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Allen Johnston
Jan 263 min read
Being Neutral Is No Longer an Option: The Call for Music That Matters
In a world increasingly defined by division, inequality, and systemic injustice, the role of artists—particularly musicians—has never...
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Allen Johnston
Jan 92 min read
CELLPHONES, EDUCATION, AND YOU
Traveling internationally has opened my eyes to the immense opportunities available for people of color across the globe. Specifically,...
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Allen Johnston
Dec 26, 20242 min read
Are You Still Making CDs – WHY?
By Allen Johnston – The Music Specialistwww.asha.com The music industry has changed drastically and will never return to what it once...
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Allen Johnston
Dec 19, 20242 min read
Ways to Ruin Your Music Career
Having a bad attitude. Showing up late, skipping rehearsals, ignoring your scene, clashing with bandmates, or neglecting your fans...
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Allen Johnston
Dec 10, 20243 min read
Embracing Change: How I Adapted to the Digital Revolution in Music
Many of my peers often ask how I’ve managed to remain relevant in the entertainment industry. The answer is simple: I’ve held onto the...
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Allen Johnston
Dec 4, 20242 min read
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE "THUG GENERATION"
You’ve called us "Old School," mocked our so-called “ancient thinking,” and laughed at our struggles to keep up with the times. But now,...
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Allen Johnston
Nov 9, 20241 min read
Major Label Deals
The evolution of music distribution within my lifetime has been nothing short of revolutionary. Initially, record labels paid artists a...
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Allen Johnston
Oct 27, 20242 min read
**HOW TO MARKET AND PROMOTE YOUR PROJECT IN 2024**
Digital marketing has become more dynamic than ever. A one-time approach won’t cut it; building a fan base requires consistency,...
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Allen Johnston
Oct 11, 20244 min read
**The Future of Southern Soul Music: Challenges and Opportunities**
Southern Soul music, with its roots in the deep South, has historically been a powerful force in American music culture. Combining...
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Allen Johnston
Sep 21, 20242 min read
**Reviving and Saving Localized Black Radio**
Two significant technological advancements hold the potential to revive localized Black radio programming, enabling local advertisers to...
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Allen Johnston
Sep 21, 20243 min read
**How to Market & Promote Your Project**
Online marketing and promotion have evolved, and if you think you can build a huge fan base with a one-time effort—think again. Promoting...
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Allen Johnston
Sep 13, 20243 min read
As the Industry Turns
**Allen L. Johnston – The Music Specialist** [www.asha.com](http://www.asha.com) I've witnessed the dramatic shifts in the music...
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Allen Johnston
Aug 31, 20242 min read
The Future of Music Conferences
Over the past 70 years, I've attended numerous music business conferences, both as a participant and a presenter. I've witnessed a range...
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Allen Johnston
Aug 22, 20242 min read
OLD WHINERS
Allen L. Johnston - The Music Specialist [ www.asha.com ]( http://www.asha.com ) Stop complaining about how your music isn’t getting...
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Allen Johnston
Aug 13, 20243 min read
**NIGGERDOM**
*By Allen L. Johnston – The Music Specialist* [www.asha.com](www.asha.com) The entertainment industry today is strategically influencing...
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Allen Johnston
Aug 5, 20242 min read
### RADIO AIRPLAY
I have a question for you: As an artist, why do you want to get radio airplay? The typical response I hear is “to become a star” or to...
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Allen Johnston
Jul 27, 20242 min read
### Attitude vs. Customer Service
Recently, while organizing an event in Atlanta, I reached out to local press for coverage. To ensure I didn't make cold calls, I obtained...
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Allen Johnston
Jul 22, 20247 min read
Black Music History, Why Music Was Made
Has it ever occurred to you to teach a youngster WHY they make music? It is historically known that we as a people have used music as a...
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Allen Johnston
Jul 6, 20243 min read
BUSINESS HAS CHANGED
The landscape of business has undergone a profound transformation. In recent conversations with my best friend, we've touched upon a...
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Allen Johnston
Jun 27, 20243 min read
DON'T DRINK THE KOOL-AID
REFRAIN FROM IMBIBING THE KOOL-AID. This article has been eagerly anticipated. Names have been altered to shield those implicated. I...
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