the TrueFans AMP— Issue 98

"The music I hold dearest is the music that moves me, that makes me feel something more than, ‘Oh, wow, look what they just did.'"
— Vince Gill

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

• Recommends— Smart Music Business Book by Chris Greenwood aka Manafest

• Your BIZ— Inside Music Biz: What Every Independent Artist Should Know

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Vince Gill 

• in partnership with Chris Greenwood and SmartMusicBusiness

• Art Article— Exploring Musical Modes: Unique Characteristics and Emotions
by Emmeline Pankhurst

• PS from PS— Small Is Beautiful, Especially If It's Sharp 

Here’s the playlist

• Recommends— Smart Music Business Book by Chris Greenwood aka Manafest

"Because no one's coming to save your music career but you." 

Let's be clear: We're not in the business of selling stuff with the TrueFans AMP™
This isn't an affiliate deal. We don't make a penny if you click this link: 

But for less than eight bucks, this book is a no-brainer to Recommend.

Why?

Because Chris Greenwood walks his talk as well as sings his songs.

You probably know him as Manafest, the gritty, backwards ball-cap, grind-it-out indie artist who cracked the code and racked up over 130 million streams— without a label. 

What you may not know is how he did it. That's exactly what Smart Music Business delivers: the real-deal, step-by-step how to— and who to.

"I had no connections, no budget, and no plan. Just a head full of songs and a heart full of hope."

Sound familiar?

What sets this guide apart is that Chris doesn't just motivate you— he equips you. He shares the exact framework he used to turn his song launches into high-impact, fan-generating events.

No fluff. No vague encouragements.

Just the real-world strategies and systems that helped him break through the noise and build a movement around his music.

What's inside the book?
• The 5-phase system that transformed his career
• Why "hope marketing" doesn't work (and what does)
• How to launch a song like a product— and win
• What it actually takes to get 100,000+ listeners a day
And how to stop spinning your wheels and start building momentum

Chris calls it the "anatomy of a fighter"— courage, perseverance, mindset, discipline, and willpower. It's not just inspiring. It's a manual for making 2025 the year you finally make music work for you.

We're recommending this because we want you to succeed. That's the TrueFans mission: Make Right Now Money and Have Fans Forever. And this book is a solid piece of that puzzle.

Go grab it. Here: smartmusicbusiness.com

No hype. No BS. Just results.

• Your BIZ— Inside Music Biz: What Every Independent Artist Should Know
Based on Forbes coverage by Kristin Westcott Grant 

The Music Biz 2025 conference in Atlanta made one thing crystal clear...

The music industry is not just changing— it's reinventing itself. If you're a Musical Artist today, you're not just in the music business— you're in the business of tech, data, mental health, global culture, and financial innovation.

Here's what you need to know from the front lines:

1. AI Is Here. And...  It's Real.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a buzzword— it's a toolbox. From remix detection to attribution tracking and licensing automation, tools like Sureel.AI, Surreal, and OpenPlay are closing revenue gaps, protecting rights, and helping artists get paid. But there's a catch: if you're not properly credited, you're not properly paid. Attribution-first is a must.

Artists must insist on accurate metadata and licensing when working with AI-generated or AI-assisted content.

2. Global Success Demands Cultural Smarts
Want your music to connect worldwide? Get culturally fluent. The panel "Gender Bias in Music Recommendation" spotlighted how algorithmic systems reflect the biases of their data. Female artists get buried because male-heavy catalogs dominate.

Artists who understand diversity, identity, and regional relevance will have the edge in a hyper-personalized music landscape.

3. Mental Health = Money
Burnout kills careers— and cashflow. Sessions like "Money For Something" showed that emotional crashes lead to canceled tours, lost creative drive, and disbanded teams. Mental health isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a business strategy.

Invest in your wellness. It's ROI you can't afford to skip.

4. Indies Are Winning— and Scaling
Independents now hold 47% of the market share, up nearly 10% in just two years. Why? They're agile, tech-savvy, and in control. New financing options (like Sound Royalties and Primary Wave) offer capital without surrendering rights.

Being indie no longer means going it alone— it means building smart, scalable systems on your terms.

5. Metadata = Monetization
You can't get paid if your data's a mess. Panels like "Metadata Mastery" and "Catalog Power Play" hammered home that clean, connected data is the backbone of royalties, licensing, and discovery.

 Audit your catalog metadata regularly— accuracy drives income.

6. Playlists Are Dead. Welcome to Experiential Music
Roblox, remixes, and reels are outperforming Spotify playlists. "User-Generated Hits" are blowing up— but only for artists who know how to license them properly.

Create immersive, interactive content and be ready to monetize fan-made creations legally and creatively.

Break Down the Silos
Disconnected platforms, broken licensing chains, and siloed metadata are killing opportunities. This year's OpenPlay Hackathon broke barriers as 18 companies opened their tech stacks for real-time co-creation of music solutions.

The future belongs to the collaborative— build bridges across tools, teams, and technologies.

The Bottom Line for TrueFans Artists

Music Biz 2025 wasn't about guessing the future— it was about creating it.

If you're a Musical Artist, success will come from the balance of...

• Innovation plus Attribution
• Data plus Empathy
• Independence plus Scale

Be adaptable. Be informed. Be connected.

Your future— and your income— depend on it.

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About Kristin Westcott Grant
Kristin Grant is the founder of Westcott Multimedia, an autonomous ad tech platform for streamed media assets. She previously worked at Next Big Sound, wrote for Billboard's Streaming Twitter Charts, and served as an Entertainment Analyst on Wall Street. At Universal Music Group, she managed Global Playlist Strategies. Kristin also distributed and marketed Barrington Levy's Grammy-nominated album, Acousticalevy. She holds a B-Comm in International Business, a certificate in Entertainment Law from Osgoode (Canada), and a Master's in Music & Business from NYU.

• The Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Vince Gill Is a Masterclass in Songwriting, Soul, and Staying Power

"Vince Gill is the kind of artist who makes you believe in the power of a song. Again. His voice, his pen, his heart— he's country music's quiet genius."
— the TrueFans AMP™

The Voice That Carried a Generation
Vince Gill's voice is a rare blend of warmth and precision, equally at home in a tear-jerking ballad or a rollicking country anthem. His breakout hit, When I Call Your Name,  not only won the Country Music Association's Single and Song of the Year awards but also earned him a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

His songwriting is marked by emotional depth and authenticity. As Gill himself reflects:

"The music I hold dearest is the music that moves me, that makes me feel something more than, ‘Oh, wow, look what they just did.'"
— Vince Gill 

Chart-Topping Hits and Timeless Albums
Gill's discography is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. Notable albums include:

• I Still Believe in You (1992): Over 5.3 million copies sold.
• When Love Finds You (1994): Over 4.2 million copies sold.
• Souvenirs (1995): Over 3.1 million copies sold. 

His song Go Rest High on That Mountain (tap the link to listen) is a heartfelt tribute, won two Grammy Awards and remains one of his most beloved tracks. 

Collaborations That Cross Genres
Gill's collaborative spirit has led him to work with a diverse array of artists, including:

Dolly Parton: Their duet on I Will Always Love You brought new life to the classic. 

"Vince Gill is one of the most talented and versatile artists I've ever worked with."
— Dolly Parton

Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, and Alison Krauss: Frequent collaborators who have joined Gill in creating memorable performances.

"His voice is pure, his guitar playing is unmatched, and his songwriting is heartfelt."
— Reba McEntire

"Working with Vince is always a masterclass in musicianship... and humility."
— Alison Krauss 

Amy Grant: Beyond their personal relationship, their musical partnership has produced numerous heartfelt duets. 

"Vince brings sincerity and depth to every note he sings."
— Amy Grant

A Legacy of Accolades
Gill's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards:

• 22 Grammy Awards: The most by any male country artist. 
• 18 Country Music Association Awards: Including two Entertainer of the Year honors.
• 8 Academy of Country Music Awards: Highlighting his excellence in performance and songwriting.

Personal Journey and Advocacy
Born in Norman, Oklahoma, Gill's early exposure to music came from his parents, both of whom were musically inclined. 

His personal life has seen its share of challenges and triumphs. After his first marriage ended in divorce, Gill found love again with Singer Amy Grant. Their relationship, marked by mutual respect and shared faith, has been a source of inspiration for many. 

"He's a true gentleman of country music, always lifting others up."
— Brad Paisley: 

Gill is also known for his advocacy, particularly in supporting female artists in country music. He has expressed concern over the underrepresentation of women in the genre and has been inspired by many female musicians throughout his career. 

Influencing the Next Generation
Gill's impact extends beyond his own recordings. He has been a mentor and inspiration to many emerging artists. Chris Stapleton, for instance, once shared:

"I spent years trying to imitate Vince Gill's voice before realizing that my own voice was unique." 

For TrueFans
Vince Gill exemplifies the artistry and dedication that TrueFans AMP™ celebrates. His career offers invaluable lessons in authenticity, collaboration, and the power of music to connect and heal.

"Vince's contributions to music are immeasurable; he's a treasure."
— Emmylou Harris

in partnership with Chris Greenwood and SmartMusicBusiness

• Art Article— Exploring Musical Modes: Unique Characteristics and Emotions
by Emmeline Pankhurst

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PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: New Music Lives™ and the TrueFans AMP™ stay away from the art-part of a Musical Artist's life and work. We're all about the Artist's First Revolution with a focus on you earning Right Now Money and having Fans Forever. So what follows is out of character. We're guessing. But we won't know if that's so unless we ask, so... Is what's below of interest to you? We found it fascinating, but then we're not Musical Artists. Had no idea. So let us know if this kind of thing is of interest and if so you'll get more of it. If no, mea culpa. Either way... We Love You!

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Table of Contents
• Introduction to Musical Modes
• Understanding the Basics
• The Seven Main Musical Modes
• Emotional Colors of Each Mode
• Modes vs. Major and Minor Keys
• Application in Modern Music
• Tips for Composing with Modes
• Conclusion

Introduction to Musical Modes
Imagine stepping into a world where each note tells a different story. Welcome to the realm of musical modes— scales with roots in ancient Greece that have woven their way through history, shaping the music we cherish today. They're the secret spices in a melody, adding depth and color to compositions. For centuries, composers have relied on modes for their distinct emotional palettes, making them foundational in music theory. Whether you're crafting a haunting tune or a joyful jig, understanding these modes opens doors to endless creativity. Let's explore how they work.

Understanding the Basics
Musical modes, scales, and keys are terms often tossed around in music theory, yet each carries a distinct meaning. Think of modes as a specific type of scale. While a scale is a sequence of notes in ascending or descending order, a mode begins on a different note, offering unique musical flavors. It's like cooking with various spices; each alters the dish's taste while using the same basic ingredients.

Keys serve as the home base of a piece of music, determining the tonal center around which notes and chords revolve. Modes add layers to this base, shifting the emotional focus and expanding the musical vocabulary. It's akin to painting the same landscape in different seasons— each mode introduces its mood and atmosphere.

In Western music, modes have been crucial for centuries. They were the backbone of Gregorian chants and continue to influence contemporary music across genres. From classical compositions to jazz improvisations and pop songs, modes provide a rich palette for expression. I recall experimenting with the Dorian mode during college, which lent my compositions a mysterious yet hopeful undertone, a color I couldn't achieve with just major or minor keys.

With this foundation, we're ready to explore each mode's unique characteristics and their influence on the emotions in music. Let's dive into the world of the seven main musical modes next.

The Seven Main Musical Modes
Let's start with the mode most people unknowingly recognize— Ionian, synonymous with the major scale. Picture a sunny day, birds chirping, and children playing in a park. That's Ionian— full of happiness and light. It's the go-to for many pop songs and classical pieces aiming to uplift and energize.

Next is the Dorian mode, with a soulful, jazzy feel. It's like a twilight sky— neither too bright nor too dark. Composing in Dorian during a late-night practice session revealed how it added mystery and warmth without tipping into melancholy.

Speaking of mystery, the Phrygian mode brings an exotic, Spanish flair. It's like wandering through a bustling marketplace in a foreign land— familiar yet intriguingly different. Think of it as the flamenco dancer of musical modes, full of passion and color.

For dreamers, the Lydian mode offers a whimsical, dreamy atmosphere. It's the equivalent of floating on a cloud, often used to create a sense of wonder. Imagine the magical land of movie soundtracks— that's Lydian territory.

The Mixolydian mode adds a bluesy vibe, like a laid-back afternoon with friends. It's versatile and slightly rebellious, loved by rock and blues musicians.

The Aeolian mode evokes a soft, rainy day. As the natural minor scale, it often brings melancholy and introspection. Many ballads find their home here, drawing you into their tender embrace.

Lastly, the Locrian mode, with its mysterious and unsettled aura, is like wandering through an ancient, foggy forest. It's the least used mode, perhaps due to its unresolved tension leaving listeners hanging in an intriguing way.

Each mode paints a unique emotional landscape, offering endless possibilities for expression. As we continue, we'll see how these modes influence the emotions conveyed in music, providing a palette of emotions ready to be woven into your next masterpiece.

Emotional Colors of Each Mode
Imagine each musical mode as a painter's brush, each stroke conjuring different emotions on the canvas of sound. Modes are emotional translators, each with its story. When composing or listening, the chosen mode can dramatically alter a piece's emotional impact.

The Ionian mode, synonymous with joy and brightness, is the musical equivalent of a sunbeam cutting through clouds, which is why many feel-good songs are rooted in it. In contrast, the Aeolian mode speaks to our introspective side, like reading a heartfelt letter on a rainy afternoon, filling the room with nostalgia and reflection.

Dorian, with its jazzy charm, often paints emotions of subtle optimism and warmth. I used Dorian for a friend's wedding piece, creating a melody that felt hopeful and grounded. The Phrygian mode, associated with tension and passion, evokes strong emotions of yearning or mystery, like an adventurous novel inviting exploration.

Lydian offers whimsical wonder, perfect for conveying a childlike sense of awe. Imagine using it in a film score to highlight magical moments. In contrast, Mixolydian brings a bluesy, laid-back feel, ideal for capturing relaxed, contented emotions.

Then there's Locrian, the modal family's black sheep, known for unease and unresolved tension. Rarely used, it creates suspense or curiosity when it is.

Understanding these emotional colors helps craft music that resonates deeply with listeners. We'll explore how modes stack up against major and minor keys, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of musical expression.

Modes vs. Major and Minor Keys
In music, major and minor keys are familiar companions, providing a solid foundation. Major keys have a bright, cheerful sound, while minor keys carry a somber, reflective tone. However, introducing modes transforms the musical landscape into a vibrant tapestry.

The key difference between modes and traditional keys lies in the starting point and the intervals between notes. For instance, playing a C major scale involves starting on C and following a specific pattern of whole and half steps. Switching to a mode like Dorian starts the same sequence on a different note, such as D, creating a new mood and feel. It's like rediscovering a familiar melody from a fresh perspective.

This structural versatility offers more creative freedom. Picture a chef with a broader spice rack; each mode provides a unique flavor, allowing musicians to tailor compositions to the emotions they wish to convey. Modes explore spaces between the bright and dark dichotomy of major and minor, adding complexity and emotion.

For example, the Mixolydian mode can infuse a piece with blues and rock swagger, while Phrygian imbues music with an exotic, mysterious vibe, perfect for creating tension. This flexibility is a goldmine for composers and performers seeking experimentation and innovation.

As we continue, we'll see how these modal nuances come alive in the music we listen to every day, demonstrating that ancient modes are anything but outdated. They actively shape our modern soundtrack.

Application in Modern Music
Picture yourself at a concert, the band playing a hit song, and you're swept away by musical modes. You might be surprised how many favorite tunes owe their unique flair to these ancient scales.

Take Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles. This hauntingly beautiful song employs the Dorian mode, achieving a somber yet hopeful atmosphere. It's the musical equivalent of finding a silver lining on a cloudy day. Carlos Santana often draws on the Phrygian mode, with songs like Oye Como Va exuding exotic, vibrant energy, urging listeners to dance.

How do musicians harness these modes? Composers use modes to break free from major-minor constraints, crafting standout melodies. In film scores, modes create specific moods; John Williams uses Lydian to add wonder and adventure in Theme from E.T.

I remember using the Mixolydian mode for a bluesy jazz piece in my college band, bringing a relaxed, rebellious vibe that got the audience swaying. This kind of experimentation transforms simple melodies into something fresh and unexpected.

As we craft our musical stories, understanding and applying these modes can be a game-changer, offering creative possibilities that invite exploration of new musical landscapes. Let's prepare to dive deeper into how you can use these modes in your compositions.

Tips for Composing with Modes
Selecting the right mode can transform your piece from ordinary to extraordinary when composing music. It's like choosing the right mood for your music. Whether aiming for a light-hearted tune or a dark, introspective ballad, the mode guides your emotional landscape.

For capturing the carefree essence of a summer day, Ionian is your friend. Its bright tones evoke smiles and sunshine. For deeper emotions, the Aeolian mode adds melancholy and introspection, perfect for a reflective ballad.

The beauty of modes lies in their versatility, but how do you incorporate them effectively? Finding the right scales, chords, and progressions for your chosen mode can be facilitated by tools like Piano Companion, a music theory app that serves as a flexible piano chord and scale dictionary with features like a chord progression builder. Start by experimenting with modal chord progressions. Try a Dorian progression, emphasizing the minor third and raised sixth, to bring out the mode's jazzy feel and offer a fresh perspective.

Another technique is modal interchange, borrowing chords from parallel modes for unexpected twists. This creates surprising shifts, keeping listeners engaged. I used this in a jazz piece, and the unexpected chord changes captivated my audience.

Let creativity guide you as you experiment. The more you play, the more you'll discover the unique voices each mode brings to your music. This exploration isn't just about creating music; it's about finding new ways to express emotions and stories. Let's wrap up our journey, gathering insights to apply in our musical endeavors.

Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through modes, it's clear each mode offers a unique emotional palette, like discovering new hues in a painter's collection. Whether it's the bright optimism of Ionian or the introspective depth of Aeolian, these modes provide a rich canvas for creativity. I encourage you to experiment with these vibrant scales in your music-making. Let them guide you in expressing stories and emotions uniquely your own. Embrace the challenge, and you might stumble upon a melody that resonates deeply, not just with you, but with everyone who listens.

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Tap the link to learn more about songtive. com.

• PS from PS— Small Is Beautiful, Especially If It's Sharp 

This bit comes from Tim Ferris' 5 Bullet Friday newsletter, Tim wrote: Derek Sivers wisdom I'm enjoying. Well-rounded doesn't cut. Pair with "1,000 True Fans" by Kevin Kelly for a potent combo. These two philosophies will become even more valuable in the coming AI deluge of machine-created content. To surf above the tsunami, I suggest one human-scale win at a time. Think big first, and you'll likely get lost, defeated by AIs instructed to do the same. Think small, and you'll have a better chance of enduring… and snowballing into something big.

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Derek Sivers. Kevin Kelly. Two of my heros (and clearly Tim's, too) So... from the book Your Music and People,Well-rounded doesn't cut, Derek wrote... 

Imagine the world's attention as a big squishy pile of apathy— so thick you could cut it with a knife. To call attention to your music, you want to cut through that muck.

Only problem is, if you're well-rounded, you can't cut through anything. 

You need to be sharply defined, like a knife.

Let's look at a bad example first: Your name is Mary and you put out an album called My Songs, and the cover is a picture of your face. The music is good quality, and the songs are about your life. When people ask what kind of music you do, you say "Oh, everything. All styles." You put your music out into the world but nothing much happens. Doors aren't opening.

Imagine instead: You write nine songs about food. You put out an album called Sushi, Soufflé, and Seven Other Songs about Food. You recorded your vocals in the kitchen. You quit cooking school to be a musician. Now you've got an angle for promotion. Now people can remember and recommend it. Yes, it's a silly example, but you see how this would be much easier to promote?

You may be thinking, "But I have so much to offer the world, I can't just limit myself like that!" So stretch-out your musical offerings to the world over many years, and keep each phase focused clearly on one aspect of your music.

Look at the long careers of David Bowie, Miles Davis, Madonna, Prince, Joni Mitchell, or Paul Simon. Each went through sharply-defined phases, treating each album as a project with a narrow focus.

Be sharp as a knife, cut through the pile of apathy, and make a point.

Do this every year or two, and you will have a wide variety in the long run. 

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the Artists First Revolution: Right Now Money and Fans Forever. Sharp enough for you?

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...