Some of the most talented musicians in the world are unsigned and virtually unknown. In the past, ultra-talented performers have gleaned listeners primarily through live performances and mp3 distribution. The goal is to develop a loyal fan base through a grass-roots, word of mouth style marketing plan. The hope was to generate enough interest to get a recording contract.

Todays internet savvy musician is utilizing social network channels to accelerate this process. Done correctly, an online guerrilla marketing musician can generate millions of hits and song listens in as little as a few months. Top talent can catch fire with the online crowd instantly launching an unprecedented click storm on their content.

The nexus and undisputed king of artist showcase venues is the social network Myspace. With a specialized channel for musicians - music.myspace.com - creative bands and singer-song writers can launch new music and command a huge listening base virtually overnight. The result is a rapidly growing base of untapped talent that is surging by mammoth proportions.

The key to Myspace success is talent, not gimmick. Original quality music and unique riffs are the rule, not the exception. Listeners quickly lose interest with mediocre covers and poorly developed compositions. The artists that add "stage presence" to a sellable sound will quickly generate followers and the recording industry is starting to take notice!

Some of the fast movers in the Myspace "Top Artist" channel include:

Jessica Callahan - A young composer, singer, songwriter that plays the keyboards. Blind from birth, she offers a unique pop-rock sound with her all original music. The recording industry immediately started courting this unknown talent. Dave Koz of Rendezvous Entertainment recognized Jessica's gift and signed her to a three recored deal. From Myspace to your radio almost overnight! Tracks like "City Streets" and "Get Out of California" are destined for airplay.

Colbie Caillat - A sweet R&B based acoustic sound with a peppering of folk flair. Colbie's arrangements pull from classical, folk, jazz & pop roots. Surrounded by music from birth, her father, Ken Caillat, is remembered for Co-Production and Engineer credits on Fleetwood Mac's Rumours. Her unique breathy vocals and dynamic melodies command a loyal following of fans and listeners. Check out the track "Bubbly."

Gary Jules - Like a Phoenix, Gary has been reborn online. Gary released the album "Greetings From the Side" in 1998 that failed due to poor handling by the record label. In 2003 he recorded a cover of the Tears for Fear song "Mad World" for the soundtrack of the movie Donnie Darko. The song was discovered by American Television, and included in several popular series (CSI, ER, Without a Trace) generating a rush to discover Gary online. Take a listen to his new tracks, "The Devil Keeps Grinning" and "Gone Daddy."

Chantelle Paige - Pimping herself as cross-over talent that includes modeling, acting, and singing is understandable. This tall blond California girl recently released an EP of her edgy RB offerings through SnowCap. Her looks and talent have created a massive online following online that recently translated into a tour with the PussyCat Dolls.

Corey Crowder - This Georgia native plays a unique blend of folk, jazz, and country. Playing the guitar, his songs are acoustic originals that could be descried as a cross between John Mayer, Jim Croce, and James Taylor. Developing a strong listener base online has translated into an impressive tour of college venues, and the release of an 11 song CD. The single, "Heres Looking at You" is approaching the one million listen mark on MySpace.

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