Online music communities have become an excellent resource for music professionals, whether you are a record exec trying to find the next big star or a struggling artist trying to get your music heard. Online music sharing forums are a great way to connect people in all aspects of the business in addition to giving music fans access to new and exciting music.

The best online music communities offer features such as music uploads and downloads so artists can post and others can listen; blogs or forums to allow for discussion on the latest topics in the music industry; and links to other music-related sites, such as record company A&Rs, recording studios and more. When exploring music communities, consider the following:

1. Check out online communities for music that bring music professionals together.

2. Find music online communities that involve the listening public.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find online communities for music professionals

Whether you're a record executive looking for the next big thing, a record producer trying to get your music on an artist's demo or an artist trying to get a demo in a record producer's hands, online musician communities can be a great outlet for your career.

I recommend: Kvibe Productions is an interactive online music community where artists can link up with producers and listeners. Artists can get their music out to fans and record producers on the site, while producers can lease and sell their tracks to artists. SongRamp is one of the music communities online for musicians and songwriters. Members can sell CDs and digital downloads at the site’s store as well as interact with other members via blogs, forums and more.

Generate fans via online music communities

Fans can obviously make or break an artist and, subsequently, a record company, so getting feedback from listeners from the get-go on online music communities is a good idea.

I recommend: GarageBand allows musicians to post their music or merchandise, while music fans listen, download and review what they hear. The site also has charts of all musical genres that are based on reviews and contests posted on the Internet music site. GetPlayed gives musicians an online forum to get their music heard by the listening public. Site visitors then rate the music and make comments.

Connect with other musicians for music lovers through music online communities

If you're in the music business, chances are you've always had a passion for the stuff. Keep that passion alive with online communities for music that have the latest information on and music from artists in all musical genres.

I recommend: EksoMusic is an Internet music site for people who love music. Members can take part in forums on all sorts of musical genres, find music news and learn about upcoming concerts and events for artists. Last.fm lets you view and hear the latest music videos and music from all types of artists. Visitors can also search for music events in their town.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The websites of major music magazines like Rolling Stone and Billboard are also great online communities for musicians to keep your finger on the pulse of the music world.