the TrueFans AMP— POSTED Issue 81

Author

PAUL SAUNDERS
May 03, 2025

“I know artists think it's unfair. I hear from them all the time, and I know the big distributors— Distrokid, Tunecore, and CD Baby— find it unfair. But they get SO much of their royalty moneys from Spotify that they are afraid to speak up.”
— Tony van Veen, DiskMakers

• How TikTok Is Rewriting the Rules for Emerging Artists from rollingstone .com— With 200 million + TikTok videos created using the Global Top 10 songs in 2024, the platform has rewritten the rules of music discovery and promotion.

• Disc Maker CEO responds to Spotify in '1000 Streams' debate on hypebot .com— Tony van Veen, the CEO of Disc Maker, responds to Spotify's explanation on royalties and challenges their $47 million deception claim.

• There's no such thing as ‘background music.' from FastCompany .com—  Here's how your playlist affects your brain. Even passive listening can impact how we focus, feel, and make decisions. These methods can help you to use music to hack your productivity.

in partnership with Rick Beato

A Luminary in the World of Music
Rick Beato is a multi-faceted music expert whose influence spans the realms of production, education, and online content creation. With a career that boasts collaborations with renowned artists and bands, Beato has established himself as a pivotal figure in the music industry. His expertise covers a broad spectrum, from songwriting and production to theory and performance, making him a revered voice among musicians and enthusiasts alike.

As a seasoned producer, Beato has worked with a myriad of artists, helping shape and refine their sounds in ways that resonate deeply with audiences. His production credits include work with iconic acts across various genres, reflecting his versatile approach to music creation. Beyond the studio, Beato is a passionate educator, known for his ability to demystify complex musical concepts and make them accessible to learners at all levels. His book, The Beato Book, is a comprehensive resource that has become a staple for aspiring musicians seeking to deepen their understanding of music theory and practice.

Rick Beato's YouTube channel is a treasure trove of insightful content, attracting millions of viewers with his in-depth analyses, tutorials, and discussions on music. His series What Makes This Song Great? has garnered widespread acclaim for its meticulous breakdowns of popular songs, revealing the intricate details that contribute to their greatness. Beato's engaging personality and profound knowledge have earned him a loyal following, positioning him as a trusted authority in the music community.

Rick Beato continues to inspire and educate, fostering a deeper appreciation for music and its many facets. His contributions to the field are invaluable. His insights brilliant. His expertise extraordinary. Rick Beato is a Master in the ever-evolving world of music.

You can learn more about Rick on his website, tap here: RickBeato .com And you can join 4.27M other subscribers to his YouTube Channel with more than 1.4K videos, tap here: RickBeatoYouTube.

... and here's the more...

• 6 Tips for Musicians During Uncertain Economic Times from the Indie Music Minute on YouTube— Navigating your music career during unpredictable economic times can be overwhelming. In this video, Disc Makers CEO Tony van Veen shares Six Tips for how you as a musician can use this uncertainty to keep your music career moving forward.

• How To Build a Fanbase From Scratch from SmartMusicBusiness on YouTube— Your story is what people connect with. If you have less than 10,000 monthly listeners, this might be the most important strategy you hear all year. It's not about "luck" or "going viral.” It's about building a real fanbase by releasing one single at a time— and telling one story at a time....

• Carole King and StageFright from Anita's Analysis on Facebook. In 1970, Carole King stood backstage at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, clutching the piano with trembling hands. Known for years as one of the most brilliant songwriters behind hits like Will You Love Me Tomorrow and The Loco-Motion, King had rarely performed in front of a live audience. Her personal stage fright was well-known among her peers

• Can You Jump Straight to Music Grad School After a Non-Music Bachelor's? from Songtive Blog— Wondering if you can skip to music grad school with a non-music degree? Discover your options and tips for a seamless transition to music education.

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...