Introducing (1)… Magnus
Who is Magnus?
“I am called Magnus G. Wheagar, commonly known as Magnus- born in the village of Yekepa, Nimba County, Liberia. I became refugee at the age of nine in 1990 due to a civil war that broke out in my country at Christmas eve December 1989. My brother, sister and father were killed by a bomb that exploded in the house they were hiding in at the beginning of the war. Today my mother and I are the only survivors of my family. That may explain my song FOR MOM (listen at http://www.myspace.com/magnusmuzic). Several times I was extremely lucky when drugged rebels told my mom and me to run for our lives. They gave us 20 seconds ahead before they would start shooting at us like we were rabbits. Another time I was standing with two friends at a place when these bastards opened fire at us and killed my both friends- one at the left and the other at the right of me. I only got a striking shot in my leg and shoulder and they left me alone. That drove me and my mom constantly on the run, hiding to save our lives. Sometimes people say for every disappointment in life there are always blessings to come. Nothing last forever cause there is time for everything under this sun- a time to suffer and a time for joy. 
There must come many blessings on my path. In my musical career I always knew that one day I will be known by people from all parts of world who gonna help and support me. Music is a gift I discovered in me since I was a kid. Like so many other artists in Africa, I started singing in the church were I got most of my experience. As a refugee I started music as the means to get my basics needs, like food, clothes and shelter. I am grateful to God, He gave me my voice and the gift to compose and write. “
How tough are the circumstances you currently have to deal with?
After all the struggles, pains and stress as a refugee wondering around, today I am a singer, composer and writer. The help of my Dutch friend Willem who saw the talent in me, brought me back to the world of happiness. Till then I had to survive at $1.00 per day. Now I have food every day, and a place to sleep, that is how I presently live in Guinea/Conakry after recording 10 tracks in a studio called JLK in Sierra Leone. Next week I will travel by bush taxi (with 11 people in one station car) to Liberia where I’m gonna give a copy of my recording to our beloved new president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female president of Africa. This again is a highlight in my life.
I can say, the only thing that kept me a life strong, and that I can smile today, is the hope and courage to share my experience and dreams in music with the rest of the world to live in peace, unity and love because war is not the solution to our problems, grievances and ambition. War in Africa is mainly caused by poverty, and the immense greed of the weapon and oil industry.”
How did you find about Sellaband ?
“I found out about Sellaband through my good friend Willem, presently my personal manager. He created a website for me, and told me about SellaBand and I was very enthusiastic about this unique opportunity to carry out my message. Willem became my first Believer and many followed. Together with Lily he also placed me at MySpace where I can meet more friends and fans. Among my friends on MySpace is SellaBand itself and of course number one is Lily but also some more members like GD Allan, Nearfield, Kane Sole, Vegas Dragons and Simeon included me in their network. This SellaBand thing has already changed my life dramatically and all the kind support and messages from Believers as well as from my colleagues encourage and inspire me so much that I am convinced I shall succeed in my mission. I truly can say thank you SellaBand team for creating this one of a kind opportunity- finally a great chance for African artists to get global awareness and possible recognition.”
Tell us about “Save the children” project and how our community can help.
“The Save The Children project is a musical mission to attract the attention of the world to the desperate situation of children in Africa who are victims of devastating and immensly cruel wars. By doing so I hope to raise funds to support local grass root organizations on the spot to help where the needs are the highest. Let us at SellaBand, the new global music community, help the child victims of wars and maybe my song Save the Children can be the connecting ‘Xfactor’ to do so. As you know I’m a true witness and survivor of two bloody wars in West Africa and I know what it does to an innocent child who knows nothing when suddenly some group of armed men break into your home and massacre your family and loved ones, and put a gun into your hand and tell you to fight. You don’t even know what they are fighting for. I want the world to know that it is like hell on earth most especially down here in Africa. Time is running out and these child victims need our help, care and understanding. We need all the support we can get to help African child victims of war- financially, morally and logistically- most especially children from my country Liberia and Sierra Leone. Remember “Every day and every hour there are voices of innocent children crying. For this reason I have established the MAGNUS & FRIENDS CHILDREN FOUNDATION and hope that we as SellaBand community can make a new shorter version of the song ‘Save The Children’ including all kind of languages to spread the message for peace around the globe. For this we need the help of experts and Believers but in the first place the help of my colleagues to sing with me. It is not necessary to get the song released before Christmas but it would be a great symbolic gift at a very special time when people all over the world think about peace and happiness and have their hearts open to receive our message.”
Why should people believe in Magnus?
“I think people should Believe in me not because I’m the best buy in town but because of my determination and passion to spread the message behind my voice and melodies. I am doing music today not just for money but to raise fund for my project to invest in child victims of war, not only in Africa but also for the rest of the world. I think that is a legitimate reason to Believe in me. And I assure all those Believers who are investing in me that they will not regret a single penny they are putting in me. When I am successful they can proudly look their own children in the eyes and say- “I have helped Magnus to help them!”. Can you find a better reason?”
Who would you like to work with, if you got to the 50 K?
“For now I have no idea of who I’m going to work with but I hope when the time comes the people behind SellaBand will help me to make a good choice. It would be a great honour if one of my big African heroes like Youssou or Babaa would be member of the team. But if Diddy or Snoop would come around or Pussycat Dolls, I would not refuse, if you see what I mean. Also I strongly rely on advises from Willem and Lily and I know that all together we can make a fantastic product.”
Any other Sellaband artist you particularly like?
“If there should be anyone I think its Lily the Columbian/American treasure with the golden voice. I just like her style of singing- not only she’s beautiful but she is a good person and I want be frank, she’s helping me a lot. And I would personally like to extend my thanks and gratitude for all she’s doing for me and may God bless her. Also I would like to thank all other colleagues and Believers who sent so many positive responses to my project.”
Pick of the Week
Dennis van Leeuwen is a guitarist first and foremost and has graced countless international live-stages with his band Kane. They are by far the most successful Dutch rockband of the past 10 years, having released three consecutive multi platinum records. But Dennis is also a soundman and producer, helping many young and upcoming artists rise to the top. These are his three favorite SellaBand acts…
Although its a long time since trip hop has been around, I always liked the darkness in it and the fact that it wasn't really about songs, more about sounds Second Person gets the song back in trip hop. I like!
2. Slim Void
Never too late for a band with a great singer. Quality from Scandinavia, like always. Good luck to Slim Void, you got my blessing!
3. IGT
These guys have been one of the first Hip Hop acts to enter sellaband. Check out their track Yes Yes Y'all. If that wont make you bounce, I dunno what will!
Q + A
Luna Assassins
“What you’ve heard is just a taste of who we are.”
With over $2500 in budget they may as well be the next band to enter SellaBand’s Top 10. Australia’s Luna Assassins have one ambition: to become the Next Big Thing. It’s high time we shed some light on this cool young rock outfit, who found out about SellaBand via a car salesman in Sydney. Read on…
Who are Luna Assassins and how long have you been going?
Originally forming in late 2004, our intentions were to experiment with a funky rock style of music. Fortunately this ‘side project’, breathed a life of its own and Luna Assassins was born. The line up includes Josephine Polistena on vocals, cousins Ben Szabo and Pascal Carver on bass and guitar and their newest member Sevan Hanimyan on drums.
How did you find out about SellaBand and what made you decide to join?
“Our guitarist Pascal was shopping for a car and the car salesman asked him, “what do you need the car for?” Pascal said “I need a band van mate” And the car salesman said “your in a band, you should join sellaband”. When our guitarist came back, he told the rest of the group about it and we all though it was a great idea!”
What are your experiences so far?
“After being together for the last 2 years we have performed at many Sydney venues. Highlights include qualifying as finalists in the “World Battle of the Bands” comp 2006. Another great experience for us was hearing our music for the first time on radio air waves. Now several stations across Australia play our tunes and it’s awesome.”
Do you have specific ideas how to raise the 50k?
“Some of our specific ideas have included:
- Mailouts to our fanbase
- Spreading the word to friends & family
- Adding your logo to our websites
- Mentioning it at gigs
- Advertising sellaband at music stores that sell our EP!”
What are the band's ambitions?
“To be the next BIG THING!”
How difficult is it to conquer the world from Australia?
“We find it very difficult because we are so far away from the rest of the world. Living in such a highly competitive industry leaves only a small piece of the pie.”
Any other SellaBand acts you particularly like?
“Nemesea rocks, they have great dynamics and it grabs you from the start. We also have been listening to Lily, although we don’t understand her lyrically, her music has a beautiful latin flow to it. The Fakes are another great band that have the ability to create vivid imagery through their sound.
Why should people Believe in Luna Assassins?
“People should believe in Luna Assassins because WE believe in ourselves and our music. What you’ve heard is just a taste of who we are and what we have to offer….. So, show us your support and become a Believer!”
www.sellaband.com/luna_assassins
Introducing (2)… Vegas Dragons
Although very difficult to categorise, one common denominator describes the music of Vegas Dragons best: it ROCKS! And this Australian band is very active as well, pulling Believers in as if their lives were depending on it .Telling his fine band’s story is Vegas Dragons’ CEO, Brian Taylor.
Tell us a bit more about Vegas Dragons, please…
“Vegas Dragons is a very ambitious rock band from Sydney, Australia. Our music is a combination of many styles including hard rock and heavy metal with a liberal sprinkling of pop, jazz and classical music. It has been described as “refreshing, original and very cool” by Adam Sieff (A&R expert from UK), “incredibly mature” with “rawness, versatility and excitement” by Johan Vosmeijer (Managing Director of SellaBand) and “great and original” by Onno Hoogendoorn (legendary SellaBand believer). We are very proud that all three of these people have invested in our band. We recorded their debut album “One life only” in 2005 and our follow up album “Shreds” was finally completed last week. Both albums were produced by musical genius Phil Tweed (also on SellaBand). We met him through friend Tiffany Gow (also on SellaBand). It would be a dream come true to record album #3 with him - a dream that would not happen for many years without SellaBand.”
How did you come to join SellaBand?
“It was a 1000 to 1 longshot. I happened to see a dirty sheet of newspaper on the ground on my way to a John Mayer concert. The headline read: “BUY INTO MUSIC’S STAR TREK”. I am a big sci-fi fan so I picked it up. It turned out to be about Sellaband! I believe it was our destiny to see that, to join and to reach the $50,000. We must thank God, Sydney’s MX Newspaper and the person who littered!”
It’s a long way to 50k. Any special tactics to get there quick?
“There is no quick way. However we are over 2% of the way there after only 2 weeks in. If we can continue to sell 50 parts a week we will be recording album #3 next year. We are living and breathing SellaBand 24 hours a day. It has become our obsession because we know it is the best chance for this band to step up to the next level. We are trying to think outside of the box to attract new Believers.
We are desperately trying to reach media in Australia and sell them on the concept of SellaBand and to help gain support for us - a struggling underdog from Sydney. We are spreading the word daily on line at myspace and on ebay (username:vegas_dragons). We try to be as creative and original on SellaBand as possible but above all we genuinely love and respect every single person who invests in us. To have a stranger place their hard earned money into us is a very moving and humbling experience. We know we are nothing without them and they will ALWAYS have a special place in our hearts.”
You’ve made two albums already, are you not looking for a record deal or have you just been neglected by the labels, so far?
“Originally we wanted a deal. We got some positive comments from the CEO of Sony Australia, Mr. Denis Handlin. He is a very caring gentleman who took time out to listen and we really appreciate his input. However to be perfectly honest we like that we are in control of our own destiny and even though we are poor – we own our music. One of the biggest attractions to SellaBand for us is that the ownership of Vegas Dragons #3 would be ours at the end of 12 months. That is very fair and unheard of in the music industry.”
What inspires you, musically and lyrically?
“Many diverse artists inspire Vegas Dragons. I personally love Billy Joel, David Bowie and Mozart as much as I love Pantera, Metallica and Guns n Roses. That is why our music may seem so schizophrenic at times. I take the lyric writing job very seriously. Album #1 dealt with a broad range of subjects such as love gone wrong, making the most of your life, the death of your soul mate and corruption by wealthy fat cats. Album #2 is darker in parts. ‘Hands of Love’ is about the disintegration of a beautiful relationship into domestic violence, ‘17 Steps’ is about abuse from a victim’s point of view and ‘Little Missy’ (our slow jazz song) is about child abandonment and loneliness. There are also many positive uplifting songs such as ‘Faith’, ‘Succeed’, ‘Lady Light’ and ‘The One. I am very proud of our lyrics. I spend a great deal of time trying to get them as perfect as possible.”
Why should people Believe in Vegas Dragons?
“If you consider SellaBand a “share market of artists” I believe we are a blue chip investment with excellent growth and profit potential. As CEO of Vegas Dragons I can assure our investors that the only way I will stop growing Vegas Dragons is if I die. I personally have invested my life savings into the band and I am selling off all my personal possessions to further our growth. All I ask is that you consider buying one part in us to see how we perform and how we treat you. If you are not happy you can move your investment elsewhere. We promise to work our guts out for our Believers and for SellaBand.”
www.sellaband.com/vegas_dragons
Weekly update
Chart analysis
As you may have seen on the news ticker, 20,000 Parts ($200,000) have been sold on SellaBand, since we went live on August 15. $50,000 of that amount is now transferred onto Nemesea’s recording account, but there is no denying that other artists have benefited as well. Cubworld, for example, has raised $15,000 in the month of November alone. And look at Maitreya, who has not even been with us for three weeks, but is already close to $4,000 as this edition of the Tribune goes to press. Most impressive of all, perhaps, is Belgium’s Sasha Vella, who joined less than a week ago, is already in the Top 20 and is on her way to $1,500. It’s really good to see somebody new do so well so quickly, proving that it is still possible to stand out and make yourself heard on SellaBand, amidst almost 1,000 other acts on the website.
New Year’s Party
but we did notice that Lily is closing in on the number three position, so it could be a close call after all. Who knows what will happen in the coming week. The final result will be posted in the next edition of the Tribune.
The Gift Part
Yes, it’s almost ready. In the next day or so, we will introduce The Gift Part. You will recognise it by the new shiny button (in X-mas season green!) on both the home page and the artist pages. The Gift Part works quite simple, you can either choose an artist or leave all options open for the lucky receiver(s). Obviously also the number of Parts you want to give can vary, and lastly you can either choose to send The Gift Part as an online-link or make a printed version and put in a nice envelope.
In the Press
A lot has already been written about SellaBand in the first 100 days of our existence, but we were particularly chuffed by an article in what is arguably Britain’s most prestigious news paper, The Times. A full spread in last Saturday’s edition claimed ‘We’re going to make you a star’. Here is a link to the full transcript of the article online.
Also in the UK, we have been featured on The Weekender, a Friday night art show on BBC Radio 2. Second Person, Daniel Ward-Murphy and Symeon Cosburn are all quoted in this report. Here is the link.
And finally, in New Zealand, a national radio show called This Way Up did a special report on SellaBand. NZ homeboy Maitreya was featured on the show and turned out to be the best Ambassador any company could wish for. Here is the link.
Believer initiative
Last week we told you about Paulo Valente, who made a Portugese translation of the How it Works pages for us. This week we noticed that another Believer has come up with a cool initiative. Belgian music-lover Funfile is trying to get his favorite SellaBands on National radio in his country. Studio Brussels is by far Belgium’s coolest radiostation and they have a weekly chart, compiled by the listeners through online voting. Check out Funfile’s page and read about his inititiative. Are there any other countries where Believers can set up a similar action? Let us know, because we are more than happy to report this in our weekly Tribune.
Nemesea diary
As promised, Nemesea have released their first video-diary. After visiting SellaBand HQ in Amsterdam on November 17, the band have been hard at work writing songs, crafting their sound and meeting people they would like to work with. We will, of course, keep you updated as well, but in the meantime, please visit their profile page and watch their great adventures…
I’m a Believer
No other Believer has invested in as many different artists as he has, so we were all very anxious to find out who is Onno Hoogendoorn (29). To get to the bottom of his invesment list on his profile page is an achievement by itself. And you know what? Turns out he has already started a second profile page…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, please?
“Well, I live in a small village near The Hague (NL). My parents had a farm, but they retired about eight years ago. My passions include listening to music, reading (mysteries, thrillers, humor, literature and also non-fiction like biographies and books about technology and science), watching all kinds of movies (I love 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind') and enjoying the nature.
I work for an accounting firm, where I have a varied job which includes preparing annual reports and tax returns for small businesses, some consulting work and helping fix computer problems that my colleagues are having. Further, for fun, I have some websites including egobooster.com.
How did you find out about SellaBand?
“One morning I heard on Dutch radio about the success of Nemesea on SellaBand. I made a note of this and that evening I visited the website and soon started to Believe.”
Nobody on SellaBand has Believed in more different artists than you have. What made you do this?
“I started by Believing in Cubworld, Second Person, Lily and other artists in the top of the charts. Then I discovered that there was even more ear candy on SellaBand and I couldn't stop myself from buying parts in the future releases of some great artists. I feel that Believing in artists with great music but with few or no Believers yet is quite important -- first as an encouragement and as a ‘thank you for the great music’, but also as a message to other Believers that this is music worth Believing in.”
If push came to shove, who would be your absolute favorite, and why?
“I am very impressed with Vegas Dragons. Not only do they make great music -- an original, varied sound with great lyrics -- they also make you feel much appreciated for Believing in them. And you can see that they are behind their music 100%. Have I said that they make great music yet? I should mention that Sasha Vella and T-ka also got under my skin with their music. All other artists I bought parts in have touched me in some way with their music.
What does an artist need to draw your attention?
“I find the artists by browsing the profiles of other Believers, the daily charts and looking through the new artists on SellaBand. Unfortunately I do not have the time to do this every day or to listen to all new music, so it helps me if the artists have written something in their profile. Further, I have to admit that if an incentive is offered for Believing it does get me to listen to the music sooner, but the music has to stand on itself for me to purchase a part. If I hear a song that somehow ‘gets me’ I will Believe.”
Anything you would like to change or add to the SellaBand-concept?
“I am very happy with SellaBand as it is, but I would like to have the ability to sent private messages. And a personal jukebox would be great as well.” (Both features are currently in development – editor)
Can we expect to see you at our New Year's Party?
“I like to party once in a while, so I have applied for a ticket. If I am one of the lucky people to get one -- I will certainly be there.”