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A TRUE STORY OF INDUSTRY ABUSE
Allen L. Johnston – The Music Specialist www.asha.com This story needs to be told because, even in 2025, people are still falling for the...

Allen Johnston
Feb 143 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...

Allen Johnston
Jan 263 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,...

Allen Johnston
Jan 92 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...

Allen Johnston
Dec 26, 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...

Allen Johnston
Dec 19, 20242 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...

Allen Johnston
Dec 10, 20243 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,...

Allen Johnston
Dec 4, 20242 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...

Allen Johnston
Nov 9, 20241 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,...

Allen Johnston
Oct 27, 20242 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...

Allen Johnston
Oct 11, 20244 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...

Allen Johnston
Sep 21, 20242 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...

Allen Johnston
Sep 21, 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...

Allen Johnston
Sep 13, 20243 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...

Allen Johnston
Aug 31, 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...

Allen Johnston
Aug 22, 20242 min read


**NIGGERDOM**
*By Allen L. Johnston – The Music Specialist* [www.asha.com](www.asha.com) The entertainment industry today is strategically influencing...

Allen Johnston
Aug 13, 20243 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...

Allen Johnston
Aug 5, 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...

Allen Johnston
Jul 27, 20242 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...

Allen Johnston
Jul 22, 20247 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...

Allen Johnston
Jul 6, 20243 min read
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