I recently came across this fantastic list of "The Most Influential Music Marketing Professionals on Twitter", as compiled by Michael Brandvold.

Whether you're an established Twitter user, or have a fledgling account and you're wanting some quality music-centric resources to follow, this is a great list. 

I've been following Michael Brandvold for some time, recently impressed also by his securing the Social Media management for Dream Theater, a band I've supported and been immersed in for close to 20 years. 

To access the list you must be a member of Klout. If you're not already a member, don't let this step stop you. It's worth the brief effort to signup.

Access "The Most Influential Music Marketing Professionals on Twitter" list here. 

I got up this morning to find two updates via Twitter which at first I saw as unrelated. On further thought, I believe they are closely linked...

The first was a great post titled "The Sad, Beautiful Fact That We're All Going To Miss Almost Everything". I strongly recommend reading the original article in full - it is a fascinating and thought-provoking read.

In very brief summary, the article comments on the reality that we will never come close to scratching the surface of taking in all that has been created before us. Even with the most dedicated effort, no one will ever have time in their life to read even a fraction of all the books which have been written, see all the films which have been made, hear all the music which has been composed.

As the article's title states, the sad, beautiful truth is that almost everything which has been created, even before we each grace the planet ourselves, we will never have the ability to take in.

A big realisation.

And the second post? An update from Mashable titled "Metal Band Teases New Drummer on Facebook To Create Buzz, Score Fans". This article refers to the steps taken recently by progressive metal band Dream Theater to create a "buzz" around the pending announcement of their new drummer, following the departure of Mike Portnoy (something I discussed back in September 2010).

Since Portnoy's announcement to leave the band, they have become more engaged in social media through the creation and active updating of personal band member Twitter accounts and an increased Facebook presence. In this latest move, the band's record label Roadrunner Records has encouraged fans to connect with the Dream Theater Facebook page and provide their email address, to receive updates on the announcement of the new drummer. A 3 minute video teaser is provided as a reward for signing up.

How did I see these two articles as related? It all comes back to what I see as a the most asked question of all musicians - how can my music cut through all the noise out there and find a listening audience?

Virtually every band now has a Twitter account, Facebook page and website to promote their music. Just like every other band competing to be heard.

The sad, beautiful truth is that so much of the world's great music will never find its audience. Unfortunately I don't conclude this article with the silver bullet, the solution to making the connection with a keen listener base. If I could, I would probably be sitting at my musical keyboard right now rather than the one that allows me to type these words!

Personally, I will continue to create, continue to connect and keep expressing myself. If what I'm doing connects with you, brilliant! Enjoy.