itself.

Ghosting Spotify isn't just rebellion. 
It's celebration. It's love.

Start small. Stay curious.

And whenever you can:

Bring music home.

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Check out the Kate-Ellen Music channel where you can hear some of her original songs and also covers that Kate loves from folk, alt-folk, country, indie, pop influences. Here: https://youtube.com/@kate-ellen.

And the full, brilliant substack article is here: Ghosting Spotify: A How-To Guide Read it all now! (Please.)

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters— Vince Gill: Pure Tone. True Heart. The Quintessential Singer Songwriter

"Vince Gill is not just one of the greatest Singers in country music— he's one of the greatest Singer Songwriters of all time. Period. His songs bleed heart, harmony, and honesty." 
— the TrueFans AMP™

With a voice as smooth as fine bourbon and a songwriting pen that drips with depth, humility, and hope, Vince Gill has earned his place in the pantheon of all-time greats. His career, now spanning more than four decades, is a masterclass in authenticity, musical integrity, and heartfelt storytelling.

"He's the benchmark. As a writer, as a player, as a Singer. Vince Gill set the bar." 
— Chris Stapleton

A Chart-Topping, Genre-Crossing Legacy
Born in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1957, Gill's career took off in the early 1980s, first as a member of Pure Prairie League and later as a solo artist. What followed was a string of hits that became staples of country and Americana radio: When I Call Your Name, I Still Believe in You, Look at Us, and Go Rest High on That Mountain. These weren't just chart successes— they became emotional anthems for fans across generations.

"Vince Gill is one of the most naturally gifted musicians I've ever known. He's the real deal." 
— Elton John

His 1992 album I Still Believe in You catapulted him to superstar status, winning multiple CMA Awards including Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year. In total, Gill has sold over 26 million albums and won 22 Grammy Awards— more than any other male country artist.

But Gill's artistry defies genre. He's a virtuoso guitarist, a beloved harmony singer, and a versatile collaborator who's worked with everyone from Dolly Parton and Patty Loveless to Sting, Eric Clapton, and Emmylou Harris.

Vince on Vince: Why He Writes

"I don't try to write hits. I try to write something that matters. Something that might help somebody feel less alone." 

His songwriting often blends personal truth with universal emotion. Whether he's writing about heartbreak, grace, aging, or redemption, Gill's lyrics are never showy—just sincere. He credits his father, a judge and musician, for instilling in him both musical discipline and emotional honesty.

Collaborator, Companion, Craftsman
One of Gill's most enduring legacies is his collaborative spirit. He's a go-to harmony vocalist— so trusted that he's been called the male counterpart to Emmylou Harris. Gill's work with The Time Jumpers and his role as a touring member of the Eagles after Glenn Frey's passing are testaments to his musical respect and range.

"His songs carry grace like very few others. Vince's music has soul and spirit." 
— Emmylou Harris

He also shares the stage— and life— with Christian artist Amy Grant, whom he married in 2000. Together, they've blended families and musical worlds, often performing together in Christmas tours and special collaborations. Their relationship has been marked by mutual respect and vulnerability, even in the face of public scrutiny.

Awards, Recognition & Enduring Influence
In addition to his Grammys and CMAs, Gill is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry. His induction speeches are legendary— not just for their grace, but for his consistent message: music is about service.

"Vince is the heart of Nashville. His humility, his voice, his songs— they're everything music should be." 
— Sheryl Crow

His impact on other Singer Songwriters is profound. Artists like Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Keith Urban cite Gill as a key influence. His guitar playing redefined the role of the lead instrument in country music, bringing in elements of jazz, blues, and bluegrass while maintaining emotional accessibility.

"Vince has always made music with love, depth, and truth. He's influenced all of us." 
— Keith Urban

A Man of Faith, Family, and Quiet Activism
Though never overtly political, Gill has been a quiet advocate for compassion, inclusion, and mental health. He's spoken openly about grief, especially in relation to his late brother, and often supports causes around veterans, children, and hospice care.

Despite his accolades, Gill has always remained grounded. When asked about his legacy, he once shrugged and said, "I just want people to feel something when I sing."

And we do.

"Vince Gill changed the game for country music guitar playing— and songwriting. He's a hero." 
— Brad Paisley

the TrueFans AMP™ celebrates the legendary Singer Songwriters whose music endures— whose words and melodies shape the way we see the world and ourselves. Vince Gill's work is not only worthy of admiration— it's worthy of study, emulation, and eternal replay.

in partnership with the Eleven Music Career Center and Matt Jacoby

• Guest Article—  5 Essential Skills Every Musician Should Have by Terrence Fisher Condensed & Introduced for the TrueFans AMP

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You can watch Terence's complete 1:12 minute YouTube video presentation here: 5 Essential Skills Every Musician Should Have 

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Whether you're a rising Singer Songwriter, a working band member, or a solo Musical Artist looking to build a sustainable career, these five skills are your keys to moving from where you are now... to where you want to be. Think of them as your artist's toolkit— essential, actionable, and totally learnable.

1. Communication: The Cornerstone of Your Career
Want better gigs, tighter bands, fewer misunderstandings, and longer-lasting collaborations? 

Start with clear communication.

Terrence makes the case loud and clear: miscommunication breaks bands. From scheduling confusion to gig details to artistic direction— when you're not clear, you risk resentment, burnout, and lost opportunities. Communication is more than talking; it's being intentional and specific about your needs, expectations, and boundaries.

It's also about listening well. Pay attention to tone, timing, and the unspoken. Rehearsals, setlists, sound checks— they all run smoother when expectations are clear. Being a great communicator means being dependable, articulate, and respectful. That's the foundation for longevity.

Pro tip: Practice clarity in everyday convos. Confirm gig details. Ask questions. Share expectations. Be real and specific. It'll change your creative and professional relationships.

2. Negotiation: Know Your Worth and Ask for It
This one hits home for anyone who's ever played a five-hour set for $100 and a soggy slice of pizza. Negotiation is a skill, not a personality trait— and it's one that can change your life.

You don't get what you deserve— you get what you negotiate.

The harsh truth? Venues and clients often want to pay the least for the most. It's your job to protect your time, energy, and talent.

Great negotiation starts with knowing your value, having the guts to ask for what's fair, and being willing to walk if the offer doesn't align with your worth. This isn't ego— it's survival. Being "nice" doesn't pay the rent.

Pro tip: Research standard rates. Get comfortable saying, "Let me get back to you." Ask clarifying questions before saying yes. Don't assume they "get it." Spell it out.

The good negotiators aren't always the most talented. They're just the ones who ask for more.

Negotiation also opens doors to better terms, not just higher fees. Things like travel reimbursement, better backline gear, fairer time slots, meal provisions, and even merch splits. Learn to speak the language of value exchange.

3. Finalization: Finish the Damn Thing
This is the unsung hero of creative success. Finalization means following through, shipping the song, uploading the content, releasing the thing you've been 'working on' forever.

Terrence tells the tale of a promising band that fizzled because of endless studio tweaks. The result? Two decades later, that project still isn't done.

Perfectionism is just fear dressed up as quality control. The cure? Do one small thing every day that moves the needle forward. Post the clip. Send the email. Publish the track. Momentum matters.

Done is better than perfect. You can't grow what you don't finish.

Every artist has unfinished ideas. But the ones who grow are the ones who ship. Recording is important, yes— but releasing is where careers are made. That demo won't turn into a fanbase until it's heard.

Small actions compound: record a verse, upload a video, book one show. Trust that quantity leads to quality.

4. Monetization: Build Your Creative Economy
Your talent is valuable— but is it profitable? Monetization is about creating sustainable income from your music, skills, and knowledge.

It's not just about selling tickets or streaming your latest track. It's about turning what you do into a repeatable process that generates income. That could mean teaching lessons, selling production services, offering one-on-one mentorship, licensing your songs, or creating fan memberships.

Look at your full skill set: Do you play multiple instruments? Can you produce or engineer? Are you great at harmonies or arranging? All of those can be monetized. There's a hungry market for what you know.

Pro tip: Start with what you already know. Package it. Offer it. Get paid. Don't wait to be discovered— design your discovery.

If you can get paid once, you can build a system to get paid again and again.

The goal is not to "sell out"— it's to stay in. Monetization keeps your art alive and your life sustainable. And it puts you in the driver's seat, building a career that lasts.

5. Content Creation: Document, Don't Just Perform
This is where the rubber meets the road in 2025. Content creation isn't optional. It's not an extra. It's the engine.

We're living in the Creator Economy, where a single video can change your career— and where not showing up online is the fastest way to be forgotten. Terrence says content creation was made for musicians. We already create. The only shift is learning how to hit record.

Examples: Film your gigs. Record practice sessions. Share your writing process. Teach something. Post your story. It doesn't have to be polished, just authentic and consistent.

Your phone is a camera, a studio, a stage, and a bank account. Use it.

Terrence calls content creation "the revolution made for musicians"— because what used to take years (albums, press, radio) can now happen in a single post. Don't overthink it. Done is better than planned. A phone, a mic, and your talent are more than enough to get started.

Final Word from Terrence
Mastering these five skills doesn't require magic. Just intention, action, and a bit of courage. Start where you are. Take the first step. Then the next.

Because right now— this year, this moment— is the most powerful time in history for independent artists to build real careers on their own terms.

So go. Communicate clearly. Negotiate confidently. Finish boldly. Monetize smartly. Create consistently.

And watch what happens.

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About Terrence Fisher
Terrence Fisher is a lifelong musician, producer, and educator who's spent decades mentoring independent artists. From session gigs to stages to coaching creatives, his mission is clear: empower musicians with real-world skills that fuel freedom, creativity, and career growth. Terrence is the founder of Music Space and YouTube Creator Academy for Musicians, where he teaches artists how to thrive in the modern music economy.

Tap the link to take advantage of Terence Fisher's FREE YouTube Course 

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• PS from PS— Reclaiming Music's Human Heart

Last night, a friend came over and played guitar. No algorithms. No streaming. Just the vibrations of an instrument's voice finding its way directly to my heart. At that moment, I experienced what music is. As in... IS. Aa organic, all natural human transmission. Not a digital product.

The Ghosting Spotify article in this issue of the AMP crystallized five truths I've felt deeply:

We've accepted the devaluation of expression. When artists earn pennies for work that costs thousands to create, we're witnessing the erasure of art's worth.

We've surrendered to algorithmic curation. Our musical discoveries now come from machines that understand patterns, but cannot feel the vulnerability of a perfectly crafted and delivered line.

We've forgotten how to truly listen. Once, we'd lie on the floor with headphones, giving ourselves completely over to an album. Now we skip tracks before the first chorus ends.

We've allowed corporations to sever the value chain. The money flows upward while those who move us most struggle to be heard.

We've accepted degraded sound for convenience. We're hearing compressed echoes, not the full spectrum of what artists create.

TrueFans CONNECT™ exists to restore the unbreakable thread between creator and witness. Not because it's a better business model— which it most certainly is— but because this connection is what makes music matter in the first place.

The machines cannot replace the moment when a song becomes the soundtrack to your experience. No AI can replicate the circuit completed when someone's truth meets your own.

It's time to take the music back.
With an open heart,

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...