Helping Music Artists build real careers
—without selling their soul.
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“Unfortunately, people look at it [rock music] as the bastard of the industry: ‘You’re bastards. Nobody wants you.’ And that’s people that are not on the street. They’re removed from the street. They’re in their offices, they’re in their chauffeur-driven cars. They don’t get what is actually happening.”
—Sharon Osbourne
Here are the posts that have appeared in the New Music Lives™ Group on Facebook this week...
03/01
03/02
• Lyricist Only? Here’s How You Make It as a Songwriter from SongTown—No matter how small (to have fun!) or big your goals are, writing better songs is the key. In this episode, Multi #1 songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson break down the truth about being a lyricist in today’s music business… and what actually works if you want to get songs written, recorded, and released.
03/03
• Your Music Rate Has Nothing To Do With The Market from Terence Fisher—Most musicians undercharge because of fear—not the market.This video breaks down negotiation skills for working/solo musicians: how to ask for more money, get paid, and raise your artist income (freelance music, gigs, piano/guitar/bass/organ). If someone offered you double your normal rate for your next gig… would you take it? Most musicians would. So if that’s true—why haven’t you doubled your rate?
03/04
• Dave Grohl Does Things His Way from The Graham Norton Show on YouTube—Dave Grohl talks about how he and the band approach making a new album.
in partnership with Chris Greenwood and SmartMusicBusiness
Chris Greenwood, known by his stage name Manafest, is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in the music industry. With over a decade of experience as a successful Singer Songwriter, Manafest has not only conquered the stage with his dynamic performances and hit records, he's mastered the business side of music. His journey from aspiring artist to industry veteran is a source of inspiration for many.
Manafest's discography is a vibrant mix of rock, rap, and hip-hop, reflecting his versatile talent and dedication to his craft. He has garnered a loyal fanbase worldwide, thanks to his authentic lyrics and high-energy shows. His hits like Impossible, No Plan B, and Edge of My Life have not only topped charts, but also resonated deeply with listeners, motivating them to push beyond their limits.
Leveraging his extensive experience, Manafest founded Smart Music Business, a platform dedicated to empowering independent artists to navigate the complexities of the music industry. Through Smart Music Business, Chris and his team offer invaluable insights and practical advice on everything from music marketing and crowdfunding to building a sustainable career. His mission is to help artists turn their passion into a profitable profession, just as he has done.
Chris Greenwood's YouTube channel is a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring videos on essential topics such as fan engagement, revenue streams, and industry trends. His transparency and willingness to share his own experiences make his advice both relatable and actionable. Additionally, his website offers a wealth of resources, including courses, eBooks, and one-on-one coaching opportunities for artists at any stage of their career.
For those looking to thrive in the music industry, following Chris Greenwood's journey and tapping into the resources offered by Smart Music Business is a step in the right direction. Tap the links to visit his YouTube channel and the Smart Music Business website to learn more and start your path to success today.
... and here's the more...
03/04
• the TrueFans AMP™ 134—Neil Sedaka re-Celebrated and more
03/05
• Jacob Collier Improvises With Orchestra (Live in San Francisco) on YouTube—Amazing! (You’ve not seen anything like this…) Jacob Collier brought his "Audience Symphony Orchestra" to San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall on October 27, 2025. Jacob said, "A few months ago, I had the joy of performing with the world's first Audience Symphony Orchestra in San Francisco, a gathering of fans from all over North America, conducted by Suzie Collier. In the middle of the show, this happened…”
03/06
• NO MORE FOREPLAY from Simon Napier-Bell (simonnapierbell.substack .com)—Pop songs used to build – from verse to bridge to chorus.A power ballad like I Will Always Love You took its time. Now, producers are terrified of space. The listener might wander off, or worse, start listening to another playlist. So instead of a build-up, you get the chorus upfront—or a snippet of one. No long intro, no suspense. The first fifteen seconds decide your fate. As one producer puts it - “You’re at the party the moment the door opens.”
03/07
• Here's Why Rock Music Will "Never Go Away," According to Sharon Osbourne from americansongwriter .com—Sharon Osbourne Claims Rock Music Fights To Survive Executives, Streaming, And Press. For fans of rock music, they consistently claim that the genre is dead. While the genre continues to highlight the past and welcome new artists, fans often wonder what happened to the vintage sound of rock music. But according to Sharon Osbourne, rock isn’t fading away or dying as she declared, “It’s not disco.”
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And PLEASE, if you've got any Music Artist friends, pass the TrueFans AMP™ on, because... It’s Time... for a Change. Big Time. Past Time...
