🎶 Music Industry Pulse – Week of July 18, 2025

This week’s headlines hit hard on AI ethics, legacy-artist legends, and new tools & tours—plus smart actions your audience can take today.

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1. Velvet Sundown Exposed as Viral AI Band

AI-created act “Velvet Sundown” racked up 1M+ Spotify streams before being revealed as entirely synthetic—touching off concerns about transparency and authenticity. Internally, Deezer already tags AI music; Spotify and others are facing calls to follow. Read The Guardian ↗︎

• Quick win: Spark a community poll—“AI band vs human soul: where do you draw the line?”
• Pro tip: Add an “AI‑cleared” badge to your next release to highlight authenticity.

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2. Sidhu Moosewala “Returns” as AI Tour

The late Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala is headlining a posthumous world tour via AI avatar—raising major ethical questions about legacy, ownership, and consent. See The Indian Eye ↗︎

• Quick win: Share a thoughtful caption on AI, agency, and the ethics of posthumous performances.
• Pro tip: Frame a narrative around legacy vs technology—invite respectful debate.

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3. Suno Now Lets You Remix With Your Vocals

AI tool Suno launched v4.5+, enabling creators to build new tracks around their own voice or instrument. It’s generative—but anchored in your artistry. Read the update ↗︎

• Quick win: Generate three AI‑backed versions of your latest hook—share a “which one wins?” poll.
• Pro tip: Use it for lyric/songwriting prompts, not finished products—stay in control.

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4. FiXT Labs Champions AI-as-Assist

FiXT Music’s James Rhodes argues against AI replacing artists—positioning it instead as a tool that should serve and springboard real creativity. Read Rhodes’ POV ↗︎

• Quick win: Quote Rhodes: “Tools, not replacements”—use it to frame your own AI philosophy.
• Pro tip: Share a behind-the-scenes snippet of your process telling how AI helped but didn’t drive creation.

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5. Kaytranada & Justice Announce 2025 Tour

Electro heads—Kaytranada and Justice are co-headlining a 13-date North American tour this Fall, hitting big venues including Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Tour details ↗︎

• Quick win: Share tour dates—especially ones relevant to your audience—for buzz and engagement.
• Pro tip: Analyze their touring strategy: co-headlining, timing, venue mix—suggest takeaways for your own bookings.

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That’s your pulse for July 18—spark honest conversations, use AI wisely, and keep leaning into authenticity. See you next Friday with more insight and edge.

🎶 Music Industry Pulse – Week of July 11, 2025

This week’s spotlight spans AI ethics, surprise drops, vinyl revival, and festival partnerships—plus fast, forward ideas you can share.

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1. Velvet Sundown Revealed as AI-Created Rock Band

The viral “band” Velvet Sundown, boasting 1M+ monthly Spotify listeners, has confirmed that it’s entirely AI-generated—music, image, and all. The move sparked major ethical debate, with artists like Billie Eilish and Céline Dion speaking out. Read the People report ↗︎

• Quick win: Start a social convo: “AI band or human artistry—which would you stream?”
• Pro tip: Emphasize human authenticity in your branding—your soul beats what’s simulated.

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2. Deerhoof Exits Spotify Over Ethical Concerns

Experimental band Deerhoof pulled its music from Spotify, citing concerns over investments in military AI and royalty structures—calling the platform a data-mining “scam.” Read the SF Chronicle coverage ↗︎

• Quick win: Spark a blog post or thread: “Is it time for ethical music consumption?”
• Pro tip: Share a behind-the-scenes statement about your distribution ethics and platform choices.

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3. SoundCloud + elasticStage Launch On-Demand Vinyl

SoundCloud artists can now offer on-demand vinyl through elasticStage—perfect for fans craving that analog shine. Explore the service ↗︎

• Quick win: Tease a limited-edition vinyl release in your newsletter—test demand before pressing.
• Pro tip: Combine vinyl pre-orders with exclusive items like signed art or digital bonus tracks.

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4. TikTok + Tomorrowland Team Up Again

TikTok and Tomorrowland extended their festival partnership, sharing 24/7 streams, behind‑the‑scenes clips, and an in-app #Tomorrowland hub. Official announcement ↗︎

• Quick win: Tag along during festival moments—“watching the livestream?”—to spark real-time engagement.
• Pro tip: Create coordinated TikToks or Insta Stories timed with key festival performances.

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5. Spotify & Youth Music Launch ‘Open Doors’ Fund in UK

Spotify joined forces with Youth Music to fund youth music centres across the UK—supporting spaces where future creators learn and grow. Read Spotify’s press release ↗︎

• Quick win: Highlight the initiative to show you're part of a larger creative ecosystem.
• Pro tip: Partner with local music centres or scholarships to strengthen your community impact story.

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That’s your pulse—spark convos, lean into human stories, and vinyl-up your brand. Stay bold, stay human, stay in the mix.

🎧 Music Industry Pulse – Week of July 4, 2025

This week’s roundup dives into AI’s ethics, artist empowerment, and new tools—packed with insights and actions.

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1. Deerhoof Ditches Spotify Over AI + Funding Concerns

Experimental band Deerhoof pulled its entire catalog from Spotify, citing moral qualms about how streaming royalties may fuel “war efforts” and the rise of AI “ghost artists.”
Read the full interview ↗︎

• Quick win: Share this on socials as an artist perspective on ethical streaming.
• Pro tip: Use it to spark your own audience polls—“Should creators be paid for AI streams?”

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2. Velvet Sundown: AI Band Wooing 500K+ Listeners

A mysterious act called Velvet Sundown is racking up 550,000+ monthly listeners—but no one’s sure they’re real humans. Spotify hasn’t flagged it; Deezer has.
Explore the mystery ↗︎

• Quick win: Use this as a case study on platform transparency and authenticity.
• Pro tip: Highlight your human authenticity as a brand differentiator.

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3. Deezer Flags AI‑Made Tracks, Protecting Artist Royalties

Deezer is now labeling fully AI-generated tracks and blocking their royalties—an industry-first move to combat flooding by fake uploads.
Read the LAT feature ↗︎

• Quick win: Share this to reassure your community you're staying human in the AI wave.
• Pro tip: Consider adding “AI-cleared” or “100% human” badge to your releases.

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4. Spotify Integrates with Instagram Stories

Spotify now lets users share 15-sec song clips (with sound) right in Instagram Stories, not just silent visuals—boosting direct discovery.
See the full rollout ↗︎

• Quick win: Encourage fans to share your latest song directly in their Stories.
• Pro tip: Post your own Stories using this feature as a prompt—“Hear it before anyone else.”

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5. Spotify Revamps Discover Weekly—Now with Genre Filters

Spotify’s 10-year-old Discover Weekly now includes controls to pick mood/genre filters and see what’s queued up next.
Learn the updates ↗︎

• Quick win: Share a tutorial or IG Reel showing how to tailor the algorithm.
• Pro tip: Encourage fans to use filters and share their discoveries—react to their picks.

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That’s your pulse—ethical transparency, AI drama, and discovery upgrades. Share the strategies and let authenticity shine.

🎵 Music Industry Pulse – Week of June 27, 2025

This week’s edition brings tour news, festival highlights, and deep AI industry shifts—plus strategies you can use now.

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1. Erykah Badu & The Alchemist Team Up on Tour

Neo-soul icon Erykah Badu and producer The Alchemist are co-headlining the “Luv Iz Tour” this August, hitting 10 North American cities and three in Japan to promote their upcoming album Abi & Alan. Tour details ↗︎

• Quick win: Share on socials & newsletters—highlight local dates to rally fans and boost engagement.
• Pro tip: Analyze their promotional build-up: pre-show content, teaser drops, storytelling angles you can adapt.

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2. Glastonbury 2025 Streams Live This Week

Glastonbury is in full swing June 25–29, headlined by The 1975, Neil Young & Olivia Rodrigo. The BBC is streaming 90+ hours live across TV, radio and iPlayer, with BSL support and on-demand content. How to watch ↗︎

• Quick win: Curate a playlist or live commentary on standout sets—drive streams and share-worthy convo.
• Pro tip: Tag festival artists with track suggestions or reaction clips to ride the algorithm wave.

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3. Music Biz Builds Tools to Track AI‑Generated Songs

In wake of viral AI-generated deepfakes like “Heart on My Sleeve,” the industry—via companies like Vermillio, Musical AI, Deezer—is deploying systems to tag, trace & license synthetic tracks, aiming for $10 b in authenticated revenues by 2025. Industry insight ↗︎

• Quick win: Emphasize your human-created artistry—position your brand against the synthetic surge.
• Pro tip: Watch evolving metadata standards—check that your releases carry origin transparency and clear credits.

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4. SymphonyOS Upgrades AI Marketing Assistant “Maestro”

SymphonyOS relaunched Maestro with smarter AI—now able to draft full release strategies, ad copy, promotional assets, and campaign simulations via integration with Groover. Marketing tools ↗︎

• Quick win: Use Maestro to test promo copy or visuals before investing ad dollars—simulated outcomes = smoother campaigns.
• Pro tip: Integrate AI planning into your launch workflows—save time and sharpen messaging consistency.

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5. Apple Music’s AI “Discovery Reels” Move Gets Closer

Apple teased short-form, AI-curated “Discovery Reels” at WWDC 2025—vertical music previews designed to rival TikTok's impact on listening behaviors. WWDC scoop ↗︎

• Quick win: Prep vertical video snippets now—capturing emotional or cinematic moments in 20–30‑second cuts.
• Pro tip: Frame them as teasers—using captions like “see full song” to drive listeners into streaming platforms.

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That’s your pulse this week—move fast, stay authentic, and let your strategy echo louder than the noise.

🎶 Music Industry Pulse – Week of June 20, 2025

This week’s pulse brings AI transparency, artist empowerment, tour news, festival milestones, and album drops. Digest fast—execute faster.

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1. Deezer Tags AI‑Created Music to Fight Fraud

Deezer now labels tracks suspected of being AI-generated and withholds royalties from suspicious streaming farms—aiming to protect real artists’ income. Read the AP News update ↗︎

• Quick win: Transparently share this update—fans appreciate platforms that back authenticity.
• Pro tip: Consider adding an “AI-cleared” badge on your own releases to highlight human artistry.

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2. James Blake Slams Industry’s Social‑First Obsession

James Blake criticized streaming platforms, TikTok, and ticketing giants for devaluing artistry. He’s gone independent, calling for transparency—and empowering peers. Read his bold FT interview ↗︎

• Quick win: Use Blake’s stance to spark a convo: “Is artistry worth more than algorithms?”
• Pro tip: Share your own transparency play—publishing royalty breakdowns, direct-to-fan metrics, etc.

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3. Sabrina Carpenter’s Controversial Cover Gets Carly Simon’s Support

Carly Simon defended Sabrina Carpenter’s provocative “Man’s Best Friend” album cover, calling it tame compared to 1970s classics. Read the full take ↗︎

• Quick win: Start a thread: “Is art crossing the line or just sparking conversation?”
• Pro tip: Encourage respectful debate to boost engagement—ask your audience where they stand.

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4. BLACKPINK’s Comeback Rumored for June—but Where’s the Promo?

A new BLACKPINK single may drop at month’s end—but fans are calling out YG for radio silence before their BIG world tour. Read fan reactions ↗︎

• Quick win: Use this as a case study: hype works—silence doesn’t.
• Pro tip: Tease early and often—don’t save promo until drop day.

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5. Twenty One Pilots Announce “Clancy Tour: Breach 2025”

Twenty One Pilots will tour North America this fall, starting Sept 18 in Cincinnati, tied to their upcoming album *Breach*. Pre-sale opened June 17. Tour & single details ↗︎

• Quick win: Highlight pre-sale opportunities in email blasts or fan groups.
• Pro tip: Frame your own live-streams as exclusive “tour-alike” events to build momentum.

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6. Primavera Sound Barcelona Smashes Records Again

With 293,000 attendees and €300 m in revenue, Primavera Sound set a new attendance high from June 5–7. Praise and stats ↗︎

• Quick win: Use this headline to justify investing in festivals.
• Pro tip: Share backstage clips or 1‑min recaps to catch the FOMO wave.

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7. Little Simz Drops *Lotus* to Critical Praise

Little Simz’s album *Lotus* (released June 6) blends hip‑hop, jazz, punk, funk—earning high praise for emotional depth. Album review & features ↗︎

• Quick win: Highlight her genre‑blending approach as inspiration for creative flexibility.
• Pro tip: Spin off content: "Why *Lotus* proves emotional honesty trumps formula."

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8. Turnstile’s *Never Enough* Hits Hard & Debuts Visual Album

Hardcore punk act Turnstile dropped *Never Enough* on June 6, their highest‑charting album yet—with a visual film premiered at Tribeca. Album & visual film details ↗︎

• Quick win: Talk about expanding your release—audio + visual film = stronger impact.
• Pro tip: Consider low‑budget visual companions—lyrics video, mini‑doc, or performance cut.

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There it is—your Friday ammo. Share the stories, tag the moves, and stay tuned—next week’s pulse drops fresh.

🎵 Music Industry Pulse – Week of June 13, 2025

This week brings artist empowerment, major tours, and festival milestones. Grab the headlines and the hacks for your audience.

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1. Universal Music & Hollywood Join Forces

Universal Music Group has launched a joint venture with Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell and Silver Lake to build artist-focused brands across film, TV, fashion, and experiential ventures—think *ABBA Voyage*-style crossovers.
Read the FT breakdown ↗︎

• Quick win: Think beyond tracks—craft concepts ripe for multimedia extension.
• Pro tip: Start sketching ideas that could translate into merchandise, mini-series, or immersive experiences.

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2. Live Nation to Build 18 New US Music Venues

Live Nation announced a massive $1 billion investment to build 18 new music venues across the U.S. in the next 18 months—ranging from intimate clubs to amphitheaters. This follows deeper scrutiny around their live-event dominance.
See Reuters coverage ↗︎

• Quick win: Secure bookings or affiliate deals at newly announced venues.
• Pro tip: Monitor smaller-market openings as potential launchpads for emerging talent.

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3. Primavera Sound Sets Attendance Record

Primavera Sound Barcelona shattered records with 293,000 attendees from 136 countries headlined by Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, Troye Sivan, and more. The festival generated over €300 million in local revenue.
Check Wikipedia stats ↗︎

• Quick win: Pitch performance videos or sponsor partnerships tapped into this vast audience.
• Pro tip: Use festival data as proof-of-concept for future bookers and brand partners.

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4. Merge Records Sells 50% to Secretly Group

Iconic indie label Merge sold half its stake to Secretly Group for expanded distribution muscle—while continuing independent operations under Mac McCaughan’s leadership.
Read Axios summary ↗︎

• Quick win: Independent labels should benchmark partnership models for scale without losing identity.
• Pro tip: Consider strategic alliances that keep creative control intact.

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5. Taylor Swift Reclaims Her Catalog

Taylor Swift has officially repurchased the masters for her first six albums and related assets—giving her full artistic and financial control. She continues to weigh a *Reputation (Taylor’s Version)* release.
Explore Wikipedia breakdown ↗︎

• Quick win: Promote artist autonomy—share this as a case study on career longevity.
• Pro tip: Discuss catalog ownership as a pillar of revenue and legacy strategy.

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That’s your pulse for the week—strategies and signals to execute on. Check back next Friday for another hit of industry insight.

🎶 Music Industry Pulse – Week of June 6, 2025

From AI breakthroughs to major festival announcements, here's your concise roundup of the latest happenings in the music world, complete with actionable insights.

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1. Björn Ulvaeus Embraces AI in Musical Composition

ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus is leveraging artificial intelligence as a co-creative partner in developing a new musical. While he acknowledges AI's limitations in crafting complete songs, he finds it valuable for sparking ideas and overcoming creative blocks. Read more ↗︎

• Quick win: Explore AI tools to assist in your songwriting process, using them as a source of inspiration rather than a replacement.
• Pro tip: Combine AI-generated ideas with your unique creative touch to produce original compositions.

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2. 'Pop Girl Summer' Dominates Festival Lineups

Summer 2025 is being dubbed "Pop Girl Summer," with female pop artists like Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter headlining major UK festivals. This trend highlights a shift towards greater autonomy and creative control among female artists. Learn more ↗︎

• Quick win: Align your music releases with this trend by emphasizing themes of empowerment and authenticity.
• Pro tip: Collaborate with female artists or producers to tap into this movement and expand your audience reach.

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3. T-Pain Announces 'TP20 Tour' Celebrating 20 Years

T-Pain is set to embark on the 'TP20 Tour' from July through October 2025, marking two decades in the music industry. The tour includes performances across North America, with notable stops at Radio City Music Hall and the Back To Wiscansin Festival. Tour details ↗︎

• Quick win: Attend the tour to gain insights into successful career longevity and fan engagement strategies.
• Pro tip: Analyze T-Pain's setlists and performance styles to inspire your live shows and audience interactions.

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4. Lil Wayne Launches 'Tha Carter VI Tour'

Lil Wayne has announced the 'Tha Carter VI Tour' in support of his upcoming album, kicking off with a headline performance at Madison Square Garden on June 6, 2025. The tour spans 37 dates across the U.S., featuring artists like Tyga and NoCap. Get tickets ↗︎

• Quick win: Study Lil Wayne's promotional strategies for the tour to enhance your own marketing efforts.
• Pro tip: Observe collaborations and guest appearances to identify potential networking opportunities.

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5. Primavera Sound 2025 Livestream Available via Amazon Music

Primavera Sound Barcelona is being livestreamed from June 5 to June 7, 2025, through Amazon Music's Twitch and Prime Video channels. The lineup includes artists like Charli XCX, Haim, and Jamie xx. Livestream schedule ↗︎

• Quick win: Watch performances to stay updated on current music trends and stage production techniques.
• Pro tip: Take notes on audience engagement tactics used by performers to apply to your own shows.

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Stay tuned for next week's update to keep your finger on the pulse of the music industry.

Music Industry Pulse – Week of May 30, 2025

This week’s stories are all about redefining connection: new fan-reward models, AI-driven discovery tools, and creative control upgrades for artists. Here’s the industry pulse with your next moves built in.

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1. Spotify to Pay Artists Based on Fan Engagement

Spotify just announced a radical shift—up to 50% of its earnings pool could be distributed through fan engagement incentives starting late 2025. Instead of pure stream counts, artist payouts may now consider likes, shares, playlist additions, and direct fan interaction. Read the full breakdown ↗︎

• Quick win: Start building calls to action in your captions—ask for playlist adds, not just passive streams.
• Pro tip: Engage fans through polls, behind-the-scenes drops, and personal shout-outs to build shareable momentum.

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2. Apple Music Introduces AI-Powered “Discovery Reels”

Apple Music is quietly testing short-form video features called Discovery Reels. These reels use AI to match songs with visuals and dynamic suggestions, aiming to mirror TikTok’s music-driven browsing. Billboard feature here ↗︎

• Quick win: Create vertical teaser clips of your newest tracks—20–30 seconds max—to get ahead of the rollout.
• Pro tip: Focus on emotional moments or narrative hooks in the music to spark shares and saves.

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3. TikTok Music Expands to More Territories

TikTok Music, the platform's streaming service, has expanded into five more countries this week, tightening its ecosystem between viral content and music playback. Details from TechCrunch ↗︎

• Quick win: Make sure your distributor is feeding TikTok Music—some smaller aggregators still don’t by default.
• Pro tip: Link viral clips directly to the track’s stream page via smart links or in-profile pins.

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4. BeatStars Adds AI Collaboration Tools

BeatStars now lets users auto-generate beat concepts, recommend co-writers, and simulate lyric ideas with its new AI-integrated feature set. Full MusicRadar report ↗︎

• Quick win: Use AI-collab tools to speed up drafts or reimagine a hook that’s lost steam.
• Pro tip: Test your lyric concepts with different AI voices to hear how various vocal styles carry your message.

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That’s your Friday fix—take the tools, make the moves, and keep tuning in for your weekly edge.

Music Industry Pulse – Week of May 23, 2025

AI breakthroughs, payout shake-ups, and fresh creator tools lead this week’s headlines. Scan the stories and snag the takeaways.

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1. YouTube’s Music Assistant Generates Free Background Tracks

YouTube is rolling out an AI “Music Assistant” inside Creator Music that lets you type a vibe (e.g., “lo-fi sunset chill”) and download royalty-free instrumentals for your videos.  Read the Verge report ↗︎

• Quick win: Bang out 15-second hooks for Shorts or Reels with zero licensing drama.
• Pro tip: Export stems, tweak the mix, and keep your sonic brand consistent.

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2. Spotify’s 1 K-Stream Threshold Is Fully Live

Tracks now need 1,000 plays per year to earn recording royalties; anything below gets paid $0 and the money is re-pooled.  Full MBW coverage ↗︎

• Quick win: Push one flagship single at a time until it clears 1 K streams.
• Pro tip: Consider bundling under-performers into deluxe releases instead of leaving pennies on the table.

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3. TikTok Launches AI Alive Image-to-Video Tool

New “AI Alive” lets users animate static photos into short Story videos directly inside TikTok.  See TechCrunch’s write-up ↗︎

• Quick win: Turn single-cover art or backstage pics into motion loops—no full shoot required.
• Pro tip: Add on-screen captions plus embedded stream buttons to cut friction from swipe to listen.

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4. Moises Parent Company Raises $40 M, Hits 50 M Users

Music AI—the firm behind Moises stem-separation tools—closed a $40 million Series A and says the app now boasts 50 million users.  MBW details ↗︎

• Quick win: Use Moises to extract acapellas or drums for legal remixes and keep your release calendar buzzing.
• Pro tip: Watch for real-time stem features—perfect for live sets and tutorials.

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5. Anthropic Admits AI ‘Hallucination’ in Lyrics Lawsuit

Lawyers for Anthropic apologized in court after their AI chatbot Claude invented a bogus citation in its copyright defense against music publishers.  Story via MBW ↗︎

• Quick win: Double-check any AI-generated legal or licensing text before filing.
• Pro tip: Expect publishers and supervisors to demand stricter proof of clearances when AI touches your workflow.

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That’s the pulse for this week. Share the insights, make the moves, and come back next Friday for another roundup.

AI Beats, Viral Seats & Stream Realities: 5 Music Headlines You Shouldn’t Ignore (May 16 2025)

The industry’s doing backflips again—here’s the quick-scan intel your inner producer, marketer, and brand boss will thank you for. ⸻ 1. YouTube Now Lets You Type a Prompt, Get a Track Creators inside the new “Music Assistant” tab can write “laid-back soca with steel-pan shimmer,” hit enter, and download a royalty-free instrumental seconds later. The AI engine lives in Creator Music, costs nothing, and sidesteps copyright strikes.  Why it matters: Instant scratch demos, Shorts beds, or background loops—no producer fee, no sample-clearance headaches. ⸻ 2. 1,000 Streams or Bust on Spotify Since early 2024, a song must rack up 1 K plays in 12 months to earn a single cent in recording royalties. Anything below funnels its micro-pennies to tracks that clear the bar.  Power move: Concentrate promo spend on one hero release at a time; scatter-shot drops now cost you twice—time and money. ⸻ 3. Sync Gold Rush: SourceAudio’s “SongLab” The sync-licensing giant just unveiled an AI composer trained on 14 million fully-licensed tracks plus stems. Output lands inside SourceAudio’s marketplace ready for TV, film, and podcast supervisors—no extra paperwork.  To-do: Batch 30-second cues in your signature style, upload, tag, and let the algorithm hunt placements while you sleep. ⸻ 4. Streaming Math, Unmasked Average Spotify payouts hover between $0.003–$0.005 per stream—about $24 for 8 K plays or $400 for 80 K.  Reality check: Streaming is the icing, not the cake. Diversify with merch, live sets, subscriptions, or sync to keep ramen off the menu. ⸻ 5. Ciara’s Chair Challenge Proves Simple Sells One Coachella clip of Ciara balancing on a chair to her single “Ecstasy” ignited a TikTok trend that spanned kids, celebs, and grandma in Miami. Zero ad spend; maximum cultural imprint.  Steal the play: Design an easy-to-film move or lip-sync moment around your next release and invite fans to duet. Reward the best with a shout-out or private stream. ⸻ Bottom Line AI is handing out free beats, sync doors are swinging wider, and streaming payouts favor focused momentum. Pair a can’t-miss visual hook (chairs optional) with a sharp release plan, and you’ve got 2025’s recipe for indie leverage. Stay relentless, stay inventive—next headline could be yours. 💡🎶

How Clipping Campaigns are Revolutionizing Music Marketing

Section 1: The Game-Changing Wave of Social Media Promotion Hey music lovers and aspiring artists! Buckle up for a wild ride into the future of music marketing that's about to turn the industry upside down. Imagine a world where spreading your music becomes as easy as sharing a meme – welcome to the era of clipping campaigns! Let's break it down: This isn't just another marketing trick. It's a full-blown revolution in how artists connect with their audience. Picture this – you create short, snappy video clips that are so infectious, people can't help but share them. And here's the kicker: content creators actually get paid for spreading your musical magic across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Section 2: How Clipping Campaigns Actually Work Think of clipping campaigns as your musical secret weapon. Artists set a clear goal – maybe it's boosting visibility or pushing a new track into the spotlight. The process is brilliantly simple: create or select your most eye-catching content clips, set a pay-per-view rate (like $1 for every 1,000 views), and watch the magic happen. What makes this strategy so powerful? It's cost-effective and brilliantly strategic. Imagine potentially reaching 4 million viewers for just $2,000. Major artists like Drake and Lil Baby are already leveraging this approach, proving it's not just a passing trend but a legitimate marketing music strategy that works. Section 3: Why This Matters for Independent Artists Here's the most exciting part – this isn't just for big-name musicians with massive budgets. Independent artists can now level the playing field and create viral moments without breaking the bank. The beauty of clipping campaigns lies in their accessibility and potential for explosive growth. Social media has democratized music marketing in ways we never imagined. Even accounts with minimal followers can suddenly go viral, thanks to the right content and strategic approach. It's like having a marketing team that works 24/7, spreading your music across digital landscapes without you lifting more than a finger. Final Thoughts: Your Musical Marketing Revolution Clipping campaigns aren't just a trend – they're the future of music promotion. By embracing this strategy, artists can create authentic connections, generate incredible social proof, and potentially launch their careers into the stratosphere.

Still wondering if SPLICE cant get you a hit?

@pastelmusique Everyone can make this tune ☕️ #sabrinacarpenter #espresso #musicproduction #CapCut ♬ original sound - Ｐａｓｔｅｌ

Books I've Read in 2025 (So Far)

Fiction

James – Percival Everett
A bold reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from Jim's perspective. Everett dives deep into themes of freedom, survival, and race in America.
https://a.co/d/7cUVu70

Creativity & Self-Development

Living the Artist's Way – Julia Cameron
A fresh guide to reconnecting with your creativity, intuition, and daily inspiration, from the author of The Artist’s Way.
https://amzn.to/4ixzJUY

It's Never Too Late to Begin Again – Julia Cameron
Written for midlife creators and retirees, this book offers a structured 12-week program for rediscovering meaning and creativity.
https://amzn.to/3YiS5lu

Reflections on the Artist's Way – Julia Cameron
A collection of essays and insights that complement The Artist's Way, helping artists stay grounded in their creative path.
https://amzn.to/4jSBKMK

Comics & Graphic Novels

Ultimates: Fix the World Vol. 1
A sharp, politically charged superhero story where global problems take center stage and the stakes are bigger than ever.
https://amzn.to/3YKRwkn

Batman/Superman: World's Finest Vol. 5
Classic, energetic storytelling featuring Batman and Superman at their best, combining wit, heroism, and brilliant action scenes.
https://amzn.to/3EJK9TD

The Terrifics Vol. 1: Meet the Terrifics
A diverse team of unlikely heroes embarks on cosmic adventures, blending science fiction and traditional comic book fun.
https://amzn.to/4cQru5l

Superman: The Last Son
A powerful story that explores Superman's vulnerability when faced with questions of family, loyalty, and legacy.
https://amzn.to/4lQf2GJ

The Problem with Being “The One They Can Count On”

People start treating your accountability like a service. They don’t check in—they just check what you’ve done. They don’t offer—they just expect. And the moment you ask for something back? They act like you’re ungrateful. Like strength means never needing support. Let me be clear: I’m not burnt out because I’m weak. I’m burnt out because I was taught to carry what should’ve been shared. ⸻ Creatives Feel This in a Different Way We’re not just solving problems—we’re making things out of nothing. We’re designing, performing, building, writing, dreaming and carrying personal pain, relationships, family pressure, and survival mode on top of it all. And yet somehow, we’re expected to: • Show up professionally. • Create consistently. • Serve emotionally. • And still look fine while doing it. ⸻ I’m Not a Superhero. I’m Just Accountable. I care. I try. I finish things even when no one’s watching. That’s not ego. That’s my foundation. But the cost of always being the one who gets it done is being the one who’s rarely checked on. So now I’m asking myself new questions: • What does consistency look like when you’re protecting your peace? • What does leadership feel like when you refuse to self-abandon? • What kind of legacy are you building if the work consumes you before it frees you? ⸻ The New Standard I still show up. But now, I protect my energy. I still lead. But now, I question where I’m leading myself. I still care deeply. But I will no longer carry what others casually hand me out of habit. I’m not your superhero. I’m my own structure now. And that’s more than enough.

Zuck!

But WhatsApp? The thing is if you've never left the country you don't understand its power. It DOMINATES!

On the Throne

Returning to the throne isn’t about ego—it’s about alignment. It’s what happens when you stop explaining your growth, defending your peace, or apologizing for your evolution. But once you’ve reclaimed your voice, your space, your power—what then? You stop performing and start embodying. You stop defending your clarity and start living from it. And when you’re met with resistance, silence, or misinterpretation? You don’t flinch. You don’t shrink. You remain still—because stillness is now your strategy. From Nelson Mandela’s decades of dignified silence, to Rosa Parks’ quiet defiance, and even Elphaba’s refusal to “stay grounded,” I’ve learned this: You don’t need to yell to shake the room. You just need to stop shrinking. ⸻ 5 Tools for Living On the Throne 1. Silence as a Strategy Stop announcing your boundaries. Start walking in them. Practice: Pull back without the speech. Reminder: “If I have to explain the boundary, I’m still negotiating it.” 2. Responding with Clarity Not every question deserves an answer. Not every feeling is yours to carry. Practice: Speak in statements, not performances. Reminder: “Clarity doesn’t mean cruelty—it means clean communication.” 3. Anchoring Without Apology You don’t need to explain your shift to people who benefited from your confusion. Practice: Write down three things you’ll no longer apologize for. Reminder: “I’m not being distant. I’m being sovereign.” 4. Create from Power, Not Pain Let the silence become fuel. Make art that reflects the new version of you—not the one that needed to be rescued. Practice: Share from conviction, not survival. Reminder: “They don’t need to understand. They need to feel it.” 5. Daily Throne Ritual Each morning, say to yourself: “I return to the throne. I do not perform. I do not chase. I do not shrink. I lead with presence. I respond with clarity. I reign in silence.” ⸻ You don’t need permission to live fully. You don’t need defense to speak truthfully. You are enough, even when quiet. Sit. Create. Reign.

Return to the Throne

Ever had that moment where you look up from your life and realize you've been shrinking? Like you’ve been folding and editing yourself just to keep peace, to be liked, or to keep a relationship from tipping over? Yeah. Same. This isn’t about being dramatic. This is about **finally calling yourself back to center.** For me, it hit in one-on-one relationships. The people closest to me. The ones I tried to love through their silence, their mood swings, their refusal to heal. And I realized something: I was stepping out of my own house to make space for people who didn’t even wipe their feet at the door. So now? I’m reclaiming my space. My voice. My **throne.** Not in an arrogant way—but in a way that says: “I trust myself now. Fully.” --- I've been reflecting on characters like Tony Soprano, Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, and Saul Goodman. They all started out with real intentions—to protect, to build, to survive. But somewhere along the way, they traded parts of themselves for control. For validation. For revenge. Then there's Jon Snow. Honorable. Loyal. But loyal to systems and people who would never return it. He kept showing up for everyone… and ended up alone. That woke something up in me. **That won’t be my story.** --- And then there’s Elphaba. You know, from *Wicked*? Her moment in *Defying Gravity* hits different when you’ve been misunderstood for being powerful. She wasn’t rebelling—she was returning. Refusing to apologize for her magic. She flew. And so will I. --- So here’s where I stand: I’m not too emotional. I’m not too deep. I’m not too loud. I’m not too much. I’m just not shrinking anymore. Not in love. Not in friendships. Not in family dynamics. And definitely not in rooms that only clap for versions of me they can control. --- I wrote an oath for myself—a reminder for every time I feel the pull to fold, fix, or chase. **OATH OF POWER WITH LOVE** I am the throne and the fire. I carry truth in one hand, love in the other. I do not dominate to protect. I do not shrink to be loved. I speak calmly—because I am certain. I walk away—because peace is expensive. I protect my heart—without turning it to stone. I refuse to become a god in a kingdom of ashes. I refuse to be a savior who bleeds out silently. I lead with love. I move with power. I rise in both. --- To any fellow creatives who’ve been holding it all in, trying to stay small enough to be loved, liked, or accepted: You’re not alone. You’re not wrong. You’re not crazy. You’re just waking up. And when you do, it’s time to come home to yourself. Say it with me: **“I return to the throne.”**

Hi

Sherwinn “Dupes” Brice is a one-man creative empire in motion — A Saint Lucian-born songwriter, sea moss slinger, and soulpreneur with a passport stamped in hustle. He’s part heart, part hurricane: writing custom R&B ballads one minute, flipping Airbnbs and jars of gel the next, then turning up on TikTok with the grit of a street poet and the grace of a brother who’s seen both heartbreak and healing. Dupes is that rare mix of artist and architect, crafting love songs and legacy moves with equal care. He’s not just in the game — he’s building the damn stadium, selling the snacks, and dropping the theme song in the halftime show. From Brockton to the Caribbean, he moves like a storm with a spreadsheet — introspective, intentional, and impossible to ignore. The brand? Afrocentric. The tone? Straight up, no chaser. The mission? Create. Connect. Crown up.

How to Create and Release Music That Lasts (Not Just Trends)

In a world chasing streams, speed, and going viral, it's easy to forget the long game. Most artists drop a track, cross their fingers, and move on.

But if you want a real music career—not just a moment—you need to think differently.

You don't need a hit song.  

You need a *body of work* that builds a fanbase over time.  

Music that gets *better with age*.  

Music that finds the right people—and stays with them.

Here's how to create and release music that *lasts*.

---

1. Make Music That Will Still Matter in 5 Years

Before you obsess over mixing, visuals, or TikTok content, ask yourself this:

*Would I still be proud of this five years from now?*

Chasing trends might give you short-term reach. But timeless music hits deeper.  

Write about what's real. Make what feels true. Timelessness is a byproduct of honesty.

---

2. Write for One True Fan, Not the Masses

Kevin Kelly's "1,000 True Fans" theory is more relevant than ever.

You don't need everyone to love your music. You need a small group of people to *deeply connect* with it.

Picture one person.  

The one playing your song during a late-night drive. Or after a breakup. Or when they need to remember who they are.

Write for *them*.

---

3. Test in Private Before You Drop in Public

Before you release anything, build in the shadows.

Play demos for your close circle. Test different versions. Post raw snippets and see what people react to.  

Sometimes the song you thought was a B-side hits the hardest.

Early feedback doesn't kill creativity—it *shapes* it.

---

4. Share the Journey, Not Just the Final Track

Most artists go silent until release day. That's a mistake.

Your music becomes more meaningful when people see the story behind it.  

Let fans in. Share the ugly voice notes. The lyric that took 2 months. The night you almost scrapped it all.

By the time the song drops, they're not just listening—they're *rooting for it*.

---

5. Launch in Waves, Not Just One Blast

Don't just drop and disappear. Launch smart:

- Wave 1: Soft Release  

  Share with your email list, community, or top fans first. Build word of mouth.

- Wave 2: Public Push  

  Go wide—use short-form content, playlist pitches, reels, and collaborations.

- Wave 3: Post-Release Momentum  

  Drop a live version, acoustic take, or fan remix. Keep the story alive.

The key? Keep showing up for the song.

---

6. Make It Easy to Share

Want your music to travel? Help people share it.

- Create visuals that match the vibe of the track  

- Use standout lyrics as captions or quotes  

- Encourage fans to tag you, use your sound, or post their own stories

People share what reflects how they *feel*. Give them something they want to be part of.

---

7. Keep Telling the Story

Most artists stop promoting a week after release. But real fans don't all arrive on day one.

Music has a long shelf life—*if you let it*.

Resurface your song a month later with a new angle. Share a message you've received. Show how it's connecting.  

Build a catalog. Tell stories around each track. Let fans discover you over time.

---

The Long Game Is the Only Game That Matters

Music isn't a product. It's a relationship—with your audience, your voice, and your story.

Don't rush to drop songs. Don't obsess over virality.  

Build a body of work. Create moments that mean something.  

Find your 1,000 true fans—and take care of them.

---

Have a release coming soon?  

Drop the link or DM me—I'd love to hear it, support it, or help you make the rollout stronger.

When No One Believes in You — Build This Instead

There's a dangerous way I sometimes think.

When things aren't going my way… when people around me go silent, dismissive, or passive…  

It hits hard. I spiral. I start to question the path.  

Maybe you know that feeling too.

But here's the shift I'm learning to make:  

Lack of support isn't proof that you're wrong. It's proof that you're early.

Support doesn't always show up at the start.  

Sometimes, it only shows up after you've already won.  

So what do you do in the meantime?

You build your own system.  

You create internal gravity.  

You make yourself inevitable.

Here's what I'm using right now to turn emotional friction into clarity, momentum, and control—even when no one claps.

1. The 10-Minute Mental Dominance Ritual

Every morning, I run this system. It keeps me grounded and moving forward—no matter what's happening externally.

Recalibration (2 min):  

- What emotion am I feeling right now?  

- Is it useful? Or do I need to redirect it?

Micro-Wins Stack (2 min):  

- What 3 small wins did I have yesterday?  

- Momentum comes from recognizing progress.

Clarity Killshot (3 min):  

- What ONE move today would make this day a win?

Emotional Command Reset (3 min):  

Say it. Mean it. Program it.  

"I create my own fuel. Doubt sharpens me. I control my focus, not the outcome. I am inevitable."

2. The Emotional Recode Stack (Flipping Low States in 3 Minutes)

This is what I use when I feel off, stuck, overwhelmed, or alone:

Step 1: Name the emotion.  

- I feel ___. No judgment. Just observation.

Step 2: Track the thought that created it.  

- What story am I telling myself?

Step 3: Interrogate the thought.  

- Is it true?  

- Could the opposite be true?  

- What's the cost of believing this?

Step 4: Flip the frame.  

- "Feeling stuck = I'm leveling up."  

- "Lack of support = clarity filter. Proof I'm stepping out of the pack."

3. The No-Support Survival Strategy

Let's be real: sometimes it's just you and your ambition.  

So here's how I've made that work for me—not against me.

A. My Own Fanbase:  

I recorded a 30-second voice note hyping my future self like I've already won.  

I play it on loop when I need energy.

B. The 2-Person Tribe:  

One aligned person with vision and drive is worth more than 100 lukewarm "supporters."  

I seek depth, not volume.

C. Weekly Isolation Wins:  

Once a week, I block 1 hour.  

No noise. No validation. Just deep work and one undeniable win.  

Solitude has become my edge—not my weakness.

Final Thought:

Support is nice.  

Belief is better.  

But becoming unshakable without either—that's the superpower.

If you're building something big and feel like no one around you sees it yet…  

You're not broken.  

You're just early.  

And that's exactly where power begins.

Never Forget

 

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🔧 Step-by-Step Fixes When the Beat Feels Too Loud:

#### 1. **Check Your Master Fader & Levels**

- Sometimes your overall mix is just too hot. Pull **everything** down 5–10dB (including the beat) and bring up your vocals to match.

- Keep the **master around -6 dB** before mastering. Loudness can be added later.

---

#### 2. **Balance with EQ**

- **Low end (kick/bass)** can overpower vocals. Cut unnecessary low frequencies from your **vocals (HPF at ~80–120Hz)**.

- **Carve space in the beat**: Find where the vocals sit best (usually 1kHz–4kHz) and do **small EQ dips** in the beat around those areas.

- **Boost your vocals subtly** where they shine, and **cut** in the beat at the same spot.

---

#### 3. **Use Volume Automation**

- Automate the beat down **slightly during verses** (like -1 to -2 dB), then bring it back up during hooks. This gives the illusion of space without killing energy.

---

#### 4. **Compression and Sidechain**

- Try **sidechaining** the beat (or instrumental bus) to duck slightly when the vocal hits. Not EDM-style pumping—just a soft 1–2 dB duck.

- Use a **vocal rider or gentle compression** to make sure your vocal stays forward.

---

#### 5. **Reference Other Tracks**

- Pull in a professionally mixed track with a similar vibe. Solo your vocals, then compare to how theirs sit in the mix. Adjust accordingly.

---

#### 6. **Use Saturation/Exciters on Vocals**

- Sometimes vocals *feel* buried because they lack presence. Add gentle **saturation** or **harmonic enhancement** to give your vocals that “in your face” pop.

---

#### 7. **Check in Mono + Small Speakers**

- Play the mix in mono. If the beat overpowers vocals here, you’ve got frequency masking issues.

- Also check on **phone speakers**, earbuds, or car speakers. If vocals disappear, boost presence (2k–5k) and control lows.

---

### 🧠 Real Talk:

If all else fails—**bounce the stems** and bring them into a fresh session. Sometimes, ear fatigue or too many plug-ins cloud your judgment. A reset helps.

---

Want me to walk through a specific session setup or troubleshoot a current mix you're on? I got you.

The Power of Purpose: Why Songwriters with a Cause Create Songs That Resonate

There's a quiet truth that echoes through every great song:

"A man with a cause can always be trusted to do the very thing that helps his cause."

This isn't just philosophy—it's a songwriting principle.

Aspiring songwriters often ask how to write lyrics that connect, how to find their "voice," or how to make people feel something. The answer? Start with your why. Not just why you want to make music, but what you're fighting for—what you stand for, what you can't stay silent about.

When you write from a place of purpose, people feel it. Your words stop sounding like lyrics and start sounding like truth. That's the difference between a catchy hook and an anthem that lives in someone's heart.

Why Purpose-Driven Songs Hit Different

Think of the songs that shaped you. Odds are, they weren't just technically good—they meant something. They carried a message that spoke directly to a part of you the artist could never see. That's the magic of writing with a cause: it transcends.

When your cause is real—whether it's love, healing, justice, belonging, freedom—you don't have to fake vulnerability or chase trends. Every line naturally serves the message. Every melody supports the emotion. Every word becomes intentional.

Writing From Your Cause: 3 Questions to Ask

1. What am I really trying to say?

Strip away the metaphors and melodies—what's the core message you want someone to walk away with?

2. Who needs to hear this the most?

Write like you're singing directly to one person who needs your voice today. That intimacy creates connection.

3. Am I willing to stand behind this?

If you wouldn't say it offstage or outside the studio, don't write it. Authenticity isn't just a writing tool—it's the foundation.

Your Cause Doesn't Have to Be Loud

A cause doesn't always mean activism or revolution. Your cause could be making space for quiet emotions. It could be giving words to experiences others can't explain. It could be offering hope when the world feels dark. Whatever it is—when it's true, it's powerful.

Final Thought:

If you ever feel stuck, remember: a man with a cause can always be trusted to do the very thing that helps his cause.

Let your songwriting serve something bigger than the song. That's how you build not just a catalog—but a legacy.

Stay Up

How to Handle Restlessness When Your Energy is Low

We’ve all been there—you’re feeling restless, like you should be doing something, but your energy is drained. It’s a frustrating state to be in because you want progress, but you don’t have the fuel to power through.

Instead of forcing productivity or sinking into mindless scrolling, here’s how to channel that restless energy in a way that’s low-effort but mentally satisfying.

1. Brain Dump for Clarity Your brain might be overloaded with thoughts, tasks, or ideas. Get them out of your head and onto paper (or a notes app). No need to organize—just write everything down. Then, highlight one or two things that actually matter. This helps clear mental clutter without forcing deep focus.

2. Passive Learning – Engage Without Effort When active work feels too heavy, listen to a podcast, watch an interesting video, or skim through a book summary. This way, you’re still absorbing useful information without feeling the weight of intense focus.

3. Small Wins – Micro-Tasks That Feel Good Pick a tiny action that gives you a sense of progress—replying to an email, tidying your desk, organizing files. Something simple that lets your brain register progress without exhaustion.

4. Reset Your Body – Low-Energy, High-Impact A five-minute stretch, deep breathing, or even a hot shower can reset your physical state and help your mental energy catch up. Sometimes, small physical changes shift how you feel mentally.

5. Intentional Entertainment – Stimulating but Relaxing If you’re going to consume content, make it something that sparks ideas or adds value—a documentary, a thought-provoking show, or even engaging in a light conversation. This way, your restlessness is directed towards something engaging rather than draining.

Final Thought Restlessness with low energy doesn’t have to be a lost state. By picking small, intentional actions, you can satisfy the need for movement without overloading yourself. The goal isn’t to push through but to redirect that energy wisely, so you wake up tomorrow feeling clearer and more refreshed.

LinkedIn Post:

Feeling restless but low-energy? Here’s how to handle it productively (without burnout).

We all hit that state where we want to get things done but just don’t have the energy to push hard. Instead of forcing productivity or doom-scrolling, try these low-energy, high-satisfaction moves:

• Brain Dump – Write down what’s on your mind. No structure, just clear the mental fog.
• Passive Learning – Listen to a podcast or skim a book summary. Absorb without effort.
• Micro-Wins – Tiny tasks (replying to a message, quick decluttering) create momentum.
• Body Reset – A five-minute stretch, deep breathing, or even a warm shower can shift your state.
• Intentional Entertainment – Watch or read something that stimulates ideas rather than numbing you.

The key? Redirect that restlessness instead of fighting it. Small actions add up, and tomorrow, you’ll feel clearer and more in control.

What do you do when you feel stuck in this restless-but-tired state? Drop your go-to moves in the comments!

creating on your own terms

In the world of artistry, creativity doesn’t punch a clock. It doesn’t wait for your day to clear up, for your inbox to be empty, or for permission from the world. It arrives when it wants, often unexpectedly, and the challenge isn’t in finding it—it’s in honoring it when it comes.

Seth Godin’s words remind us that while the world thrives on structure, artists thrive on flow. The traditional workday, the to-do lists, and the expectations of others can often stifle creativity rather than nurture it. As an artist, your greatest tool isn’t just your talent—it’s your ability to recognize when inspiration strikes and have the courage to act on it.

This isn’t about abandoning responsibility. It’s about recognizing that creativity operates on a different timeline. If today is a day where ideas are bursting at the seams, let the emails wait. If your body is calling you to move, to surf, to step away from the screen, that physical shift might be the very thing that fuels your next song, painting, or poem. When you listen to your intuition and give space to the moments that move you, your art deepens.

For musicians, this might mean stepping away from the structured studio session and allowing spontaneity to take over. For writers, it’s understanding that the best ideas don’t always come when you’re staring at a blank page but when you’re out living life. For visual artists, it might be embracing the unexpected detours that shift your perspective and inspire new work.

The key takeaway? The calendar belongs to everyone else. Your schedule—your real schedule—is dictated by what helps you create at your highest level. This isn’t an excuse to neglect discipline, but a call to align your discipline with what fuels you most. Honor your inspiration when it arrives, structure your commitments around your creativity rather than against it, and don’t be afraid to build a life where your art takes priority.

Because in the end, no one remembers the errands you ran or the emails you answered on time. But they will remember the work you created when you let yourself fully embrace the moment.