From here on out, The Progress Report will be biweekly. I'm being realistic and making my schedule work for me. This gives me space to get progress done before thinking about writing a blog of substantial updates for The Progress Report check-ins.
Accountability is important, but I care more about the results. Before I get into the progress report, I want to share something with you all about the spark of a new endeavor + vent a lil bit 🫣
I got an email from Tunecore (my music distributor) that they'd taken down a song of mine because Spotify flagged me for “artificial streaming activity” because my streams spiked. My first reaction, wtf is this. Then I go on to notice that they took down my whole project of 8 or so songs, which was my most recent project. I go look at my analytics to see what streams they're talking about because to my knowledge my daily streams are pretty modest and completely organic.
I average a handful a day on Spotify, yet I was hit with repeated, almost threatening emails as if I was gaming the system with thousands of streams. To top it off, the email didn't mention ways to appeal incase this Info is incorrect, they basically said, stop using fake playlist companies or paying for bots. Oh and also, we've taken money from your royalties for the penalty."
It’s frustrating because independent artists rarely have the resources to fight back. Situations like this make it clear how uneven the playing field really is. Instead of protecting artists and fixing their flawed infrastructure that allows ai bots and glitchy algorithms to present faulty information, platforms often go after us as if we're the actual problem. Let's be real, Spotify is the problem. Apple Music, Youtube, and all other music streamers never have this problem because their infrastructure is built better.
But for me, I love to be fueled. I'm the artist who's always taken the direct to consumer approach with creative ideas to keep my base connected with my music. From selling cds at my shows, to releasing cassette mixtape player bundles, to selling cds at shows, I’d rather build something of my own than to beg for a seat at a broken table.
That experience pushed me to think bigger: owning my own distribution and building a platform where my music and message can live. More on that in upcoming posts. 😎
Now let's get into this progress report...
Accomplishments Over the Last Few Weeks
Side Hustle (Web and Video Services)
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Price list is done. Portfolio is updated. Momentum is in place now it’s about taking those finished tools and putting them in front of people.
Music (My New Project)
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Recorded and received the final mix for 1 song. That’s a solid brick laid in the foundation. I have about 9 more songs to go.
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Brainstormed concepts for cover art. The ideas are flowing, direction is forming, but nothing locked in yet.
THE CEO STYLE (Brand Revival)
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Finalized the core brand messaging for the revival, including brand pillars, mission, and story and updated the website accordingly. This was important to start with because clarity on identity comes before products.
Reflections & Lessons Learned
Giving myself time between updates creates breathing room and more meaningful progress.
One song finished is a success.
One mission statement clarified is the first step completed towards the bigger picture. Initially my focus was on the new products for the relaunch, but taking a step back was the right move. I needed to solidify the story and strategy before I touch designs or samples. This re-launch is a rebranding and revival with meaning/
My Next 2 Weeks: Focus & Action Plan
Side Hustle (Web and Video Services)
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Create and post a visual announcement of services.
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Share 1–2 value posts that show my expertise.
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Personally reach out to 1–2 potential clients with a proposal.
Music (My New Project)
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Record the next track and send to Giandre for mixing. 2 songs would be nice, but let's see how the week goes.
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Keep brainstorming cover art direction
THE CEO STYLE (Brand Revival)
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Draft a relaunch plan (timeline, campaign concept, rollout steps).
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Decide on the staple items that will anchor the new drop.
Closing: 4 Months Left in 2025 to Build
We’ve got a little over 4 months left in 2025. I need something different and fulfilling. I don't wait for “someday” to come. This is about stacking progress right now, week by week, brick by brick. I’m not chasing perfect. I’m chasing consistency and building results.
This is the rebuild. The run. The proof. Let’s close this year hard.
Peace.
written by Morgan | @MORGANtheCEO
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