The real strength behind your songs
July 9, 2026
Success in music isn’t just about you or your songs.
Sometimes the greatest strength behind your music is the people, tools, and support system surrounding you.
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Spoken like a true physicist! Very insightful. Impossible to do this without the team that supports all of us. Thanks for reminding me.
Thanks, Joel. 🙂
True that. My songs and my performances are always well received, but I have struggled mightily my whole career getting the recognition and opportunities that many say I deserve.
Try that exercise I talked about in the blog and see if you can rearrange the stars into a more symmetrical pattern for your music.
I study your materials and apply as much as I can and I continue to grow and improve. Thanks! Cheryl
Great to hear and thank you, Cheryl!
I agree with you 100%. Where I used to live, the people who supported me were within the heavy music genre, as opposed to where I live now. The majority of people here like the softer romantic pop rock/AOR sound much better than the heavier hard rock/metal I used to be recognized for. So I wrote some romantic pop rock/AOR, and also did some tribute songs (i.e., Jim Croce, Simon & Garfunkel, etc.). I noticed I am getting more people in this area liking my music. I’m not saying the heavy stuff is not liked; it’s just that they prefer the softer side of music, and I can deliver because my genre preference has always been multi-genre.
It could be that they hear you more with the softer stuff. That is great to hear you are growing your fanbase by adapting like that.
Yes Chris,
This is a great visual structure to build a pond.
I think this idea can also extent to the constellation you build in the industry as well, be it the people you slowly meet along the way and get to know & those you connect in more concrete solid ways. or even like a linkedin network you slowly build over time.
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I totally believe this. We are all interconnected somehow in this universe like a circuit board.I thank everyone who supports my journey as a songwriter every chance I get. Because without them… I have no purpose. Their energy fuels me and keep me going. They keep the circuit flowing and the output alive.
Love that, Michelle.
great message Chris
Are you a pblisheer/Producer?
I have an online studio called Sundown Sessions Studio if that answers your question.
Thanks, Edward!
Well.. my constellation might have three or four stars, but that’s about it. Lol. To be honest, it seems like everyone is out for themselves and really does not give a crap about my music. Maybe it sucks or is dated? I don’t know. All I know is I love making music whether there is one person that listens to it or 1000. Congratulations on your success, Chris. You are certainly a super marketer!
I wouldn’t only think about potential fans of your music, you should also count others who even indirectly help you make music. Everyone counts.
Hi Chris, thanks for thinking outside the box. We don’t realize it’s a team effort until we lay it out on paper. Thanks for stimulating thoughts in this regard.
You got it, David. Glad it helped!
Success in music. As a young at heart 75 year old tartan clad kilted Scotsman who writes songs, you may well be correct. Yes Chris it would be wonderful to have access to the right people, the right tools and support system. I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about a guy called Chris SD so I may well drop him a line to ask his advice. He could only say no !!
Definitely reach out to Sync Songwriter, Ron.
Wonderful! Yes, I DO have some people in my constellation! I have begun to appreciate them more and more. I am getting co-writing requests now from someone who knows someone. Friendships with other songwriters are oxygen and caffeine.
Nice!
Thanks for today’s video. I appreciate it. It is a struggle and it takes time to succeed. Massive patience and effort and belief, required
I am glad it helped, Timothy. Remember to work smarter, not harder whenever possible.
Morning, Chris. My son (who is on a short visit) watched this with me. He is on a fellowship (astro physicist) at Cal Tech. He’s also a jazz/blues, etc. guitar player. When he is in town, I share some of the the music and teachings of SC. He said, (referring to you), “he sounds like a physicist.” He enjoyed your analogies and encouragement.
Cassandra (Cat) Ardoin says:
July 10, 2026 at 3:08 pm
Morning, Chris. My son (who is on a short visit) watched this with me. He is on a fellowship (astro physicist) at Cal Tech. He’s also a jazz/blues, etc. guitar player. When he is in town, I share some of the the music and teachings of SC. He said, (referring to you), “he sounds like a physicist.” He enjoyed your analogies and encouragement.
Haha, well I am working on a framework based on some old ideas, so I guess I am a physicist but don’t have any pieces of paper to prove it. 🙂 I am glad you liked the blog!
Chris, it’s good to lay out who’s helping you in your journey. Thanks, I appreciate it. But I have a question: does a song written (lyrics, melody and chords) all written by a human, but the vocals and orchestration created through AI have a chance in the sync world?
Music supervisors are steering clear of AI tracks, at least for now. They are looking for authenticity, especially with vocals.
Thank you Chris!
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Chris, thanks for this video! I do indeed have a constellation of support, and at the same time I hope to be considered a member of other folks’ constellations.
This class has made me consider a million things I’ve never considered related to my songs, and it’s been really great. I’m still finding the right people to be members of the music-producing side of my constellation, but that makes sense to me: constellations can change.
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Absolutely, I agree 100%.
Thank you, Chris! That is valuable encouragement.
You got it, Mellani.
Dude you’re a crackpot! I love crackpots!! Crackpots unite!!! I really do want to express what an amazing organization you have – and yes, that is the people. Years ago I went to work for a software company and I had the misguided notion there was a secret black box that had the magic and at some point, I would find out where they were hiding that black box. Come to find out it was a highly concerted effort and focus on the core product and purpose by a large collective of people who understood how they fit in to make that success. Education was a key component – making sure that people had the knowledge they needed to succeed in making the product work right. Expectations – setting the right expectations – knowing boundaries and respecting peoples time and not asking them to do things like timelines that are unreasonable. I’ve worked at great companies and horrible companies and the differentiator is leadership. I am still digesting everything I am learning through AOTSP but kudos to the level of effort it takes to pull something like this off!
Haha, glad we have club. Really appreciate your kind words. We are doing our best with everyone we get to work with and I am very happy you see that. Thank you.
Thanks Chris 👍 for your “constellation” theory in regards to the music world. I’m in Cync with this idea.
Cheers 🍻
Gong
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Hi Chris,
Loved this and the analogy. Am I hearing a little bit of physics in there? As always, great insight into what we are doing and why. What I like about your classes is that it is evident you care about all facets of this course. Your students, making sure we understand everything you are teaching, your staff, your relationship with the Music Supervisors. Your guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you to you and your staff.
Thanks so much, Dawn. I am glad to be working with someone like you who. Onwards and upwards!
CHRIS – I love hearing your perspective on this journey of ours. Thanks for putting it out there for us to absorb.
RpT
Glad you liked that, Richard.
But…Chris! What about the U.S. memes that so many of us grew up with: “the rugged individualist”; “the self-made man (or woman or…)”. Are you suggesting those tropes are misguided and that no one makes *it* on their very own? What about all of those action movies? — Nice to hear that called out.
I actually do believe in individuals with great purposes, but they rarely can do everything on their own. The Wright Brothers had their mechanic who built their custom engine. Einstein had Grossman and Besso. Where would have Ghandi been without his wife, Kasturba? We need leaders, but their power comes from those who surround them.
Chris, this is such a neat concept. I love the “constellation” metaphor. I recently posted a reel on my socials that touches on this reality of us all being part of a web. I had discovered a spider web glistening in the morning sun, underneath a branch of ripe plums on the tree in the yard. I leave it to up to the imagination of my followers to reflect on where they are in “the web”. This is part of a new development in my brand. Thanks again for your “Stellar ” insights !
Thanks, Grace!
Chris, as the leader of your organization, kudos for modeling the way of servant leadership! You have attracted and built an amazing team of talented people and it’s apparent that people like working with you. Your team members exemplify a positive energy and a willingness to help the AOTSP participants in a timely, supportive and kind manner. It goes way beyond customer service and feels like we (the participants) are part of the AOTSP family. And the music supervisors appear to want to eagerly be part of this program (and help the participants) because they hold you and your team in high esteem and hopefully, they make some successful connections with independent musicians. In 2024, I heard about your program through someone’s LinkedIn post. I signed up for your emails. At that time, I had a good impression of you – that you were a genuinely nice person who really did want to help independent musicians. (I’m pleased to know my ability to read people works in a digital environment!) Having been a participant in this program for approximately seven months, I am grateful for all the knowledge I gained from this program and the guidance and support I received. And I have been thrilled to hear my classmate’s music, too! A successful person in life, whether a musician, singer, business person, leader, manager, etc. hopefully learns that it’s not about the “me,” but about the “we.” Your insights about the constellation and our individual environment (friends, family, etc.) are our priority, because those connections can affect our music endeavors and the quality of our lives. Thank you for keeping true to your vision to help other musicians. You should be proud of yourself and your team! This has been an amazing program because we feel your and your team’s caring concern and help with every module, video, coaching call, email and answer in the chat. I’ll close with a favorite quote, “The scent always remains in the hand that gives the rose.” (Quote by Heda Bejar). May you and your team’s hands be overflowing with the beautiful scent of roses! May you and your team have continued success with this amazing program that brings people so much joy!
Thank you so much, Kristi. We really try our best to help indie songwriters like you have success with music. I love the way you see AOTSP like a family. That is exactly what I have tried to make it.
Chris,
Someone mentioned physics, I’ve wanted to share something with you for a while now since I heard you speak on Quantum Theory. I’ll throw something out. If you wants sources I can help.
I too have read and THOUGHT a lot of Quantum T. Some of the original physicists in the years of Max Planck (whom I imagine you know), said things like (roughly quoted), “QT seems to imply that we’re in a world of thought and not matter”, and “This makes it look like matter may not even exist in any real way”.
Einstein himself said something like, “If QT is the truth, then there will no longer be any need for physics.” And he’s right, I’m 100% convinced.
In fact, I believe that you’ll find in soon-coming years that they’re going to figure out that if observation (aka thought) can affect events (aka ‘matter’), then the true implication is that matter is actually a CREATION of thought.
I have a strong sense that top physicists know this, but do not want to publicly postulate it.
For one thing, have you ever imagined Chris, that the only evidence that matter exists depends on matter itself? (the eye, the ear, etc.). And if it’s true that matter isn’t real, how could you use matter to prove that it IS real? In other words, in the “is matter real debate”, how can you use for proof/evidence, that whose very existence is being questioned at the outset of the debate.
That is a very interesting thought but unfortunately way too big for this little comment box. It is daring thinking that leads us forward, but the trick is, it has to be testable. Thank you for sharing.
hey Chris, thanks for whirlwind & the reset. it’s a lovely way to consider & assess my circle, & remind myself that I can shape things in so many ways, sculpting a harmonic resonance that extends forward with the potential to enrich so much along the way.
thanks for the feedback on the song “Three Little Words” a few weeks ago. I started tightening things up that night, wrote a chorus, re-arranged the whole song, and now I’m about to explore another mixing approach that I hope will zero in on that irresistible black hole at the center of its constellation. cheers
You are very welcome and good luck with that black hole. 🙂
Thank you Chris, Absolutely you are correct!!!! even Jesus Christ pick 12 Apostles to edified his church. I tell my muscians and collaborators, I am one with them. Thank you Chris and God bless you.
Thanks so much, Eric.
The old saying, ‘you go faster alone and further with others’ still holds true. You learn from others along the way.
Thanks Chris.
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So true Chris, we can not function simply as an individual, the people around us who we engage with on a weekly or daily basis help/encourage/celebrate what we do in our lives. With that support it propels us into something greater than I could ever do on my own.
Take you and your team, this course has taken me to an area where i never thought possible, and your team around you have been awesome responding to all my questions and providing direction when I needed it.
So great to hear we are on the same page, and you are blessed like me to have my team. 🙂
Crackpot….sure why not. Better than crack user. You’re always full of surprises.
H
Haha, I’ll take it.
I loved this Chris – It truly reminds me of ALL the support I have on this crazy and wonderful journey… from your team, to my husband to my co-producer, co-writers, all the supervisors that we get to meet and all the friends and family that I send new tunes too! Since doing what I/we do can be so solitary at times… it’s easy to forget how large the sphere of energies actually is… I believe it’s all about gratitude…. even the people who give me luke warm responses to my songs play a huge part in the learning and appreciating the ‘ride.’ And lastly, I for one embrace the title of “crackpot!” 😉
Haha, pleased to meet you fellow crackpot. 🙂 That is all great to hear, Robbie. You have your heart and soul in the right place!