Here's a conversation I started as comments under the last training video - moving it here to the forum:

I’m working on my USP.

Here’s what I have.

Old recovering alcoholic metal head who ends up writing Americana songs with tongue-in-cheek but relatable lyrics.

Ready for any criticisms.

Hi Jason,

Steve here from support. Is recovery a large part of what you write songs about? Also, are the songs still more along the lines of metal, or is it more of the Americana type stuff?

The reason I ask is that this is actually a bit confusing, which means that it might be confusing to others as well in the sense that it kind of has the opposite effect of what a USP does.

So my questions to you are to get some clarity so that we can help you refine what your USP really is. For instance if your song lyrics are about Americana, but still done in a metal way, that’s something worth knowing. Also if your songs deal with recovery, then that gives some context to why you would mention it. Does that make sense?

Try to tell me what you can and we’ll try to help you zero in on what truly makes you unique as an artist, that would give people reason to pay attention.

I have no songs about recovery though my latest single is about an alcohol fantasy about being rich enough to just drink every day with no financial repercussion – it’s called Wino Rich. I have another song about addiction. But it’s not my main focus, just a minor influence. I really put it there because I though it would add to the ambiance of my character composition.

As far as metal vs Americana. I’m trying to convey that I don’t really listen to Americana even though that’s what ends up being written by me. I kind of do now since that’s what I ended up starting to write my music in. But, previous to that I never listened to Americana. My go to listening is 80s thrash metal. But I’ve played in and listen to bands in many genres including 90s country, jazz, 80s hair band, polka, barbershop quartet and classic country. When I list my favorite artists they are: Iron Maiden, Billie Joel and Alan Jackson. I like to think that all of that is influencing my writing.

When I do an original showcase, I have a huge variety in sound, sometimes it’s a straight country 1-4-5, sometimes a nice finger picking mellow tune, sometimes blues, sometimes very indie rock, sometimes very 90s country leaning, sometimes very campfire folk leaning. My lyrics are crafty and clever to the point that I’ve been criticized that they want to hear a song or two with something deeper (I do have a couple of those songs as well).

Attempt #2:
Many disparate tastes in his Americana sound: 80s thrash, 90s country, traditional polka and jazz among many others – little pieces of each are all mixed in there with his clever lyrics.

Attempt #3:
Jason Bennett – those clever lyrics. Is he country? Is he folk? Is he indie rock? Yes, depending on which of his songs you’re listening to = Americana.