SO MUCH is going on here, I can barely manage to keep on top of things…and that’s a good thing. Just more for me to share with all of those out there looking for a few pretty cool ways to jump on the online marketing bandwagon and realize that you can sure as hell put the petal to the metal and get your talents out there.

On the music scene, we’ve got a few new developments which I would definitely check out:

Billboard has released what I would imagine is an annual “Musicians Guide to Touring & Promotion” which is basically a white pages of everything music related, broken down with contact information and organized by state-to state. A great resource for locating touring managers, studios, live music venues and more. It’s pricey at $12.99, but the information located inside is priceless.

Just a quick mention that my recent re-subscription to the much highly touted Rhapsody service also nabbed me a year-long subscription to Rolling Stone (as part of some cross-promotion, I’m sure). While the magazine is what it is, it’s still a nice surprise in the mailbox after singing up for a service that was never mentioned in the sign-up deal, but was a “hey, stay with us and get this free subscription” that showed a perfect understanding of demographics, and shows that traditional print can still be innovative in circulating their magazine.

I’ve recently launched a Vertical Horizon Fan Site that focuses on the bands earlier works, because they are not available anywhere at retail (the only way I know is to buy the various earlier releases via Amazon - and expect to pay for them, because they are that much in demand). The bands earlier works deserve attention, and it’s my goal to do just that. Please understand that the site is still a baby and needs some work, but I’m proud of the work I’ve done so far (Hint: most if their second album “Running on Ice” is streaming for you to hear via Imeem - for now.)

Bob Leftsetz had an awesome piece this week about the future of the major record labels. I know it’s hard for everybody to swallow, but he’s just another person, of people who really know what they are talking about, that are pointing towards the inevitable: giving your music away for free, and living off the other revenue streams: touring and merchandising. And what these guys sometime fail to mention is, making money touring and merchandising is easier to do than ever before. Just remember you can’t see a band for free or get a free t-shirt downloaded from Limewire. You just gotta play it smart.

A post over at Addison Road made me really jealous as it’s one I’ve been meaning to do for some time. I promise I’ll put one together that blows it outta the water soon, but in the meantime, here is one of the most important articles you’ll read while you’re waiting for the fans to show up.

Finally a shout out to epiTUNES, who has established a social networking site devoted to finding live music in your area. The network works in every way you can imagine a social network to, well, work, with the opportunity for bands to create profiles, add friends, network with other local bands, update their community with tour dates, sell their music, etc. Some parts are redundant social networking tasks (how many times can I name my “favorite movies & books”), but it gets the job done. I’m already getting friend requests!

So, even though we’re busy helping other artists get off the ground, don’t think I’ve forgotten about you; more marketing & promotion tips to come!