CheekyChicago

First it was MySpace. Then it was Facebook. Nowadays, musicians and laymen alike take to Twitter to share rants, raves, promotions, and everything in-between. Twitter, which has gained popularity over the last year, has seemingly expunged the barrier that formerly divided celebrities and fans – well, the virtual barrier, at least. Communication via such social networks as Twitter removes walls – and often times mysticism – associated with famous musicians. I’ve compiled a handful of musicians whom I believe to be some of the most interesting to follow on Twitter. My only stipulation? No ghostwriters!

1. Trent Reznor: Is he or isn’t he?! The Nine Inch Nails frontman loves to keep his fans guessing, not only using his personal Twitter account to announce clues to NIN-related news, but he often announces his leaving Twitter, denouncing the network and (some of) its followers, only to reactivate his account weeks later and continue Tweeting. What can I say; he likes to keep things interesting.

3. Mandy Moore: Perhaps the aforementioned’s polar opposite, Mandy Moore maintains an active Twitter account, and she makes my list for a different reason: no one likes to read relentless tweets of self-promotion, and Mrs. Ryan Adams seems to agree. The newly-married actress/songstress mixes topics on her Twitter account, discussing everything from music news, personal tidbits about her day, fashion advice, and well-wishes for her fans.

4. Lady Gaga: Music’s latest sensation connects with her loyal fans — ahem, “monsters” — on her Twitter account (if only one-sided), through keeping them updated on her tour and shopping go-tos. And how else would we have known that she enjoyed a pre-show Judas Priest burger last week at Kuma’s Corner?

5. Rivers Cuomo: As if you couldn’t guess from his comical lyrics, Weezer’s frontman has one heck of a sense of humor. An active Twitter user, Cuomo updates frequently — and amusingly. Instead of bombarding his followers with constant Weezer news (we have a website for that), Cuomo posts updates like these, which were all written today: “Who here has tried their wives’ breast milk,” “Yoshimi can battle my pink robot anytime,” and “Thank God for girls.” Enough said.

*Sadly, Jay Reatard passed away in his sleep on Wednesday. We send our thoughts to his family and fans and choose to keep him on this list as initially intended, honoring his colorful personality and contribution to music.