The relationship between music and social change is as old as humanity itself. But in today's hyper-connected world, the question of where artistic expression ends and incitement begins has never been more urgent or complex. A recent, potent example from South Africa offers a critical lesson for leaders, policymakers, and creators everywhere.   In South Africa, a historical "freedom song" from the anti-apartheid struggle, "Ayesaba Amagwala" ("the cowards are scared"), was thr

If you read the headlines, you’d think the music industry is on life support. We’re constantly told that sales have plummeted and that it’s impossible to make a living as an artist. After hearing this narrative repeated for the umpteenth time, I decided to look at the data. What I found wasn’t a story of collapse, but one of radical transformation and unprecedented opportunity. The problem isn't that the industry is failing—it's that the old model, controlled by major labels,

In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, one question haunts every new manager, every ambitious indie artist, and every major label A&R rep: "What's the secret formula for a successful launch?" We scour case studies, dissect Billboard chart-toppers, and try to replicate the strategies that made our heroes famous. We think, "If we just do what *they* did, we'll get the same results." But here’s the truth that changes everything: No two artists have ever built thei

If you have plans to release music in 2026, let's be blunt: the clock is no longer ticking—it's loudly beeping. The "planning phase" is over. We are now in the execution phase.   The artists who will own 2026 aren't just thinking about it anymore. They are deep in the trenches, building the campaign piece by piece. If you're feeling a sudden pit in your stomach, that's your professional instinct kicking in. Listen to it.   Starting now is late, but it's not too late. However,

The headlines are flashy, the press releases are polished, and the promise is immense. The recent announcement of Billboard’s expansion into Africa, through a partnership with the Rwandan development board and a Nigerian media company, has been framed as a long-overdue recognition of the continent’s vibrant music scene. On the surface, it’s a cause for celebration. But if we scrape away the veneer of global validation, a more troubling picture emerges. Is this a genuine partn

Allen Johnston | The Music Specialist | www.asha.com   The blueprint for a successful music career has been completely torn up and redrawn. The golden-age formula—record a song, get radio play, sell CDs in stores, tour, and reap the rewards—has fundamentally dried up. The industry we know today is a different beast, shaped by a series of technological and cultural revolutions.   Having witnessed these shifts firsthand, I see them as chapters in an ongoing story. Here’s a look

By Allen Johnston | The Music Specialist If you’ve listened to the discourse around hip-hop for the last thirty years, you know the script by heart. Gangsta rap, a subgenre born from the brutal socioeconomics of America’s inner cities, is often cast as a villain in a simplified morality play. It’s the corrupting influence, the catalyst for violence, and a driving force behind the destruction of the very communities that created it. This narrative is not just tired; it’s a pro

For songwriters, composers, and publishers, the global royalty collection system can often feel like a black box. But what if you had a clear view of the billions of dollars flowing through this system and, more importantly, how to ensure you're getting your fair share? The data exists. CISAC (the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers), a global network of over 220 authors' societies across 118 countries, provides a transparent look at the trends i

Have you ever Googled yourself?   It’s a modern rite of passage. In seconds, a search engine can assemble a digital portrait of who you are—or at least, who the internet thinks you are. This instant access to information has fundamentally changed the rules of personal and professional reputation.   While the article I’m refreshing mentioned platforms like MySpace, the core message is more relevant today than ever. We now live in a world defined by TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn

Silence can be deafening.   The recent news that the Soul Train Awards have been placed on indefinite hiatus, with no show planned for 2025, should send a shockwave through our industry. This isn't just the cancellation of a television special; it's the quiet departure of an institution that was once the definitive standard for excellence in Black music.   For decades, institutions like Billboard magazine were the bibles of the industry, but they failed to evolve. Their inabi

Allen Johnston aj@asha.com I’m tired of dealing with so-called "artists" who put in minimal effort, deliver a sub-par song, and then...

Allen Johnston aj@asha.com   As I browsed through various news sites recently, it struck me just how immense the influence of Clear...

In March 1994—when most of the world was still discovering dial-up—I launched one of the internet’s first music websites. Though my...

Allen Johnston aj@asha.com     Can someone please explain why the Grammy’s still exist? At this point, the awards feel like a relic—a...

By Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist www.asha.com The world is witnessing a cultural revelation: China’s dynamic, innovative approach...

By Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist  www.asha.com     As I grow older, my perspective on life and the music industry has shifted...

Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist  www.asha.com     Here’s something to think about.    Today, it’s easier than ever to record,...

The entertainment industry is a global powerhouse, shaping culture, opinions, and aspirations. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies...

Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist    The music industry has undergone a seismic shift—one that many emerging label owners fail to...

Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist www.asha.com The landscape of touring is undergoing a seismic shift. Rising fuel costs, evolving...