Music-making is fun, but music lessons are something very different. The first change I’d make is eliminating the word lesson from my vocabulary.
I’d get rid of the word practicing too. And fortunately we already have a better word— it’s called playing. You play your instrument, and the experience is one of fun and playfulness.
— Ted Gioia
Here are the posts that have appeared in the New Music Lives™ Group on Facebook this week...
• If music is so much fun, why are music lessons so painful? from Ted Gioia— Few things in life are more fun than making music. It’s just the lessons that suck. That’s according to children— who are rarely consulted on such matters. But their actions speak louder than words. Most of them give up music-making forever after a short exposure to lessons.
• What if you could sing in your favorite musician's voice? from TED .com— What if you could create new music using your favorite musician's voice? Sharing her melodic gifts with the world, multidisciplinary artist Holly Herndon introduces Holly+, an AI-powered instrument that lets people sing with her own voice.
• The Piano Man. Billy Joel is a music legend. from Dan Rather’s steady.substack .com— The 76-year-old singer-songwriter has admittedly had a life of ups and downs but has managed always to land on the upside. A Reason To Smile, indeed.
• This was a first. For us. An entire issue of the TrueFans AMP™ devoted to one Music Artist. So, you can call this the Billy Joel Issue. We are. Because it is.

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...
• MUBUTV™ with Flannery Johnston on the Music Business Insider Podcast. Discover how music placements in film, TV, and advertising are transforming artists' careers and impacting global culture.
• from Jason Blume

• One Tech Tip: Can You Tell If That Song Is AI-Generated? from news.pollstar .com— Here Are Some Things To Check— Is it The Velvet Underground or Velvet Sundown? While some people do not care whether they’re listening to AI-generated music, others might be curious to know.
• Grammy-Nominated Song Satirist, Tom Lehrer, Dead at 97 from americansongwriter .com— Tom Lehrer, a beloved song satirist and mathematician, died on July 26, his longtime friend told 'The Associated Press.’
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...
