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- the TrueFans AMP— Issue 95
the TrueFans AMP— Issue 95
"A well-crafted artist bio serves as a powerful tool to captivate and engage your audience, providing an opportunity to share your story, express your unique voice, and create an emotional bond... a compelling bio showcases your professionalism to integral music industry figures like talent scouts, journalists, press/media, event organizers and new fans... a strong bio opens doors to new opportunities."
— Symphonic Blog
In This Issue... 19 pages (about 28ish minutes to read) You'll Get...
• Recommends— Terence Fisher and MusikSpace
• Your BIZ— a three part piece on having a Great Artists Bio
Part 1: Why Every Artist Needs a Stellar Bio— and How to Create Yours
Part 2: Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Artist Bio
Part 3: Swipe File: Great Artist Bios for Inspiration
• the Greatest Singer Songwriters— Kelly Clarkson
• in partnership with the Jim Parker Songwriter Series
• Feature Article— Musical Artists: The Voice of the People— Then and Now
• PS from PS— When Music Speaks the Truth
Here’s the playlist
• Recommends— Terence Fisher & MusikSpace
Empowering Musicians to Thrive Using Their Talents
If you're seeking a genuine advocate in the music industry— someone who understands the journey, lives it, and uplifts fellow artists— Terence Fisher is your go-to.
His platform, MusikSpace, isn't just a name; it's a movement. A community where musicians unite, receive support, gain insights, and build flourishing careers by harnessing their innate talents and gifts.
What sets Terence apart:
• He walks the talk in supporting musicians.
• Boasts a vibrant community of nearly 50,000 subscribers on YouTube.
• Offers invaluable resources like his YouTube Quickstart Class.
• and he Champions the belief:
"Musicians are invaluable— and should always be paid their worth."
— Spooky Isles
Dive into Terence's YouTube Offerings
Terence's YouTube channel is a treasure trove for musicians at all stages. Here's a glimpse into the diverse content he provides:
Career Development & Strategy
• 5 MUST DO Steps to Take Control of Your Music Career
Actionable steps to empower musicians in steering their careers.
• How To Survive and Thrive as a Musician in Today's Industry
Insights into navigating the modern music landscape.
Performance & Engagement
• Mastering Your Stage Presence: Beyond Just Playing Music
Techniques to captivate audiences and enhance live performances.
• Mastering Live Show Engagement
Strategies to connect authentically with live audiences.
Financial Empowerment
• Where To Find High Paying Gigs
Guidance on identifying and securing lucrative performance opportunities.
Community & Advocacy
• If You've Ever Felt Disrespected as a Church Musician, Watch This
Addressing challenges faced by church musicians and advocating for their recognition.
Connect with Terence Fisher
• YouTube: Subscribe Here
• Instagram: @terencefisher1
• TikTok: @tfishthemusician
• Facebook: TFish1
• FREE YouTube Quickstart Class: Enroll Now
Why We RECOMMEND
Terence Fisher is more than a musician; he's a catalyst for change in the music industry. Through MusikSpace, he's cultivating an environment where artists support each other, expand their reach, and monetize their passion.
This aligns seamlessly with the ethos of the TrueFans AMP™— championing artists to achieve sustainable success through the Artist's First Revolution.
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• the BIZ... Your BIZ— a three parter on having a Great Artists Bio
Part 1: Why Every Artist Needs a Stellar Bio— and How to Create Yours
Part 2: Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Artist Bio
Part 3: Swipe File: Great Artist Bios for Inspiration
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Part 1: Why Every Artist Needs a Stellar Bio— and How to Create Yours
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the BIO...
In today's music biz, your bio isn't just a background paragraph— it's your calling card, connection point, and conversion tool. Whether you're pitching for a playlist, applying to a festival, or just trying to turn a casual visitor into a TrueFan, your bio can make the difference between next! and tell me more.
Why Your Bio Matters
Let's be honest— most artist bios are boring. Or vague. Or both.
A stellar bio stands out because it does three essential things: Capture. Connect. Convert.
1. Captures attention immediately— Not fluff. Just a great hook.
2. Connects emotionally— Your bio reveals your personality. Your story. Your why.
3. Converts curiosity into action – It gives the reader a reason to care, to listen, and to follow.
Whether it's a venue owner, booking agent, media rep, playlist curator, or potential fan, people want to know:
• Who and How you are.
• What you sound like.
• What makes you different... and special.
• Why they should give a damn... about your music and you.
And they want all of that in 150–300 words. Max.
Think of Your Bio as Your Best Elevator Pitch
You wouldn't waste a chance to introduce yourself to a big-deal contact in person— so don't waste the digital version either. Your bio is often the first impression someone has of you. It should read like your best conversation starter— authentic, memorable, and tuned to your true voice.
And here's the good news:
You don't have to write it yourself.
How to Create Your Bio with AI (Faster, Easier... and Usually Better)
Most artists struggle to write about themselves. That's normal. And that's where AI can help. Instead of agonizing over every sentence lyric, you can prompt an AI assistant like ChatGPT or Claude to do the heavy lifting— with your input.
Here's how.
What You'll Need to Provide:
To create a great bio using AI, you'll need to give it the right info— honestly, the kind you'd tell a friend if they were introducing you onstage:
• Your artist name
• Your genre(s) (be specific: "folk-pop" is better than just "pop")
• Your sound (Who do you sound like? AND what makes your music unique?)
• Your story (How did you get started? What's your journey been like?)
• Career highlights (Releases, shows, awards, press features, streaming milestones)
• Your why (What drives you to make music? What message or feeling do you want to share?)
• A quote (from you, your idol, fans, the press)
• Your vibe (Funny? Soulful? Gritty? Keep the tone true to you)
Example AI Prompt to Create Your Bio
Here's a simple but powerful prompt you can copy-paste and edit:
"Write a compelling 250-word artist bio for my website. I'm [ARTIST NAME], a [GENRE] Singer Songwriter based in [CITY]. My music blends [STYLE/SOUNDS LIKE], and I've been compared to [ARTISTS]. I started making music when [SHORT STORY]. Some of my highlights include [RELEASES, SHOWS, PRESS]. My songs are about [THEMES], and I make music because [YOUR WHY]. Keep the tone [FUN / SERIOUS / INSPIRATIONAL], and make it sound natural and human— not like a robot wrote it."
And if you want to go deeper, ask the AI to give you three different versions:
1. a short one (100 words or less)
2. a standard one (250 words)
3. a long-form version (up to 500 words for press kits)
You can even ask for:
• a first-person version ("I'm a…")
• a third-person version ("[Artist Name] is a…")
a Few Final Tips
• Update your bio regularly— Don't let it gather dust. If you release something new, add it.
• Match your tone— Have your bio sound like you. Fans and industry folks alike love authenticity.
• Use it everywhere— Website, press kits, booking emails, streaming profiles, EPKs— consistency builds credibility.
Your Bio = Your Bridge to Bigger Things
You worked hard on your music. Now make sure your story does it justice.
Use AI as your creative writing partner, and you'll be amazed at how quickly you can go from meh to magnetic. A stellar bio won't just help people understand who you are— it'll help them remember you.
In a world full of noise, clarity and
connection are your secret weapons.
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Part 2: Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Artist Bio
1. Being Boring (aka "Just the Facts")
Listing facts without personality is a one-way ticket to being forgotten. "John Doe is a singer from Nashville who released an EP in 2023" = snooze. And lose. Your bio isn't a résumé— like your songs, it's a story. Add voice, vibe, and look to find a reason to believe.
2. Using Vague or Cliché Language
If your music "transcends genre boundaries" or you're "just passionate about expressing yourself," welcome to the crowd. Be specific. What exactly do you sound like? What precisely do you want listeners to feel? Nail it!
3. Writing Like a Press Release
"Emerging artist [Name] is set to take the industry by storm." No one talks like that. Especially not real fans. Use natural language. Let your tone reflect your truth, not corporate jargon.
4. Leaving Out the Hook
Open strong. You have 1–2 sentences to grab their attention. Lead with something compelling— a wild fact, emotional truth, or killer quote. Engage. Make them lean in.
5. Making It All About You (Not Them)
Yes, your bio is about you, BUT only so people can decide if you're for them. Speak to your listener. What can they expect? What kind of journey are you inviting them on?
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Part 3: Swipe File: Great Artist Bios for Inspiration
Here are real-world examples (lightly edited where needed) to help spark your own Bio Brilliance.
Brandi Carlile
"I write songs because I have to. Because I'm a seeker and I want to understand myself, and the world, better. My music is about truth, no matter how hard. It's rootsy, it's raw, and it always reaches for the heart."
Why this works: Short, honest, emotional. Zero fluff. You know what she's about.
Leon Bridges
Leon Bridges is a Grammy Award-winning R&B artist whose throwback sound channels the spirit of Sam Cooke with a modern edge. After being discovered while washing dishes in Fort Worth, Bridges burst onto the scene with his debut album Coming Home, earning comparisons to soul legends and a devoted international fanbase.
Why it works: Clear story, strong credentials, unique positioning, and an origin hook.
Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers writes sad songs for people who like to laugh at sad songs. With lyrics that cut like confessions and melodies that float like ghosts, her music makes heartbreak sound strangely comforting. She's collaborated with everyone from Conor Oberst to Taylor Swift, but she never sounds like anyone but herself.
Why Phoebe's works: Original voice, emotional specificity, name drops without bragging.
Jacob Collier
Jacob Collier is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and musical polymath who blends jazz, funk, classical, and electronica into genre-defying masterpieces. Known for his viral split-screen YouTube harmonies and groundbreaking use of microtonality, Collier has won multiple Grammys and a global cult following— all by being unmistakably, unapologetically himself.
Why this works: Mastery + uniqueness + personality. You want to listen after reading this.
Maggie Rogers
I'm a rural girl with a laptop. I grew up in the woods of Maryland, fell in love with banjos, and then discovered electronic music in college. Now I make spiritual dance music— songs that make you want to cry and move at the same time.
Why it works: Surprising juxtapositions ("banjos + electronic," "cry + dance"), authentic voice, and a vivid origin story in just a few lines.
Sturgill Simpson
Sturgill Simpson doesn't just play country music— he challenges it. With a voice like Waylon and the mind of a rebel poet, Simpson blends outlaw grit, psychedelic soul, and hard-earned truth into music that both honors and disrupts tradition.
Why Sturgill's works: Bold stance ("challenges it"), strong comparisons, and clear description of what makes him unique within his genre.
FKA twigs
FKA twigs is a genre-shattering visionary. Her music fuses classical precision, R&B sensuality, and glitchy avant-garde textures into sonic dreamscapes. More than a singer, she's a storyteller— her songs and videos reveal a universe that's haunting, beautiful, and unmistakably hers.
Why this one works: Evocative, cinematic language; positions her as both artist and auteur; makes you curious.
Yours (Yes, Yours!)— with AI's Help
Prompt it with the right info, and your AI assistant can help you create a bio like the legends above. And soon, other artists will be swiping your bio for inspiration.
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• The Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Kelly Clarkson: The Real, Raw, and Radiant Voice of a Generation
"Kelly Clarkson didn't just win 'American Idol'— she redefined what it means to be a modern Singer Songwriter. Her voice is a force of nature, her songs are anthems of resilience, and her legacy is one of authenticity and empowerment."
— Rolling Stone
In a world that often rewards the polished over the powerful, the marketable over the meaningful, Kelly Clarkson broke through the noise with something undeniable: her voice. That voice— fiery, soulful, achingly human— became the heartbeat of a new generation of pop and rock Singer Songwriters. But her story isn't just about sound— it's about substance.
"Kelly Clarkson's voice is one of the most powerful and emotive in the industry."
— Simon Cowell
Watch this...
Keith Urban Falling Apart on Kelly Clarkson's Emotional Performance On Idol (Tap the link or the picture)
Born in Texas in 1982, Kelly Brianne Clarkson grew up the daughter of a schoolteacher and a former engineer. Music was her sanctuary early on, and in 2002, the world discovered what Texas already knew: this girl could sing. As the first-ever winner of American Idol, she wasn't just a pop novelty— she was a spark that ignited a movement.
Breakaway: Chart-Topping Albums and Global Success
Clarkson's debut album Thankful (2003) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and included the now-classic A Moment Like This, a coronation single that became the best-selling U.S. single of 2002. But it was her sophomore effort, Breakaway, that proved she was far more than a reality TV success story.
"Good grief, Kelly Clarkson could sing the damn phone book."
— Sheryl Crow
Produced with a rock-pop sensibility and laced with raw emotion, Breakaway delivered hit after hit:
• Since U Been Gone (Grammy winner and global anthem)
• Behind These Hazel Eyes
• Because of You (which she co-wrote, inspired by her childhood)
• Breakaway (originally penned by Avril Lavigne)
The album sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won two Grammy Awards. More importantly, it planted her firmly in the ground as a Songwriter of depth and vulnerability, not just a vocal powerhouse.
Clarkson's discography reflects both her versatility and evolution. Albums like My December (2007) took a darker, more rock-forward tone— one she fought for artistically, even when her label pushed back. Later records like Stronger (2011), Meaning of Life (2017), and Chemistry (2023) each revealed layers of personal growth, musical risk, and fearless honesty.
Unforgettable Songs: Anthems of Resilience
The song list of Kelly Clarkson reads like the journal of someone who's lived through it— and come out stronger. She's written and performed songs that empower (Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You), that reflect deep emotional wounds Piece by Piece, that channel heartbreak (Already Gone), and that invite joy (Heartbeat Song).
Her approach to songwriting is simple but profound:
"I sing songs that I have lived or I write them because I have lived them. I think the believability factor is key."
She's not interested in artifice. She doesn't chase trends. She writes, chooses, and sings songs that say something real— and that's what resonates.
Collaborations and Creative Kinship
Over the years, Clarkson has collaborated with a wide range of artists:
Jason Aldean (Don't You Wanna Stay)— A country ballad powerhouse that topped the country charts and crossed over into pop.
Reba McEntire— Their duet Because of You revealed the emotional weight behind her lyrics in new ways.
Ariana Grande— Their vocal interplay on The Voice and other performances became viral fan favorites.
Covers with Pink, Sheryl Crow, and Ed Sheeran became legendary for showing her interpretive genius.
"Kelly Clarkson's rendition of Bad Habits was incredible."
— Ed Sheeran
Clarkson's popular Kellyoke covers on The Kelly Clarkson Show— featuring everyone from Billie Eilish to Queen— demonstrate her musical range and reverence for other artists' work. It's not just that she sings other people's songs— it's that she reimagines them.
Awards, Accolades, and Recognition
To date, Kelly Clarkson's trophy case is a testament to her wide appeal and enduring artistry:
• 3 Grammy Awards
• 4 American Music Awards
• 5 Daytime Emmy Awards (for her talk show hosting)
• 6 Teen Choice Awards
• 2 Academy of Country Music Awards
She also has a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People.
But accolades only tell part of the story. Her real achievement? Staying real and relevant over two decades in an industry that chews up and spits out stars like bubblegum.
Kelly is a powerhouse and a true musician's musician."
— Pink
Real Life: Struggles, Strength, and Showing Up Anyway
Clarkson's personal life has never been off-limits— but she's approached fame with rare candor. Her high-profile divorce from Brandon Blackstock after nearly seven years of marriage inspired her latest album Chemistry, a vulnerable exploration of the highs and lows of love.
She's spoken openly about body image, depression, self-worth, and motherhood— not to gain sympathy, but to connect with others. She's a single mom now, raising two kids while balancing her music, a successful talk show, and coaching on The Voice.
This, perhaps, is her greatest superpower: she keeps showing up, even when it's hard.
Social Advocacy and Trailblazing Influence
Clarkson's influence goes beyond music. She's used her platform to:
• Advocate for mental health awareness
• Speak out against body shaming and promote self-acceptance
• Support LGBTQ+ rights and progressive causes
• Champion working moms in the spotlight
She's also broken ground as a television personality. The Kelly Clarkson Show, launched in 2019, has won multiple Emmys and turned her into one of the most relatable public figures in America.
She's the rare artist who's loved by both Middle America and coastal elites. That takes something more than talent— it takes heart.
Kelly Clarkson's voice, songwriting, and honesty have inspired a generation of sSnger Songwriters— and wowed her peers.
Legacy: The Real Deal
In an industry that's often been more about image than artistry, Kelly Clarkson has carved out a rare kind of career— rooted in truth. She's the underdog who became the champion. The reality-show contestant who became a generational voice. The Texas girl who proved that vulnerability is strength.
She's the voice you turn to when your heart is breaking. She's the anthem in your workout playlist. She's the shoulder you cry on and the wind beneath your wings.
And if you're a sSnger Songwriter?
Kelly Clarkson reminds you why you do it in the first place: to tell the truth. To make people feel. To survive— and then to sing about it.
"Kelly Clarkson is the best singer in the world."
— Ariana Grande
in partnership with the Jim Parker Songwriter Series
Jim Parker is a Singer Songwriting legend. More than four decades in the biz playing and co-creating with an astonishing array of who's-whose-and-who's would be reason enough, but his Jim Parker's Songwriters Series, where he showcases the talents and creation stories of songwriters and their songs from Los Angeles; Canada; Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; Muscle Shoals, Alabama; and, and, and... is what makes Jim a National Treasure.
Jim's Songwriter Series is showcase featuring the world's greatest songwriters and musicians. Hosted at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama. It's a rare opportunity to see these artists perform in the round, in a dinner-theater atmosphere, up close and personal!
Tap here to Subscribe: jimparkermusic.com. You'll get announcements and invites and news of upcoming events— next one is June 6th! AND, Jim's YouTube channel features more than 376 videos, from setlist clips to complete shows. And he's on Facebook as well: the Jim Parker Songwriter Series.
Want a taste: Here's one of our favorites: Pat Alger - Thunder Rolls. Co-written with Garth Brooks. The backstory is amazing.
• Feature Article— Musical Artists: The Voice of the People— Then and Now
Throughout history, Musical Artists have served not just as entertainers, but as truth-tellers, conscience-bearers, and cultural catalysts.
Long before protest songs echoed through the streets of 1960s America, music was already igniting revolutions, empowering the oppressed, and giving voice to the voiceless.
From the griots of West Africa— oral historians and musicians whose songs preserved the cultural identity and justice traditions of their people— to the ancient Hebrew psalmists crying out against oppression, to the troubadours of medieval Europe who sang not just of courtly love, but of injustice and political critique, music has always played a subversive, liberating role.
Consider this and these:
• Ancient Greece: Lyric poets like Solon, later known for his legal reforms, used verse and music to call out corruption and stir civic change.
• Slave Spirituals in America: Songs like Wade in the Water and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot were not only expressions of sorrow and faith— they were coded maps to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
• Woody Guthrie: In the 1930s, he roamed Dust Bowl America with his guitar that read This Machine Kills Fascists, documenting the struggles of working people and laying the foundation for the protest folk movement.
• Victor Jara: The Chilean Singer Songwriter whose songs of social justice and human rights became a rallying cry before he was executed by Pinochet's regime in 1973.
• Fela Kuti: Nigeria's Afrobeat pioneer who openly challenged military dictatorship and colonial legacy through fearless, rhythmic resistance.
• Pussy Riot: The Russian punk rock group who faced prison for their anti-authoritarian performances, symbolizing the cost of truth-telling in repressive regimes.
Musical artists have always known...
Where the words of ordinary speech are censored, song becomes the weapon. It transcends borders. It crosses lines. It stirs hearts to rise.
Fast forward to today.
In 2024, musical artists are once again under attack— not just metaphorically, but directly. When Bruce Springsteen, a voice of American grit and grace for five decades, used his global stage to denounce authoritarianism and defend democratic values, he was met not with respectful disagreement, but with public slander and personal insult from the then former President of the United States.
When Taylor Swift— whose impact spans not only pop culture but voter mobilization and empowerment for a generation— stood up for truth and inclusivity, she too was targeted.
And that's why this moment matters.
It matters because Springsteen's stand is not new. It's part of a long and noble lineage.
It matters because history shows that when musicians are targeted, silenced, or vilified— it's never just about them. It's about the people they speak for.
Below is the full text and context of what Bruce Springsteen said recently on stage. Read it with that understanding: this isn't just a rock legend talking politics. This is the voice of a tradition— centuries old— that calls us to remember who we are, what freedom means, and why we must always raise our voices against tyranny.
Here's Leila L'Abate's original post as it appeared on Facebook.
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"BREAKING: The president of the American Federation of Musicians fires a pummeling barrage at Donald Trump in retaliation for his unhinged attacks on industry superstars Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen.
The music world is uniting in force against MAGA…
"The American Federation of Musicians will not remain silent as two of our members – Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift— are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States," stated Tino Gagliardi, the president of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.
The AFM/AFofM is a widely respected labor union with nearly 66,000 members.
"Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are not just brilliant musicians, they are role models and inspirations to millions of people in the United States and across the world," Gagliardi continued.
"Whether it's Born in the USA or the Eras Tour, their music is timeless, impactful, and has deep cultural meaning. Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members," he concluded.
Gagliardi's bold defense of the stars in question came after Trump lashed out on Truth Social.
"Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?'" wrote D T.
As Variety points out, Taylor Swift has never been more popular. In December, she concluded the highest grossing tour in history, raking in some $2 billion in grosses.
Trump's attack on Springsteen was lengthier, precipitated by the singer's anti-Trump remarks at a concert in England.
"I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States," Trump wrote.
"Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, he's not a talented guy— Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country," he went on.
"If I wasn't elected, it would have been GONE by now! Sleepy Joe didn't have a clue as to what he was doing, but Springsteen is 'dumb as a rock,' and couldn't see what was going on, or could he (which is even worse!)?" he continued.
"This dried out 'prune' of a rocker (his skin is all atrophied!) ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country, that's just 'standard fare.' Then we'll all see how it goes for him!" he concluded.
The Truth Social meltdown occurred after Springsteen kicked off his hotly anticipated "Land of Hopes & Dreams" tour across Europe with a bombastic Trump takedown in Manchester.
"In my home, the America I love, the America I've written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration," the singer told the crowd.
"Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring!" he continued.
Later in the show, Springsteen circled back—
"The last check on power after the checks and balances of government have failed are the people, you and me," he said.
"It's in the union of people around a common set of values now that's all that stands between a democracy and authoritarianism. At the end of the day, all we've got is each other."
"There's some very weird, strange, and dangerous shitt going on out there right now. In America they are persecuting people for using their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. This is happening now," said Springsteen.
"In America, the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the world's poorest children to sickness and death," he continued.
"In my country, they're taking sadistic pleasure in the pain they inflict on loyal American workers. They're rolling back historic civil rights legislation that has led to a more just and plural society," Springsteen went on.
"They are abandoning our great allies and siding with dictators against those struggling for their freedom," he said. "They are defunding American universities that won't bow down to their ideological demands. They are removing residents off American streets and without due process of law, are deporting them to foreign detention centers and prisons. This is all happening now."
"A majority of our elected representatives have failed to protect the American people from the abuses of an unfit president and a rogue government," he continued. "They have no concern or idea for what it means to be deeply American."
"The America l've sung to you about for 50 years is real, and, regardless of its faults, is a great country with a great people," he said. "So we'll survive this moment. Now, I have hope, because I believe in the truth of what the great American writer James Baldwin said. He said, 'In this world there isn't as much humanity as one would like, but there's enough.' Let's pray."
__________
Tap the link to hear Bruce making his remarks as he and The E Street Band opened their Land of Hope & Dreams Tour in Manchester, England (on YouTube)
__________
No matter your ‘political' opinion... What are you thinking?
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• PS from PS— When Music Speaks the Truth
Oh honey, tramps like us
Baby, we were born to run
Come on with me, tramps like us
Baby, we were born to run
As soon as I read the The Voice of the People— Then and Now piece in this issue, that raw anthem that first grabbed my teenage heart decades ago started playing in my mind. As Bruce Springsteen faces backlash for his recent statements in Manchester, England, I'm reminded why musicians have always been our cultural conscience.
When he said, "The last check on power after the checks and balances of government have failed are the people", I had the thought that 'the people' are the TrueFans.
This isn't about politics for me— although it is— this is about defending the fundamental American right to seek and speak the truth. Something Musical Artists are especially good at. And when artists face intimidation for using their voices, history shows it's never just about silencing them— it's about silencing all who see themselves in their words. The TrueFans.
"This is happening now," as Bruce said. And though I believe as he does, that "we'll survive this moment," how we respond defines who we are as Americans. Are we TrueFans of America?
So, yes, I stand with Bruce and agree with his words. But more and most importantly, I passionately believe in his right to say and sing them.
In all times— especially troubled times— we need our Musical truth-tellers more than ever.
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...
