First of all I want to wish everyone a happy 2006.

It's a known fact that having a sence of community in our lives is very important but it's even more important for indie artists and bands.

Swimming upstream can be very tiring and we need all the support and encouragement we can get.

We live in a world that is losing it's sence of community.

The individual (at the moment) is cherished way above the endeavours of the collective group. Now, while I believe that individual and group efforts are important I believe that the balance between the two is very one sided. I think it's very sad that this is happening.

Quite simply human beings don't function at their fullest potential in anything by themselves. We need other people around us. That is the power of community.

I have mentioned in previous articles the power of networking and getting to know the indie music industry from the inside. The ongoing aim for all of this activity is so you can build you own community. A community of fans, like minded individuals, businesses and organisations that can help you, support you, enourage you and inspire you to do whatever it is that you want to in the music industry.

This is the very thing which we all have in common with each other - COMMUNITY. We all have our own communities and at the same are part of someone elses community even if we dont know it as yet. The secret is realising this fact and using this to your (and everyone elses) advantage.

Everyone has a skill or something that they can offer (even if it's words of encouragement). If I find someone that does wonderful work then I will use them all of the time. I want the people that I work with to grow with me and my work and this creates community.

I personally have a wonderful community of people, bands and networks that I can tap into and I am always on the lookout to expand on this.

I want this channel to be part of your community too and in doing so I am throwing open an invitation. If you have something that you want to add to any of these articles then feel free to put your comments down. If you have an article of your own that you want me to consider putting up on this channel then let me know. I am more than happy swap links with you.

If everyone in the indie music industry worked on inclusion rather than competition there would be networks upon network moving with each all helping each other reach the same goal. To be seen, to be heard and to be noticed. That would be cool.

If you are a indie music band you have a community to create around your band. If you are an indie music artist you have the same job ahead of you. If you run a business then the clients and other networks you deal with become your community.

2006 is going to be a great year. What is it going to be for you?

Until next time,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Indie Musician
www.coreystewartonline.com
www.soultradermusic.com
www.theliarsbench.com

For more articles check out "Corey Stewart Songwriting Tips"

Keywords: indie music, music band, music artist, music industry, music industry news, music industry resource, band promotion, corey stewart