“There’s lots of good new music out there— if you know where to look.”
— Ted Gioia
Here are the posts that have appeared in the New Music Lives™ Group on Facebook this week...
• Lady Gaga x Sting = PURE MAGIC on Instagram— Their 2011 iHeartRadio collab on Stand By Me is everything, soulful, powerful, and totally unexpected. Gaga’s vocals? Absolutely insane. If you’ve only seen her pop side, this will blow your mind. Tag a friend who needs to hear THIS version of Gaga, and share the vibe!
• Musical harmony is not what it seems. from thelinernotes. substack.com— When you experience live music, whether at a concert, festival, or nightclub, two realities occur simultaneously, both of which reveal something different about music. The first reality is familiar and intuitive, while the second is unfamiliar and can transform how we imagine music.
• the TrueFans AMP™ 123

• Eurovision Is in Turmoil as Israel’s Participation Leads to Boycott Gift Article from the NYTimes— Just in case you're one of those Music Artists who want to change this... Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia said that they were boycotting next year’s Eurovision Song Contest because Israel would continue to be allowed in the competition.
• in partnership with Ted Gioia the Honest-Broker
Ted Gioia is one of the world’s foremost authorities on music, celebrated for his deep understanding, thought-provoking insights, and ability to uncover the stories behind the songs that shape our lives. A prolific writer, historian, and critic, Ted has authored eleven books, including the widely acclaimed The History of Jazz, now in its third edition and considered a definitive work in the field.
His essays and reviews explore a vast array of musical genres, blending scholarship with a storyteller’s flair. Ted’s keen analyses and reflections have appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Los Angeles Review of Books, among other prestigious publications. Whether he’s writing about jazz, classical, rock, or folk traditions, Ted’s voice resonates with both seasoned musicians and casual music lovers alike.
Beyond the page, Ted Gioia is a champion of independent music and creative expression. His popular Substack newsletter, The Honest Broker, is a must-read for those seeking fresh perspectives on music and culture, offering an eclectic mix of reviews, commentary, and curated playlists.
In a world where music often risks being reduced to background noise, Ted Gioia reminds us of its transformative power, its ability to inspire, and its role as a central thread in the fabric of human history.
To learn more about Ted Gioia and his work, visit tedgioia.com. And on substack at the Honest-Broker.
... and here's the more...
• It Blows Me Away! and Blows Me Away! and Blows Me Away! An Instagram reel— How filled with amazing Music Artists our world is. I just want each one of them— and each one of you— to share your artistry in whatever way you want. What can I and we do to help…?
• The 100 Best Songs of 2025 from RollingStone— This was one wild year for music— as the late, great Ozzy would say, it was a crazy train. In 2025, you never knew where your next favorite song was coming from. Some of the year’s best songs were pop chart-toppers, instant classics that ruled the radio and the clubs. Others come out of the underground— angry noise, art-damaged experiments, street beats.
• The 100 Best Recordings of 2025 (Part 1 of 2) from Ted Gioia honest-broker.com— There’s lots of good new music out there— if you know where to look. You will find some unfamiliar names on Ted's list. But don’t be discouraged by that. Ted's goal is music discovery—both for you and himself.
• The 100 Best Recordings of 2025 (Part 2 of 2) from Ted Gioia honest-broker.com— Here is the second (and final) installment of Ted's survey of the 100 best recordings of the year.
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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...

