the TrueFans AMP— Issue 97

"I get nervous about performing. I'd rather make records and let them speak for themselves. The song, that's the thing."
— Harry Nilsson

In This Issue... 16 pages (about 24ish minutes to read) You'll Get... 

• Recommends— Far Out Magazine— A UK Gem for Musical Artists

• Your BIZ— 10 Indie Record Labels Every Independent Musical Artist Should Know About by Gregory Walfish from Xposure Music

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Harry Nilssson The Reluctant Superstar Who Redefined Pop Songwriting...

• in partnership with Xposure Music

• Feature Article— The Letter That Made Nirvana's In Utero Possible 

• PS from PS— You're Being Brainwashed Into Mediocrity

Here’s the playlist

• Recommends—  Far Out Magazine – A UK Gem for Musical Artists

If you're a musical artist looking to stay sharp, inspired, and in tune with global music culture, add Far Out Magazine to your radar.

What It Is
Far Out Magazine is a UK-based online publication with a distinctly artistic soul and a sharp editorial edge. Launched in 2010, Far Out has grown into one of the most forward-thinking and culturally rich music media outlets on the web. It's dedicated to celebrating creativity in music, film, and counterculture— and it offers fresh, thoughtful content that digs deeper than the usual press-release fluff.

Why It Matters to Musical Artists
While many music sites chase chart gossip and celebrity headlines, Far Out leans into substance over spectacle. Its coverage is rooted in a love of artistry— highlighting boundary-pushing legends, underground icons, and rising stars alike.

Musical Artists will find:

• In-depth artist retrospectives: Thoughtful analyses of major musical figures— from Bowie and Dylan to PJ Harvey, Kendrick Lamar, and Nick Cave.

• Songwriting insights: Articles exploring artists' influences, writing processes, creative breakthroughs, and signature sounds.

• Gear & studio lore: Occasional dives into the tools, setups, and recording stories that helped define iconic sounds.

• Curated lists: From "Best Debut Albums" to "Songs That Changed Music," these are conversation starters and discovery tools for hungry artists.

• Opinion & philosophy: Far Out isn't afraid to ask big questions— about the state of the music industry, the role of art in activism, or what it means to be original in a saturated world.

What Sets It Apart
Far Out has a deep respect for authenticity, individuality, and legacy— all values that matter to serious Musical Artists. Whether you're into prog rock, soul, post-punk, indie folk, experimental jazz, or psychedelic pop, you'll find your tribe here. Even better? The magazine is refreshingly global in taste, often giving space to international artists who don't get enough U.S. Coverage.

It also has a dedicated YouTube channel and a social media presence that regularly features rare live performances, archival gems, and curated playlists.

Who It's For

• Musical Artists looking for inspiration from the greats and the obscure.

• Writers and lyricists who want to study song structure and emotional storytelling.

• Producers and sonic explorers interested in creative process and studio stories.

• Anyone tired of shallow clickbait and hungry for music content that respects the craft.

TrueFans TakeAway
Far Out Magazine is more than a music news site— it's a creative companion for artists who care about their craft. Use it to learn from the past, stay aware of present trends, and get inspired to shape your own future as an artist. Bookmark it. Follow them. Read widely. And let it feed your fire. Tap here: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ for more.

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• Your BIZ— 10 Indie Record Labels Every Independent Musical Artist Should Know About

by Gregory Walfish from Xposure Music
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One of the biggest decisions emerging artists will have to make is whether to remain independent or sign a deal with a record label. On the one hand, doing things on your own gives you full control over your creative projects, your schedule, your artwork, and so on, while also ensuring that you don't have to share royalties with anyone else for the use of your work. On the other hand...

Building a successful music career can be incredibly stressful without support from a manager, a publisher, or a label, and it requires a lot of time, effort, and last but not least, capital. 

Signing a deal with an independent record label could strike a comfortable balance for emerging musicians. You get to benefit from the label's financial marketing resources, their network of industry connections, while still retaining control over your creative vision. Compared to major labels, indie record labels might not offer a hefty  advance  upfront, but they'll help you kickstart your music career without giving up your creative freedom. 

If that sounds like a good plan for you and your career, Xposure Music wants to make life easier for you and save you some research time, by recommending 10 indie record labels that we think are worth partnering with. These labels will help you expand your skills as a musician, find your target audience, nurture connections with other musicians and professionals in the industry, and unlock plenty of career opportunities and paths that might not be available to you as a fully independent artist going at it alone. 

1. 10K Projects
An independent record label based in Los Angeles, 10k Projects was founded in 2016 by Elliot Grainge. They describe themselves as ‘a community of artists, music enthusiasts, and purveyors of culture bound by an unflinching conviction that commercial success need not come at the cost of artistic integrity.' They represent artists like Aitch, Between Friends, Coin, Noah Guy, and Natalie Jane, among many others, and they also run 10k Together, a division of the label that supports social justice causes and empowers diverse artists. As of late 2019, artists signed with 10k Projects had received 18 gold and 8 platinum or multi-platinum singles. 

2. APG
A modern and independent record and publishing group for artists and songwriters, APG is spearheaded by CEO and Founder Mike Caren and represents artists like Odetari and Lay Bankz. They also represent and manage producers like Connor McDonough, Danny Wolf, or Go Grizzly, as well as songwriters like ARIZONA, Ava Max, or Ben Johnson. If you're interested in joining the APG family, Izzy Elefant, Head of Streaming at the label, can offer valuable guidance and advice right on the Xposure Music platform.

3. Jarjour Co
A full-service indie record label, publishing and creative agency, and A&R service partnering with Maverick and Live Nation, Jarjour is another excellent destination for independent artists looking to kickstart their music careers. Founded by Nick Jarjour, the label represents artists like Starrah, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who's worked with the likes of Drake and Rihanna, and emerging talent Trinidad, among others. Their focus is mainly on pop, dance/electronic, rock, and hip-hop/rap, so if your genre fits in there, you might feel right at home at Jarjour. 

4. Ghostly
Ghostly International was created by San Valenti IV in 1998 and has since signed artists like Matthew Dear, Tobacco, Emeralds, Brijean, Com Truise, and more. Based in Detroit, Michigan, the label has grown from focusing on experimental and electronic music to representing visual artists, designers, and musicians, and gradually expanding their catalog of artists and genres. Over the years, Ghostly has also collaborated with various global brands on different creative and artistic projects, including Warby Parker, Vans, and Carhartt. 

5. Young
Founded in 2006, Young (previously Young Turks) is best known for representing FKA Twigs, The xx, Sampha, Jessie Ware, Jamie xx, and SBTRKT. Launched in London as a subsidiary of XL Recordings, Young has expanded into a separate, successful independent label that has a stellar reputation in the music industry. Their focus isn't only on music, they also host radio shows and industry events. In fact, each release by the label is a major event in itself, as they are usually more spread-out to give each artist their rightful time in the spotlight. 

6. Carpark Records
Originally established in 1999 in New York City, Carpark Records is now headquartered in Washington, D.C., and is one of the most well-regarded indie labels in the country at the moment. Their main focus is on experimental, electronic, and psychedelic artists, as well as alternative rock and indie, having signed artists such as Young Magic, Sonic Boom, Chelsea Jade, and Safety Scissors, among many others. They also have two subsidiary labels that they manage, Paw Tracks and Acute Records. 

7. Glassnote
Founded in 2007, Glassnote is a relatively ‘young' record label, but they've managed to launch some major artists like Childish Gambino and Mumford & Sons since their inception. They're mainly focused on representing alternative, hip-hop, and indie rock artists, and they've stayed true to these roots. Rolling Stone Magazine dubbed Glassnote the Best Indie Label, while Billboard placed them on their list of Independent Labels at #1. 

8. Fat Possum
Fat Possum has a long-standing reputation in the independent music business, best known for signing and promoting local blues artists in Mississippi since 1992. Over the years, the label has expanded its area of expertise to include diverse artists in other genres, eventually helping launch big names like The Black Keys, Hoops, The Districts, Spiritualized, and Youth Lagoon, among others. 

9. Rough Trade
A veteran indie label founded in 1976, Rough Trade has signed some major artists, like The Strokes, Warpaint, Arcade Fire, Belle & Sebastian, and Mazzy Star, among many others. Before the label took shape, Rough Trade was a popular record store located in West London, focusing on reggae and rock music and spearheaded by Geoff Travis. They soon began to help artists record and promote their music, finally expanding into a fully-fledged indie record label. Decades later, Rough Trade is still one of the most sought-after labels by independent and emerging artists. 

10. Island Records
Launched as an offshoot of Universal Music Group in 1959, Island Records remains one of the most sought-after and highly regarded independent record labels. Years down the line, Island Records eventually merged with Def Jam Records, while continuing to cater to their Jamaican roots. However, the label has expanded their focus over the years to represent and promote diverse talents, from Bob Marley, Annie Lennox, Bon Jovi, and The Killers, to Demi Lovato, Florence + The Machine, and Shawn Mendes, to name just a few.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Indie Labels Better?
The question of whether indie labels are "better" is subjective and depends on individual perspectives and goals. Indie labels often offer artists more creative freedom and personalized attention, fostering a closer artist-label relationship. They can be a platform for diverse and experimental music that might not fit within the mainstream. However, major labels provide significant resources, wider distribution, and extensive marketing capabilities that can propel artists to global recognition.

Ultimately, what's "better" depends on the artist's priorities— whether it's artistic autonomy and niche appeal or broad visibility and commercial success.

• How Do Indie Labels Work?
Indie labels, short for independent labels, operate independently of major record label conglomerates. They typically focus on niche markets, diverse genres, and emerging artists. Indie labels work by discovering, signing, and supporting artists throughout the music production and distribution process. They often offer artists more creative control and flexibility in exchange for a smaller scale of resources compared to major labels. 

Indie labels handle tasks like recording, marketing, and distribution, aiming to nurture unique voices and musical styles. While they may not have the financial might of major labels, indie labels thrive on cultivating a close-knit relationship with their artists and tapping into more specialized audiences.
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About Gregory Walfish
Co-founder of Xposure Music, Gregory Walfish stands at the intersection of music, tech, and culture. With a software engineering background, he's passionate about artist development and technology. Check the gold in partnership with... box in this issue to learn more about Xposure Music. 

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• The Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— "Everybody's Talkin'" About Harry Nilsson: The Reluctant Superstar Who Redefined Pop Songwriting

"Harry Nilsson wasn't just a great Songwriter— he was one of the best vocalists ever recorded, and a master of melody and emotional honesty. There's never been another like him."
— Paul Williams

Long before "indie" was a musical badge of honor, Harry Nilsson was doing everything his own way— and doing it better than almost anyone else. He was famously the "Beatles' favorite American artist." 

"Nilsson's my favorite group."
— John Lennon

Yet, for all his commercial success, Nilsson defied the standard music industry script. He rarely toured, was reluctant to perform live, and often sidestepped fame's spotlight. Yet through it all, Nilsson created some of the most moving, inventive, and unforgettable music of the 20th century.

Born in Brooklyn in 1941 and raised in challenging circumstances, Nilsson channeled his rich emotional life into songs that traversed pop, rock, jazz, and even children's music. By the late 1960s, he had earned the admiration of industry legends for his sharp wit, masterful songcraft, and vocal acrobatics. His 1967 album Pandemonium Shadow Show caught the ears of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who publicly declared Nilsson their favorite new artist. That endorsement launched Nilsson's career into the stratosphere.

"Harry Nilsson was one of the finest Songwriters and a beautiful voice. He was a great friend of ours."
— Paul McCartney

The Voice, the Pen, the Studio Wizard
Nilsson was a studio savant— layering lush harmonies, experimenting with effects, and crafting songs with daring creativity. His ability to blend genre-bending arrangements with instantly memorable melodies put him in a class of his own. He could write soaring ballads like Without You (a cover of Badfinger's song that became a global hit in his hands), comic gems like Coconut, heartbreaking tunes like Don't Forget Me, and sublime lullabies like The Moonbeam Song.

His 1971 album Nilsson Schmilsson marked the peak of his commercial career. With hits like Coconut, Jump Into the Fire, and the haunting Without You, it went platinum and earned him a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. It also revealed Nilsson's gift for inhabiting a song— whether or not he wrote it— and transforming it with nuance and soul.

"Harry could do things with his voice that most singers only dream about. And he was funny— really funny."
— Randy Newman

A Rebel with a Cause (or Not)
Though he wrote dozens of extraordinary songs, Nilsson was equally lauded for his interpretations of others' work. His versions of Fred Neil's Everybody's Talkin' and Randy Newman's Sail Away are definitive. In this way, Nilsson blurred the line between Singer Songwriter and interpretive genius. But while his peers climbed the charts and toured the world, Nilsson pulled back.

Famously reclusive, he turned down countless opportunities to tour or perform live. He preferred the control of the studio and the company of close collaborators. He did, however, perform once on British TV, and a few bootlegged concerts exist. For Nilsson, the song was the message— not the spectacle.

"Harry Nilsson was a one-man Beatles. He had the wit of Lennon, the melodic instinct of McCartney, and a voice like nobody else. A true original."
— Elvis Costello

Creative Kinships and Wild Friendships
Nilsson's collaborations read like a who's-who of 1970s rock royalty. He had a famously close friendship with John Lennon, with whom he created the notorious Pussy Cats album during Lennon's "lost weekend." That record, though not a commercial hit, was a raw and rollicking snapshot of two geniuses pushing boundaries.

He worked with Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Keith Moon, and producer Richard Perry. He also became a key figure in the Los Angeles creative scene of the time— a "Hollywood Vampire" in the same league as Alice Cooper and Jim Morrison.

Despite his wild-man image, Nilsson was deeply introspective, and his lyrics often reveal a tender, aching soul beneath the bravado.

Personal Life and the Search for Peace
Nilsson's personal life was marked by highs and heartbreaks. He struggled with substance abuse and the pressures of sudden success. He married three times, and his final marriage to Una O'Keeffe produced six children and brought him some much-needed stability. His later years were dedicated to family and legacy.

Nilsson's sudden death from heart failure in 1994 at age 52 shocked fans and peers alike. At the time of his death, he had just completed Losst and Founnd, an album released posthumously in 2019 to warm acclaim. It revealed a man still brimming with melody and heart.

"He had a God-given voice and used it in a totally unique way. He was a genius."
— Brian Wilson

Legacy and Influence
Harry Nilsson's music remains a masterclass in songwriting. His influence can be heard in artists as varied as Rufus Wainwright, Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Jeff Buckley, and Ben Folds. They've all cited him as an inspiration, praising both his artistry and his willingness to break the mold.

"There's no one like Nilsson. He wrote with such heartbreaking clarity— and such a sense of play. I learned so much from him."
— Aimee Mann

His songs have appeared in films, commercials, and TV series across generations. Gotta Get Up found a new audience thanks to the Netflix series Russian Doll. Without You has been covered by everyone from Mariah Carey to Air Supply.

Nilsson wrote songs that could make you laugh, cry, and gasp— sometimes all at once. He fused sophisticated musicality with an everyman's heart, and he did it without ever chasing trends or fame.

"Every Singer wanted Harry's voice. Every Songwriter envied his imagination."
— Robin Zander (Cheap Trick)

For musical artists today, Nilsson's life and work stand as a testament: that being true to your creative voice— no matter how unorthodox— can leave a legacy that echoes for decades.

in partnership with Xposure Music

• Feature Article— The Letter That Made Nirvana's In Utero Possible by John Fogg

I came across this piece by Joe Taysom in Far Out Magazine... is the way this article begins, because that's where and how I discovered what may be one of the most remarkable artifacts of creative integrity and artistic freedom ever written in the music industry: Steve Albini's proposal letter to Nirvana.

Taysom's introduction sets the stage with a mix of reverence and grounded context. He doesn't just recap music history— he brings us to the moment when Nirvana, the biggest band in the world at the time, had a choice: 

To follow the mainstream machinery that made Nevermind a smash, or take a bold turn back toward raw, unvarnished authenticity. 

They chose the latter. They chose Steve Albini.

What caught my attention— and what may (I hope) grab yours— is how Taysom frames Albini not just as a producer or engineer, but as a creative ally, someone Nirvana had to earn. Albini didn't sell himself to the band. He invited them to collaborate— with conditions. And those conditions? They were the antidote to everything that was going wrong in the music business at that time. And... still is..

Taysom highlights a few key reasons why Albini was the perfect partner for Nirvana's In Utero:

• He captured rawness: Albini's "no fluff, no gloss" engineering style matched exactly what Cobain was aiming for— a sound that lived on the extremes, both candy-pop and primal growl.

• He made it easy: His low-interference, high-trust approach let Nirvana just be Nirvana. He handled the boring technical stuff so the band could focus on the music.

• He stood for something: Albini had a philosophy— detailed in his letter— that championed artistic control, authenticity over perfection, and craft over commercialism.

What Makes Albini's Letter So Important— for Music Artists Today
This isn't just a pitch for a studio job. It's a manifesto. And it's as relevant for independent artists right now as it was for Nirvana in 1992. Here are some of the most remarkable aspects of Albini's letter that TrueFans Musical Artists need to see, absorb, and pass on:

Total Opposition to Industry Interference
Albini opens with a line in the sand: If the label plans to meddle, remix, "sweeten," or force hired guns onto the project— he's out. His commitment is to the band's vision, not the "front office bulletheads."

"I'm only interested in working on records that legitimately reflect the band's own perception of their music and existence."

A Builder's Approach to Creativity
Albini doesn't chase perfection— he welcomes chaos and accidents. His view is that energy, honesty, and the sound of the live band matter far more than slick production or manufactured polish.

"I prefer to work on records that aspire to greater things, like originality, personality and enthusiasm."

Respect for the Band as the Creative Core
He doesn't treat the band as one piece of a "project." The band is the project. Every decision starts with them, not the producer's ego.

"You are a different band from any other band and deserve at least the respect of having your own tastes and concerns addressed."

Practical Tools, Not Flashy Tricks
He's an engineer, not a magician. No blind use of click tracks, samplers, or remixing. Just clean sound capture of what's actually there.

"Remixing is for talentless pussies who don't know how to tune a drum or point a microphone."
(Yes, he said that. And yes, it's one of the reasons artists loved him.)

A Rejection of Royalties: Paid Like a Plumber
Albini outright refuses royalties, calling them ethically indefensible. The money belongs to the band— they made the music.

"I do the job and you pay me what it's worth." and "There's no fucking way I would ever take that much money. I wouldn't be able to sleep."

The Result? A Classic. A Closing Statement. A Legacy.

In Utero wasn't just Nirvana's third album. It was their final statement— raw, uncomfortable, messy, and honest. It wouldn't have been that way without Albini.

His letter is a call to arms for every artist who's ever felt the squeeze of compromise. It's a reminder that your vision matters. That art can resist commodification. That someone, somewhere in this industry, actually gives a damn about the music— and not just the money.

And that's why this letter— published in full below— is more than history.

It's a vision for the future. 

Your future...?

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• PS from PS— You're Being Brainwashed Into Mediocrity

Listen to me: THEY'RE LYING TO YOU.

Every time some industry parasite tells you your music is too niche, too aggressive,  too weird, too... anything— they're protecting their own comfortable little world where everything sounds like everything else, because that's easier to market to brain-dead focus groups.

They've convinced you that your raw edges need to be filed down. That your passionate screams need to be turned into pleasant hums. That your midnight confessions need to become afternoon small talk. 

And in many cases you've bought this bullshit wholesale.

When did you become so f'ing terrified of being yourself?

Your "Flaws" Are Your Superpowers
That crack in your voice when you sing about heartbreak? That's not a mistake— that's the sound of your humanity bleeding through. That weird chord progression that makes music theory teachers wince? That's your brain working differently than theirs, thank God.

I've spent years in rooms with artists who apologize for the very things that make them extraordinary. Sorry, I know this song is a bit dark... I hope this isn't too personal... Maybe I should make it more radio-friendly...

STOP. F'ING. APOLOGIZING.

Your darkness matters. Your weirdness matters. Your pain, your joy, your screwed-up family dynamics, your 3 AM existential crises— it ALL matters because it's YOURS and nobody else can channel it the way you do.

The Industry Wants You Broken

Here's what they don't want you to realize: 

A desperate artist is a controllable artist. When you're broke, scared, and convinced you need their approval to succeed, you'll agree to anything. You'll let them turn your manifesto into a jingle.

But when you're confident in your vision? When you know your worth? When you understand that your originality is literally the only thing they can't manufacture or replace? That's when you become dangerous to their little ecosystem of manufactured mediocrity.

The Albini Standard: No Compromise, No Apologies
Steve Albini looked at the biggest band in the world and said, "I'm not interested unless you're willing to make something that actually matters." He turned down easy money because easy money comes with strings attached— strings that strangle your artistic soul.

He understood something that the businsss-as-usual has forgotten: 

The moment you compromise your vision to please someone else, you've already lost everything that made you worth listening to in the first place.

Your Revolution Starts Right Now
Stop asking permission. Stop seeking approval. Stop making music for imaginary people who don't exist.

Make the album that scares you. Sweaty palms. Write the song that makes you cry. Record it in your bedroom if you have to, with whatever equipment you can afford, capturing every imperfect breath and every moment of raw truth.

Because somewhere out there is someone drowning in the sanitized, focus-grouped, market-tested garbage that passes for music these days. 

And they're desperately searching for something real. Something honest Something that sounds like an actual human being having actual human experiences.

That person needs to hear YOUR passionate voice and not some watered-down, dumbed-down version of it.

The Choice That Defines Everything
Every day, you choose: Do you sand down your edges to fit into their little boxes, or do you carve your own space in this world?

Do you make music that sounds like everything else because it's safe, or do you make music that sounds like YOU because it matters?

Do you spend your life as a pale imitation of someone else's vision, or do you burn bright as the only version of yourself that will ever exist?

Your originality isn't just important— it's the only thing that separates you from the algorithmic wasteland of manufactured content.

The industry needs your compliance.... Don't! 
The world needs your rebellion... Do it!

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...