The advent of digital music has changed the game. Record companies are scrambling to maintain profitability in a market that has been snatched from their grasp. Artists are taking back control over their music by signing with or creating independent labels, releasing their own projects and simply using major labels as distribution vehicles. Gone are the days of talentless, label-created, fluff monster "artists" selling 1.5 million copies of JUNK their first week of release. REAL music is finally making a comeback and is beginning to saturate the airwaves. I've died and gone to heaven!

With this newfound "control" comes an immense amount of responsibility. This new music community has to not only create product that is true to its own, individual styles, but also pay homage to the incredible musicians and musicianship of the past...without being too derivative. I suggest we all hop on iTunes or Wikipedia or Google the names and music of some of our musical "ancestors" and become students of music from a simpler time. Pay attention to structure and the instruments and voices that truly take you on an emotional journey within a song, from the very first note to the very last lick that prompts you to practically fry the volume control on your iPod just to hear it.

We are all a part of this new, music revolution. We've got an incredible opportunity in front of us to make music more accessible, more enjoyable and less a vehicle of the corporate greed machine. Support your local, upcoming artists by going to their shows and, if compelled, creating a buzz for them by networking with your friends around the world and, yes, sharing your discoveries. Artists, please redefine yourselves, study and practice your craft, and always put your HEART into the music you create. Everyone, let's take competition out of the equation. Music isn't competitive. It's all-inclusive! Together I believe we will put music back up where it belongs...as the single unifying force that brings people all over the world together. Music touches every single human emotion possible. That should be music's legacy...not profit or fame.

Let's get to work!