the TrueFans AMP— Issue 99

"Music could help you resist everyday problems. Music could keep you out of the fire." 
— Sly Stone

In This Issue... 16 pages (about 23ish minutes to read) You'll Get... 

• Recommends— the Summer of Soul

• Your BIZ— the Disappearing Songwriter— and Why It Matters... based on a report by Tatiana Cirisano for MIDiA Research

• In Memoriam— Sly Stone 1943 - Forever

• the Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Sly Stone and his Family

• in partnership with Ted Gioia and the Honest Broker

• Editorial— What's Right With the Music Business. Notes from the Artists First Revolution by John Fogg

• PS from PS— This Is Happening Now: Save Our Songwriters

Here’s the playlist

• Recommends— Summer of Soul

"More than a music documentary, Summer of Soul is a soul-stirring revelation— restoring a lost chapter of history with joy, power, and brilliance. If you care about music, culture, or truth— and as a Musical Artist you 'should'—  you need to see this film."

As Woodstock became a generational event in the summer of 1969, with an estimated 400,000 attendees and a feature film, the six-week Harlem Cultural Festival unfolded in Mount Morris Park to much less media fanfare. But Summer of Soul, from Ahmir Thompson, better known as Questlove, makes the case for its significance as a musical and political revelation. 

The documentary unearths stirring footage of Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson, Sly and the Family Stone and others performing at an anxious time for Black people in America. Critic Wesley Morris called it "a mind-blowing moment of  American history."

On all major streaming channels 

To watch the trailer on YouTube, tap here, Summer Of Soul.  

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• Your BIZ— the Disappearing Songwriter— and Why It Matters... based on a report by Tatiana Cirisano for MIDiA Research

At this year's National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) meeting in New York, there was no dramatic lawsuit announcement or regulatory bombshell. Instead, CEO David Israelite ended his annual speech with something deeper— a call to action.

He asked for solidarity.

Not just from Songwriters, but from Musical Artists, producers, and everyone in the recorded music business. "There has never been a greater need to stand up for the value of Songwriters," he said, comparing the moment to when Hollywood actors stood shoulder-to-shoulder with striking screenwriters during the SAG-AFTRA walkouts.

That plea for unity comes at a time when the role of the Pure Songwriter— someone who writes songs but doesn't perform— is vanishing before our eyes.

The Vanishing Breed
MIDiA Research's upcoming Songwriter report, built from a global survey of nearly 800 writers and in-depth interviews across income levels, reveals a sobering truth: 

the traditional Songwriter is being pushed out of the business model.

Most respondents no longer identify primarily as Songwriters. Fewer still say they write mainly for others. Instead, songwriting is becoming something artists do for themselves, or as part of a multi-hyphenated hustle that includes producing, performing, and promoting— because writing songs alone just doesn't pay the bills.

And that's the core of the crisis.

"Pure Songwriters" are being priced out, pushed out... or burned out.

Why? Because structurally, the industry isn't built to support them. Consider:

• Songwriters in the U.S. have their royalty rates fixed by law.

• They earn far less from streaming than performers— and must split that slice with multiple co-writers.

• Unlike artists, they can't supplement income with touring or merch.

So many are becoming accidental entrepreneurs— launching podcasts, opening cafes, building brands— not by choice, but survival instinct.

Holding the Line (Alone)
Some Songwriters have managed to draw boundaries. One interviewee flat-out refused to work without a per diem— and eventually, her collaborators gave in. But those stories are the exception. Collective action has been complicated and largely ineffective.

Efforts like The Pact, formed in 2021 to withhold publishing credit from artists who didn't contribute to songwriting, sounded noble. But most writers couldn't afford to walk away from even an unfair deal. Others worry that pushing for Songwriter fees or backend points might backfire, making artists and labels more reluctant to take chances on new talent.

And unlike Hollywood, music creators face another hurdle: Songwriters are legally classified as contractors, which means they can't strike like SAG-AFTRA did.

As Israelite put it...

"We have a unique problem that plagues the songwriting industry— Songwriters don't stick together." 

Nearly every writer MIDiA spoke to agreed, describing the field as more fragmented, more gate-kept, and more precarious than ever.

a House Divided
The music business has long treated songwriting and publishing as a separate, secondary realm— adjacent to, but not equal with, recording and performing. That division may be convenient for contracts and credits, but it's disastrous for long-term sustainability. These parts of the industry are not rivals. They're interdependent.

And yet, the message Songwriters keep getting is clear: You're on your own.

As it becomes harder to survive as a Songwriter, more of them are becoming artists— not because they want to perform, but because they have no other path. Ironically, this only deepens the competition for artist slots, streaming attention, and fan loyalty.

Meanwhile, an entirely new generation of writers is opting out of the traditional system altogether:

• They're choosing upfront payments on platforms like SoundBetter over waiting for slow royalty drips.
• They're monetizing through merch, social media, and brand deals.
• They're building audiences— but outside the "official" ecosystem.

This might empower individuals— but it fragments the creator economy, siphons Songwriter income away from the collective pool, and weakens the foundations of the music business as a whole.

A Tipping Point Moment
"This is a tough conversation," Israelite admitted. "Because it requires us to change the way we do things."

And that's exactly the point.

It's not just about helping Songwriters. It's about preserving the song itself. When pure Songwriters can no longer afford to exist, the music suffers— less collaboration, fewer great hooks, and a shrinking pool of craftsmanship that once powered the biggest hits in the world.

If we want songs that last, we need a system that lets Songwriters last.

The next generation is watching. Will they see a future for Pure Songwriters— or just a cautionary tale?

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About Tatiana Cirisano and MIDiA Research  
Tatiana Cirisano is a leading music industry analyst and cultural voice at MIDiA Research, where she explores the fast-evolving intersections of creators, platforms, and economics. Her work blends data with deep industry insight, offering a sharp, clear-eyed look at the trends shaping the future of music.

MIDiA Research is a leading independent insight firm analyzing the global media and tech landscape. Known for its pioneering work in music, video, games, and creator economies, MIDiA helps industry leaders understand disruption, innovation, and what comes next. Learn more and subscribe to their newsletter at midiaresearch.com.

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• In Memoriam— Sly Stone 1943 - Forever

 The Funkadelic Genius Who Made Us Dance to the Music

Sylvester "Sly" Stewart, the visionary behind Sly and the Family Stone, passed away peacefully at the age of 82. A pioneer of funk, a prophet of unity, and one of the most influential artists in modern music history, Sly broke boundaries with his racially and gender-integrated band, merging soul, rock, gospel, and psychedelic sound into something entirely new. His songs— joyful, urgent, and socially conscious— defined a generation and inspired countless artists across decades.

Though his later years were marked by retreat from the spotlight, his musical legacy never dimmed. Sly's groove is eternal, his message still marching on.

"I want to take you higher."

And he did. Forever.

• The Greatest Singer Songwriters of All Time— Sly Stone and his Family

Sly and the Family Stone: The Psychedelic Prophet Who Funked Up the Future

"There are few artists who changed the course of popular music. Sly Stone didn't just change it— he rewired it."
— Questlove

When you hear the thumping slap of a bass line, the explosive call for unity in a lyric, or the unfiltered funk of a groove that gets your soul to rise— odds are, you're hearing the echo of Sly Stone. As the creator and core of Sly and the Family Stone, Sylvester Stewart did more than blend genres— he built a musical revolution with groove as its gospel and change as its mission.

"Funk. Soul. Truth. That's Sly."
— Anderson .Paak

With Sly, the song wasn't just a track— it was a statement, a sermon, and a soundtrack for transformation.

The Soundtrack of a Movement
From 1967 to 1975, Sly and the Family Stone released a string of albums that didn't just top the charts— they redefined them. Fusing funk, soul, rock, gospel, psychedelia, and proto-hip-hop sensibilities, the music was as genre-fluid as the band was radically inclusive— Black and white, men and women, brothers and sisters. The Family Stone was the first major American band to look like America should.

Stand! (1969)— bold, raw, and politically righteous, featuring the uplifting Everyday People and the title track Stand!

"If you can listen to Stand! and not feel inspired, you're not listening."
— Lenny Kravitz

There's a Riot Goin' On (1971)— a dark, drug-warped masterpiece capturing the disillusionment of a nation

Fresh (1973)— minimal funk at its finest, deeply influential on artists like D'Angelo and Prince

"Without Sly, there is no me."
— Prince

"That band changed my life. Everything I've written owes something to Sly Stone."
— D'Angelo

With songs like:

Dance to the Music— a euphoric explosion of sound and self-expression
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)— a funky, fearless ode to authenticity
Family Affair— a somber, whispered groove drenched in vulnerability

...Sly made it clear: the personal was political— and the groove was gospel.

The Genius of Sly Stone
Before he became Sly, Sylvester Stewart was a child prodigy— a multi-instrumentalist who produced records, spun radio hits, and sang gospel. He understood sound at a cellular level. But it wasn't just music— it was message. He once said:

"Music is not about notes. It's about the spirit behind the notes."

He believed in the power of a song to heal divisions, confront racism, and spark inner revolution.

As a Songwriter, Sly Stone was: Philosophical yet accessible... Joyful yet razor-sharp... Unifying without being naïve. He embodied the contradiction of his times— celebrating peace while haunted by chaos.

Influence That Echoes Forever
You can't talk about funk, R&B, hip-hop, or even modern pop without tracing it back to Sly. His fingerprints are all over.

"He wasn't just ahead of his time— he created the time."
— George Clinton

Prince, called him "the blueprint"
George Clinton, who built P-Funk on Sly's foundation
OutKast, D'Angelo, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson .Paak, who carry his voice and vision into the now
That slap bass? Larry Graham started it with Sly.
That unfiltered confessional lyricism over deep grooves? That's Sly's template.
That sound of rebellion wrapped in celebration? All him.

Rise and Fall— and Rise Again
Like many tortured geniuses, Sly's brilliance came with shadows. By the mid-70s, drugs, fame, and paranoia took their toll. He disappeared into silence. But even in his absence, his work spoke.

Sly re-emerged briefly in the 2000s— fragile, elusive, still iconic. The world hadn't forgotten. In 2023, he released his long-awaited memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)— a poetic, painful, soulful ride through his life.

Legacy That Still Stands
Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and cited by Rolling Stone as one of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, Sly Stone's legacy is locked in.

But ask any serious Musical Artist, and they'll tell you: the awards don't capture the depth of his influence. He showed what music could be. He proved it could:

Move your body and your beliefs
Break boundaries while breaking it down
Sound like a party and still be a protest

Why Sly Matters for Musical Artists Today
Sly didn't play by the rules— he rewrote them. He reminds all artists that: You don't need permission to innovate... You can make hits that also matter... Your truth is your greatest instrument. 

"Sly and the Family Stone invented the future."
— Questlove  

Sly Stone didn't just write songs. He channeled a revolution through melody, harmony, and rhythm. His music remains a masterclass in bold originality, and his spirit calls every artist to speak, sing, and stand up for what matters.

If you're a Musical Artist wondering if your voice can make a difference... Sly Stone proved it can.

in Partnership with Ted Gioia and the Honest Broker

• Editorial— What's Right With the Music Business. Notes from the Artists First Revolution by John Fogg

"The world will try to tell you what's wrong. But if you're a Musical Artist, your job is to show us what's right— and make it sing."
— TrueFans Manifesto

We live in a "what's wrong" world.

Scroll the headlines. Tune in to the news. Listen to the chatter— especially in the music industry— and the beat often drops down to complaints: streaming's broken, AI's coming for your gig, nobody pays for music anymore, and everyone's just chasing trends.

Sure, there's truth to all the above. There are serious problems. And ignoring them would be naive. But here's the other truth:

What you focus your attention on
becomes the center of your life.

And if you're a Musical Artist, what you feed your creativity matters. Lots!

So we're flipping the script. This isn't another hit piece on the industry. This is a celebration of What's Right— right now.

A spotlight on the quiet revolution that's putting Artists First. Because There's something happening here. And if you listen, closely, you can make it exactly clear. 

Acknowledging What's Wrong
Let's get this part out of the way:

• Most streaming services pay fractions of a penny per play.
• Labels still hold a lot of power and often take most of the money.
• Touring is grueling and expensive.
• Algorithms reward virality, not necessarily artistry.
• AI is both opportunity and a threat.
• Getting noticed can feel impossible.

All valid. All real. But... These are symptoms of an industry still in transition. 

And transitions— messy as they are— also open doors.

What's Right With the Music Business (Right Now)

1. The Gatekeepers Are Losing Their Grip
Thanks to digital platforms and global distribution tools, Artists don't need label deals to release music. You can go from your home studio to Spotify, Bandcamp, TikTok, YouTube, or Substack in minutes. You don't need permission anymore. You need a plan— and your voice.

2. Multiple Income Streams Exist
Merch. Sync licensing. Patreon. Virtual concerts. Real-world house concerts. Tips. Teaching. Artists are no longer stuck hoping for a label advance or a lucky break. You can earn directly from your audience in more ways than ever before.

3. The "1,000 True Fans" Model Is Real
Kevin Kelly's once-radical idea is now working for thousands of Artists.

You don't need a million fans. You need your people— those who love your music, support your vision, and show up for you. With 1,000 True Fans, you can fund your life and your art in style.

4. Genre-Bending Is the New Normal
The old categories are melting. Afrobeats blends with pop. Americana with trip-hop. Jazz meets trap. Country-folk finds synthwave. If you're an artist who never fit in a box— this is your time.

5. comUnity Is Coming Back
The old model was based on mass marketing. The new model?

Meaningful Connections.

Artists are creating newsletters, behind-the-scenes spaces, micro-fanbases, group chats, and meetups. Not just growing an audience— growing a creative .comUnity.

6. Creative Control is Yours
You decide what you release. You own your masters. You tell your story, your way.
Authenticity sells better than ever— and control isn't a dream anymore. It's a choice.

7. Artists Have Power— and Purpose
We're no longer in the era of "just entertain us."

Today, Artists lead movements. Raise funds. Shift hearts. Amplify justice. Build bridges. From Taylor to Killer Mike, Brandi Carlile to Hozier, Artists are using their platforms not just to perform— but to transform.

Back to the Future—  the TrueFans Approach
Long before there were labels, charts, or Spotify algorithms— there was the village.
The local musician wasn't a commodity. They were essential. They told stories, led ceremonies, brought people together. They were valued.

TrueFans is a return to that truth— with 21st century tools.
It's a platform, yes. A strategy, yes. But more than anything— it's a state of mind. One that says:

• "I don't need a million followers."
• "I want to make a living, not chase likes."
• "I want my music to matter— and reach the people who care."

And the good news?

That thinking is spreading. Artists everywhere are building sustainable, soulful and soul full careers around this approach:

• Authentic connection
• Direct support
• Artistic freedom
• Creative entrepreneurship|
• Audience intimacy over industry fame

The future of music doesn't belong to the 
biggest. It belongs to the truest.

The Artists First Revolution Is Real
It doesn't scream. It doesn't trend. But it's growing.

It looks like:

Musicians hosting live Zoom concerts for 40 people— and earning more than they did from 40,000 streams... Songwriters launching Substacks where fans pay to hear the rough cuts... Bands touring home shows, making money, sleeping in guest rooms— and loving it... Artists building lifelong .comUnity instead of chasing one-hit fame.

This isn't nostalgia. It's next-level. It's "Back to the Future"—with the internet as your tour bus.

Take this away, please...
The gravitational pull of the music industry may still try to drag you down. But there's a counterforce rising. One that uplifts. One that reconnects.

So, what's right with the music business today?

You are.

Your freedom. Your audience. Your music. And Your Choice to build something real.

The revolution has already begun.
Plug in. Tune up.
And play what's true. For you.

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John Fogg is a million-selling author. He curates and creates the TrueFans AMP™ and... He loves it. 

• PS from PS—This Is Happening Now: Save Our Songwriters

Gather ‘round. I want to rant on what John speaks about in the article What's Right With the Music Business: Notes from the Artists First Revolution. I thought it was time I joined the chorus.

This is happening now. 

Out there, in the shadows of the spotlight, our Songwriters, our poets, our Singer Songwriters, they're fightin' a war for the soul of music. These are the folks who carve out truth from the ache in their bones, who turn our tears and dreams into songs that rumble through our hearts like a freight train at midnight. 

They're the pulse of every bar room anthem, every quiet hymn sung in the dark. But they're gettin' crushed— by algorithms that don't feel, by platforms that pay pennies for their blood, by an industry that'd rather sell a TikTok hook than a story that lasts.

This is happening now.

I'm talkin' ‘bout the ones who sit alone with a guitar or a beat-up notebook, wrestlin' with the ghosts of their lives to give us somethin' real. They're the ones who make us laugh, cry, dance, and remember who we are. 

But too many can't pay their bills. Too many are quitin' ‘cause the world's stopped listenin'. And if we lose them, we lose more than music— we lose the glue that holds us together, the fire that lights our way. 

We can't let that happen. Not on our watch.

This is happening now

This ain't just a problem. It's a fight. And it's ours to win. So here's the call— stand up for our Songwriters! Don't just stream their songs, buy ‘em. Vinyl, CDs, downloads—put your money where their heart is. 

Show up at their gigs, whether it's a dive bar, a house show, or a Zoom stage. 

Share their music like it's gospel— tell your friends, your family, your neighbors.

Back their Patreon's, their Substacks, and their dreams. 

Write ‘em a letter, tell ‘em their songs saved you. 

Every dollar, every shout, every hand you extend is a brick in the wall we're buildin' to protect ‘em.

This is happening now. 

The future of music ain't in some corporate boardroom or soulless AI. It's in the hands of the Songwriters who bleed for every chord, who dare to tell their own stories when the world's too loud to hear. 

They're our prophets, our rebels, our road warriors. They're us. So let's rise up—together. Let's make a world where they don't just survive, they thrive. 

Grab your boots, your heart, your voice. 

Join the fight. For them. For us. For the soul of music. 

This is happening now.

Until we speak again...

Thanks for reading. Give us your feedback.

And PLEASE, if you've got any Singer Songwriter friends, pass the AMP on, because... It’s Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time...