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April 24, 2008
Yesterday truly was a great day for me personally. I never made a secret of my love and respect for Vegas Dragons. The man and his music have touched me since the day he arrived. He had the will and determination to reach $50,000 on SellaBand and he did it.
He spent months in the studio with his long time associate Phil Tweed (another great talent) working on his SellaBand album. Yesterday the master of 'Lovingly Cruel' arrived at our office and the 14 tracks were blasting out of the stereo. Needless to say we were blown away. This is not an album for the faint-hearted, although it does have its sentimental moments.
Phil and Brian have done themselves proud. They had the vision and dedication and have made an album that is more than just one step forward from their previous work. Listening to 'Lovingly Cruel' made me realise why I joined Pim when he pitched me with his concept in the first place: the love of music and the desire to leave my footprint in the music industry.
Things didn't always go as planned and the concept still needs a bit of tweaking, but the basic principles still stand: fans invest in artist's music, artist gets the chance of a lifetime. Just like others did before him, Brian has risen to the occasion and the whole SellaBand experience has turned his world upside down.
Thank you Brian, for making an awesome record. And thank you for reminding me of the responsibility we have as a company to do the best we can for you, your music and those who invested in you. It's not that I didn't get the message already -ploughing through the Forum has not been a great pleasure lately- but you let the music do the talking.
Message understood...
January 6, 2008
Just got back from my Christmas break. Ever since I can remember I have spent New Year’s in the sun and this year was no exception. It also meant I took a break from spending serious time on SellaBand. This is something I need to do from time to time. I have the tendency to work around the clock (a habit other control freaks can probably relate to), but twice a year I log off and take a vacation with my family.
Creating some distance from time to time is never a bad thing. Lying in the sun on a sandy beach, the feelling that came to me the most was the realization that in 2007 we have proven that the basic concept of SellaBand really works: Unsigned artists find music lovers willing to invest in their professional recording. Along the way it seems like the outside world started to preceive us as the record label of the future and somwhere in time we decided to start acting accordingly. SellaBand is the music label of the future and in 2008 we will expand and release at least 10 albums that all people involved can an will be very proud of.
What we have yet to manage is to turn SellaBand into a truly great online platform. That, I think, will be our main target for 2008. But I have yet to consult Dagmar and Pim to see if they agree with me, hahaha...
The last quarter of ’07 has been very productive. I’m extremely happy and proud that partnerships with The Orchard, Sega and Hyves, to name but a few, are leading the way for things to come. The year ended on a high with the Heineken and Amazon deals, high profile media attention as a result, and Bulletproof Messenger being the 12th artist to reach 50K.
And here we are in 2008. Woke up this morning, only to find SolidTube in the Recording Artist Section as well. I love these guys for their endurance, musical talent and their business skills. Keep a serious eye on these Austrians, they might become a shining example for other aspiring artists on this platform. Plus they had been around for more than six months before they really started to dig SellaBand and went for it. Again, this could be a lesson for other bands as well, as Mark Knopfler would say: Here on SellaBand you don’t get Money For Nothing...
So it’s 2008 and the first quarter of the year my agenda is crammed with important dates already. There is Noorderslag, MIDEM, the Nemesea Tour, The Orchard gig. And I want to visit Vienna Calling and SellaBand New Mexico Festival as well. So many events and so little time already. And let’s not forget that this first quarter will see the (long awaited) release of at least 4 SellaBand albums: Clémence, Lily, Mandyleigh and Maitreya. From what I’ve seen and heard, these records will not disappoint. They are further proof that the model works and that we are indeed the label of the future. Can’t wait to share this music with the rest of you and show the world what this community is capable of...
October 24
New Blog, October 24
I'm not a prophet, fact is nonetheless, I canceled "In the City" (an annual music industry gathering that took place last weekend in London) weeks ago. Glad I did, since the Flu, which kept coming back like once a week, backlashed on me in a major way, last Thursday. Fortunately I was pampered by the most beautiful nurse one could think of (and smoothly prepared when treating the sick;-) But it made me think, though... Am I working too hard? One thing is for sure, I'm traveling the globe like a maniac. Would be great for my airmiles, if only Easyjet had such a program...
Mind you, I'm not complaining. This is a great life. It's exciting, there are new challenges everyday and there's never a dull moment. Two things that stuck me on the plane back from London (which is almost becoming my home away from home). One is that I realized that I'm learning new things. Having managed companies and teams for a long time now (since '88, in fact) it's a fantastic thing to find that this company and experience is so different from what I've done in the past that there is no such thing as business as usual. Meeting new people, spreading the word, and closing deals is the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Business wise that is of course. The other thing is that it is great that although I'm away quite a lot, at SellaBand HQ we have gathered a team of people who are not only professionals but also fantastic human beings. Whenever I'm away (or Pim or Dagmar for that matter), we update each other on new developments and things that are going on online and at the office.
A lot has happened since SellaBration, especially also on the site. First there was my great friend Brian and his Vegas Dragons at 50K, next came the wonderfully talented Julia Marcell. These are the kind of people that make you want to work hard and make this company succeed. Next we had the turmoil on the Forum and things quietened down after the presentation of the Business Plan. Or rather, the presentation of an alphabet full of plans and ideas that we want to see happen in the next 12 months. At the same time I saw some artists lost faith. Not in themselves (hopefully) but in their existence on SellaBand. People like Outrance and Emily's Playground, both personal favorites and actually the type of artist we had in mind to succeed on SellaBand, when we launched last year. Then again, I've always known that this concept would not be for everybody. That's the beauty of it all, you have the right to leave anytime without further notice. Just like we have the right to kill an account whenever we feel fit, but that's a whole other story. And while we see people leave, we also see new arrivals settle in with remarkable ease. It tells me that we are very fortunate with this open minded community of ours. Open minded and outspoken. I feel privileged that so many people reach out to me with their concerns and ideas and hardly an incident or development goes by without me finding out, somehow. Thanks to the many friends and like minded music lovers that I have met on this thing called SellaBand, that we created together.
Do I sound soft? Could be. I was driving home today from work and noticed the first X-mas decorations on the way. They're early, I thought, but then I realized it's October 24 and X-mas Eve is only 2 months away. It got me in the right spirit to write this blog and upload a new pic. It's a very private one, but I have a special meaning with it. The holidays are coming and soon I'll be busy promoting Gift Parts. Which is my job. But at the same time I want to use this page to draw your attention to something different. With all the festivities going on an giving presents to our loved ones, it would be good to think of other people too. Harmless children in third world countries, for example. Who have to suffer from prostitution and child labor. An organization like ChildRight tries to stop the exploitation of innocent children. Go to www.childright.nl for more information and when you do buy some Gift Parts, please think of them too...
July 6
Holiday Time...
Yes folks, in the next couple of weeks I hope to find some peace and quiet as I will be away from the office and will try to spend my time without my computer and cell phone.
What a hectic time it has been. The past months have been very healthy for my frequent flyer miles, but having been in this game for a while I have learned that there comes a point where you simply have to switch off for a few weeks and reload your battery. This is the time.
My last 'big mission' before the Summer break was a trip to New York where I think we have now been able to lay the groundworks to make serious inroads to that huge territory. We've found local representation, we've found a really good PR company and we've been meeting with potential sponsors who have all responded in a very positive way to what we would like to achieve in the US. In the meantime it was very encouraging to hook up (again) with Maitreya and his production team and to see that Lily has found a great 'home' to produce her album as well. Second Persons record is mastered and waiting for the video to be ready, Clémence could be finished as soon as the end of July and from what I hear and feel, Mandyleigh will be making some important decisions in the coming days and weeks as well.
I know that the times that lie ahead will be equally hectic and I'm really looking forward to it. SellaBration '07 will be the launch of Year 02 for SellaBand and our main mission will be to prove that Phase 3 of our concept can also be achieved. I said it before, but just to re-iterate. Phase 1: Proving that it is possible to find a recording budget of $50,000, funded by your fans. Check. Phase 2: Proving that with the Experts and help of SellaBand it is possible to make a really good, quality album. Check. And now Phase 3: proving that as a SellaBand Recording Artist it is possible to get to the next level in your career and make a few heads turn in the music world and for Believers to earn a few bucks because they made all of this possible. That has been our long term commitment from day 1 and we have no intention to call it quits until we have at least proven Phase 3...
I'm leaving the office in the knowledge that in the next few weeks SellaBand will be in the safe hands of the other members of the team. That is a fantastic feeling, to be around people everyday who share the same dreams and ambitions. It's been a great first year and something tells me that although it will be difficult to top it, year 2 is looking equally good...
May 15
SellaBand is 9 months old today, hurray! Man, where has all the time gone?All I can think of is how this little concept of ours has changed my life and that of so many others. I just realized that I wrote my last blog over a month ago. And if I remember it well I dabbled something about being busy and exciting times. Well, if April was busy, than May is just downright crazy. It's crazy, it's total chaos, but it's also very good.
Apologies to those who are used to my swift replies. The pile of e-mails is stacking up every day and it's getting harder and harder to keep up. But I ain't complaining. In this month alone, I've been or will travel to Germany, Denmark, France, Belgium and the UK. And all of my travels have to do with either promoting SellaBand, closing deals, exploring partnerships, or a combination of all three.
The month of June is going to be a moment of truth for us.
Here's some of the highlights that I have pencilled in my agenda:
1. Our second showcase on June 5 in London
2. Launching our SellaBand Store + Download Portal
3. The long awaited release of Nemesea's album 'In Control'.
4. Cubworld's album being released as well.
5. Being part of Concert At Sea on June 30.
6. Picking up Brian the Dragon at Schiphol Airport on June 3;-)
And in case you are worrying about my well-being; there's another date pencilled in my agenda: July 7, as me and my family will head for the South of France for three weeks of well deserved holidays. No internet, or SAB for 21 long days. Scary thought, actually...
And there's another scary thought. My holiday is only some 50 days away and by that time we will all know so much more. Stage 3 of the SellaBand process will be well underway. Stage 1 was building the community and proving that $50,000 was well within reach for artists. Stage 2 is organizing, producing and manufacturing some quality albums. Stage 3 is sending them out and being in business together with Bands & Believers. My the time I get to write my next blog, Stage 3 has already begun...
March 30:
So I went to Paris yesterday, but forgot to bring my camera. Damn, now I don't have any living proof that I actually sat down with Clémence, had lunch with her and her wonderful parents and that we spent three hours or so talking about her plans and ambitions and trying to paint a picture of what her SellaBand album may sound like.
You'll just have to take my word for it that it really happened! And you know what, perhaps it's a good thing that I have no pictures of myself with Clémence, because perhaps that would be a little too hard to handle for Walter B and EmpireOfOne...
But, I can assure these two generous Believers, as well as all other people who have bought Parts in Clémence, that something great is going to come out of this. I've heard all her French songs and there are a few bona fide hitsongs among them. As well as a couple of really cute album tracks and some other songs that showcase her astounding vocal abilities. But Clémence wants so much more. She is one of the very few French artists I have met (and Believe me, in my time I have met dozens of successful French artists), who is fully aware of the limitations of her language and musical heritage. And is completely open to go the other way, in order to make her music travel.
And that, my friend, is the gameplan. Let's make Clémence go Global. Is that possible for 50K? We'll have to wait and see. This girl has the talent, the intelligence and the ambition to go very far. If SellaBand an be her first step on the way to world domination, than I will be more than happy to say: Mission Accomplished.
As always, I will keep you posted!
March 22:
Just got back from London where Dagmar and I checked out potential venues for an upcoming SellaBand Showcase (still a big secret, so please don't tell anyone else!) and spent a whole afternoon with Mark & Julia from Second Person and A&R Meister Adam Sieff and Production Virtuoso Tony Platt. We discussed the whole timeline with them, as well as what exactly they want to put on their album. We also spoke at length about the coming months, when we are preparing the launch of the download portal and the release of the first SellaBand CD's. I've said it many times before, and I'l say it again: these are exciting times. But, these are also very busy times. With Nemesea in the studio, Cubworld about to start his recording process and Second Person eager to dive in as well, we now also have to look south and go to Paris soon, where Clémence is 'very impatient' to get started with her album! But hey, you won't hear me complain. I mean, we are so damn busy, because things are going great for SellaBand and because, 7 months after launching this platform, we have 4 recording artists and get dozens of media requests every day from all over the world.
Sometimes I have to give myself a reality check. I mean, last Tuesday, while we were in this pub, a reporter from BBC Radio 1 stopped by and asked if he could interview me. Sure, why not. And I gave him my routine answers. Only to tell myself afterwards: man, this is frickin' Radio 1! As Nicky Wire from my favourite 90's band Manic Street Preachers once told me: "You only matter if you've been on Radio 1."
Don't worry, there is no time to start walking around with my head in the clouds. But one of these days, I will sit myself down in my living room, will poor myself a nice glass of red wine, drink it slowly and will say to myself: "So far, so good. Ready for Round 2..."
And then it's back to work!
March 12:
Another really exciting day in the (short) history of SellaBand. Second Person reaches 50K! From the moment this professional band from London decided to join our program, we knew they were going to get there. I was just a matter of when?
What a great day it has been so far, to watch all the fun and conversations on SP's page. High time we developed a live chat session thingy;-)
And you know what, we have another exciting 24 hours ahead of us; which 10 artists will make it onto the Part2 CD?
For now we raise a glass to Second Person and their Believers, what a fun bunch they are!
Dagmar and I will be meeting the band in London next week at their gig. Time to talk about budgets, timelines etc.
These are exciting times indeed...
Update February 21
Morning, everyone. It's 7 AM on Wendesdaymorning but I am wide awake and just had to write. This trip to New York has been a real blast so far. Meeting producers with Jake, visiting studios with him and to just watch hs sheer excitement is such a rewarding feeling. He and I are now 100% certain that the Cubworld album that we are going to make is going to be really, really special. There are highly rated professionals who are eager to work with him and keep telling him how good he is. Even my friends at Sony Music Studios have called for a meeting, simply because they dig Jake's tunes, and this, my friends, is probably the biggest and most fancy recording studio in the world. I mean, Jay Z and Beyoncç call it their home away from home...
Have a look at the new pic that I've just put up. It was taken last night by Maitreya's girfriend Pebbles, while we were having drinks at the roof bar of our hotel. It's difficult for me to discribe how I felt, because meeting up with 'our' artists is what makes SellaBand a reality to me. So, sitting down with Rob and Seth from Wetwerks, Jake, Mighty Maitreya and Lovely Lily (yes, male Believers, she did hug me and kiss me on the cheeks!) was probably the highlight of this trip, so far. And while these genuinely talented artists were exchaning their experiences and kept throwing their prais for SellaBand at me, I just kept thinking: 'Damn, I wish Pim, Chris and Dagmar could be here with me to join in the festivities.'
We had a great night, New York is home to some of our best and warmest artists and it's great to know that in the months to come, when either myself or any other member of the SellaBand Team will be coming back here, we have some real friends down here, who are eager to meet us.
Today is pr-time. A couple of meetings with potential sponsors and a TV interview with Jake and Maitreya for a brand new channel who want to know all about SellaBand, so I better get going, get dressed and have some breakfast.
Feel free to drop me a line, anytime...
Update: February 06, 2007:
Back to the old picture with a more business feel, because that's the mood I'm in right now. These are crucial times for SellaBand. With two bands ready to hit the studio, the Forum almost done and one or two cunning competition to be announced, these are not only busy times, but also important times. Here at SellaBand HQ, we are all aware that the 'proof of the pudding is in the eating'. The concept was the recipe, but the artists recording their album is the so called pudding. We will do everything we can to make these records as hot and tight as possible. Because, the next thing is, they will have to be eaten... So, we will be putting those records out, are negotiating promotion partnerships, lining up ad-agencies to sell banners and are talking about the design of the download portal. All very crucial elements. Six months from now we will know where we stand, and while this still seems like a long time away, there is so much work to be done, that we have no time to waste.
Next thing on my mind will be my trip to New York. I'll be seeing lots of people and will introduce Jake (Cubworld) to my circle of industry friends in the Big Apple, and will hopefully hang out with Lily and Maitreya, too. Any other New york bands or Believers who wanna meet me, just give me a shout and we'll work something out!
Update: January 25, 2007
This picture was taken last Summer by my then 4 year old son (he turned 5 in December). Happy days in Greece with my family. Cue six months later and SellaBand is taking a course of its own. Since our official launch on August 15 2006, so many good things have happened to us, and the good thing is that we all feel that the best is yet to come. Now that Nemesea's production team is all set to go, Dagmar and I have time to concentrate on our big American friend Cubworld. We want to hook him up with a team of pro's as well and for this purpose I will be flying to the Big Apple next month, to meet him and a number of producers, studios and A&R folks he might be working with.
I'll keep you all posted of course, but one thin is for sure; these are exciting times indeed!
Expand 
WetwerksProud to be the first ever Believer in this hard rocking band. They're not only good musicians and excellent songwriters, but they're cool guys too. I know, cos I've met them...
To me Wetwerks is the best unsigned band in the universe. Can't wait to work with them on their SellaBand album...
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Recording
| Artist | Believed | Parts | ||||
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Gisel - THANK YOU! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOUUUU!!! I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!! | 20.08.08 | 1 | |||
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AIOIA*Progressive Rock_50K!!!Thank you dear Believers! We love you! | 01.08.08 | 1 | |||
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Electric Eel Shock (EES) | 02.05.08 | 1 | |||
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Angie Arsenault | 24.04.08 | 1 | |||
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Ellie Williams | 13.03.08 | 1 | |||
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LUNIC | 22.01.08 | 1 | |||
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Thomas Boissy | 18.12.07 | 1 | |||
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LAdy hAidEe | 15.09.07 | 1 | |||
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BulletProof Messenger | 22.03.07 | 1 | |||
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So What | 18.01.07 | 1 | |||
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Francis Rodino | 07.12.06 | 1 | |||
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Daniel Ward-Murphy | 28.10.06 | 1 | |||
Post comment
Sep 04 2008 16:35 CET MOPI
Hi!!
Please have a look at our side… in page information. There is some note about Mopi from world music producer, mixer, musician, Paul Lani.. WOW ;)!! We would like to share with you good news!
All the best,
Mopi
Sep 03 2008 11:53 CET Katie Thompson
Hi Johan
I've been on SAB for 1 MONTH tomorrow & to celebrate I will put up two new songs. So hopefully you will get to hear not only the new ones but my old ones also.
I've been doing pretty well in the Fast Movers & Hot New Acts - so I hope you will check me out!
By the way - I love Vegas Dragon - Brian has been wonderful letting me know the do's & don'ts.
Cheers for your time Johan
Katie xx
Sep 02 2008 22:02 CET The Collaboration Project welcomes artist 'NATALIA'. 3 (!) New Collabs now on the player! See BULLETIN for new song offers - and we need more 'Groupies' :)
Dear Johan, (hah, thats bad, this is just spam, even worse, its from me, but the worst is: we know its useless :) )
as a believer in Natalia Safran you may have been wondering what she has been up to lately :)
Well, we can proudly reveal now, that she has been busy recording and even more proudly, that she has done 2 brand new collaboration songs.
Now live and with colours (ahem, white and grey) on our player.
Step by and have a listen :)
Sep 02 2008 14:13 CET SKITZO CALYPSO - Goin' For 9k!!
Very good! Work, play, work, play. ;)
Sep 01 2008 23:12 CET SKITZO CALYPSO - Goin' For 9k!!
How's it going so far? - Brad
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