Free CD for Bands & Believers
Who will appear on first ever SellaBand album?
In November of this year, SellaBand will release a promotional album. We will put together a full ten track CD. This example of SellaBand music, will be sent to media and marketeers all over the world. Those 10 bands/artists that are on the first page of our search page at six pm CET on October 15 will each have a song on this album.
If you own one or more Parts from any of these Top 10 acts on Sunday, October 15, you can get a copy of this SellaBand album, free of charge!
So far we have been spreading the word on our concept through word of mouth and various press-releases, but now we want to take our communication strength one step further: Let the music do the talking. Therefore we will put together a full ten track CD, which will come in the same type of digi-pack that will be used for all our future recordings. This example of SellaBand music, will be sent to media and marketeers all over the world. We will also give it away as a promotional tool at various music industry gatherings in the coming weeks and months. In other words, we figure that this CD must be the place to be for all SellaBand artists. To make the decision-process as democratic as possible, as well making it the best possible sample of what SellaBand is all about, we have decided the following: Those 10 bands/artists that are on the first page of our artist index section at six pm CET on October 15 (that's noon in New York and midnight in HongKong), will each have a song on this album. Is this a competition? Well, it's actually more of an invitation to all SellaBand artists to motivate themselves and their fans to appear on page 1 of the search index. And this is good news for all loyal Believers as well. If you own one or more Parts from any of these Top 10 acts on Sunday, October 15, you will get the chance to order a copy of this SellaBand album, free of charge!
In the SellaBand Tribune, issued on October 17, we will publish the names of the artists that will be included on 'SellaBand Presents Part 1'.
Confessions of a Believer
There are about 2,000 people who have registered as Believer on SellaBand. Many of them are active, some of them are very active. One of these busy believer bees is Dushi A. We have tracked her down as Annick (29), a psychologist from Amsterdam. She loves discovering new music and is honoured to be the very first Believer to be portrayed in the SellaBand Tribune.
1. How did you find out about SellaBand?
A friend of mine told me about a friend of his who had an idea so simple that it was brilliant: it was the concept of SellaBand. At that time the SellaBand site was soon to be launched. I was very enthusiastic about this revolutionary mind-set of the creator, but it was not until I bought some parts that I was hooked up to SellaBand itself. To be honest, it is actually quite addictive!
2. What attracted you to the concept?
In the ‘old’ days, the music that eventually reached me had come a long way. A&R managers and producers had already made their judgements about the quality of artists and formed a narrowing tunnel towards the goal that these artists wanted to reach: to make music for their fans, make more fans and in that way make money. I think many good artists were never able to reach this goal, because they didn’t even get a chance. What makes the concept of SellaBand so special is that as a music fan you are not only allowed to follow the selection procedure from the start, but also to have influence on this procedure. We become A&R managers ourselves. Also, it is fantastic that any artist is able to be in contact with possible future fans from all over the world so directly. I can imagine that this is very hopeful and motivating. And off course, the concept of SellaBand is also financially very attractive for all parties. It’s a win-win situation. I find the concept an exciting and fun way of discovering new musical talent. And I like the ‘stock market’ metaphor. It‘s a business I, and I think a lot of people, have an opinion about and in which it is fun to take ‘risks’. SellaBand makes you emotionally attached to the artist you believe in. And the artist to you.
3. We've noticed that you were among the first to support Kane Sole, Cubworld and now Lenaluiz, three acts that are doing very well on SellaBand right now. Are you such a music connaisseur?
Since I can remember I’ve had this passion for music and for ‘studying’ music: its rhythm, its melody and the synchronization of instruments and voice(s). When I was little, I spend hours writing down the phonetic ‘words’ of foreign songs (nonsense words as I found out later), repeating the right pronunciation, the right melody and right rhythm sentence by sentence until I could sing the song literally by heart. Together with piano lessons, singing lessons and a couple of musical genes from my father this trained me, I guess, to listen very carefully and critically to (modern) music. I don’t know if you can call me a music connaiseur. It all started with a natural preference for interacting with music. Even the simplest conversation can be very hard and effortful sometimes, but music is like a magnet, it attracts my attention without the cost of energy.
4. What do you look for in an artist?
First of all the song has to catch my (emotional) attention. Strange enough the first sounds often tell me a lot. Off course this also has to do with taste. I prefer romantic, easy going, sometimes sad songs, with some kind of power in it. Further, I listen if the song is sung in tune. I also find it important that the ingredients of the song are symbiotically put together; like volume and rhythm of the different instruments and voice(s): the whole is more then the sum of its parts. My choice to become a believer has also to do with how seriously the artist takes it all. What kind of information is given? Something about the artists’ musical background and motivation just looks professional. So does a visual contribution that has got some consideration. It’s a fun, but also serious business. I would like my idols to stay motivated also after the goal of $50.000 has been reached. I think Kane Sole, Cubworld and Lenaluiz, among others, have these qualities. At least they give me that impression!
5. Any other new SellaBand acts that you would like to buy Parts from?
I think JusticeLevi can climb a long way on the ladder. They made a video that suits their song very well. You have to see it! I also love the piano music of Lola Perrin, especially her song ‘Island’ is very beautiful.
I hope more bands will sign up soon. There are so many talented people. I have respect for the courage of every artist who tries his luck on Sellaband!
Q + A
THE FAKES
“We Believe in the Power of Melody”
They sold their first Parts on September 25 and haven’t looked back since. It’s been a crazy week for The Fakes from France. Their spectacular rise on SellaBand begs for a further introduction. The Fakes’ music conjures up images of London’s Chelsea in the late Sixties, but bandleader Emmanuel reveals that he is 100% French...
1.Who are The Fakes
The Fakes were founded 4 years ago in London by Emmanuel (songwriter, guitarist and keyboards) and Thomas (backing vocals). We also managed to surround us by a bunch of talented musicians and artists whose names are Alex, Eran, Abhilash, Ivan, Pauline, Agathe, and Michael who all once participated in some Fakes' shows or creations. The Fakes believe in the power of melody and storytelling through unexpected song structures... Our goal? Bypass the public's hearing systems to sing straight to the hearts of people with some kind of bittersweet songs never written before.
2. How well known is the band in France?
In February 2005, with Haunted Eyes, we were elected Artist of the Month by Les Inrockuptibles one of the leading rock magazine in France. We were put on a CD and distributed nation-wide. Otherwise, we tour as much as we are able to. We recently did two sets in Singapore and Fontainebleau as part of INSEAD school festivals.
3. What made you decide to join SellaBand
I was desperately looking for ways to get a professional recording of The Fakes' songs and have them heard by the largest audience possible. I believe music is worthless if not communicated. So a classmate of mine, knowing how important this dream was for me, told me about SellaBand and I registered. I thought it was a great idea to put the songs on an artist platform and test it on a very diverse and worldwide audience. I am really happy people responded so well to them.
4. How on earth did you manage to raise so much money in less than a week?
The Fakes have been around for quite some years yet, and we received very good feedback on our songs from day one. So we told our friends and relatives about this venture and they confirmed their enthusiasm in The Fakes. However, more than half of the money we raised so far come from people we don't know... I am now very grateful to those who committed by believing in us so far. This is very encouraging because it somehow validates our artistic choices.
5. Are you determined to reach $50.000?
Not only I am determined to reach this target, but I am also continuing to compose and record new stuff that I will put online as soon as possible. I will also organise acoustic gigs in France. This will increase awareness of The Fakes' songs and hopefully turn into more believers, but it will also show people how warm the songs can be, even without the support of electricity!
6. Which producer/studio would you like to work with?
Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Divine Comedy, Pavement, Beck) and Dave Friedmann (Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev) are among the producers I admire most and I would definitely love to work with them if there is a mutual fit. Indeed I believe the producers have a key role in the creation of pop songs by advising on sound and telling what we should add or take out from a song. As for the studio, I heard from some artists interviews that some of them have really special vibes... So, why not Abbey Road? Just to see the myth!
7. What can people expect from an album from The Fakes?
An album from The Fakes will be a panoramic pop album. It will come through the hearing system and directly inflitrates the hearts of people with minimelodies that people will be singing under the shower. It will also be an multi-layer object that people will slowly discover by returning to it several times, exploring the notes, lyrics and sounds... Finally my strongest wish would be that people be able to interpret the songs according to their own lives turning The Fakes' first album into something like the soundtrack of a part of their lives.
8. Which other bands/artists on SellaBand do you like?
I listen to Headphone for the intensity of the atmospheres they created and to The Drift as they sing like their own lives would be at stake.
9. Do you have a special message for your Believers?
Nothing less than megatons of thanks to all those who believed in us so far! I want them to know that we are fully committed to making this album happen and that we hope to provide them with a return on their investments under the form of money, and hopefully graceful songs they will carry with them for the rest of their lives...
Pick of the week
With the introduction of the SellaBand Charts later this week (watch the Newsticker for the exact release details), we will also introduce a weekly podium for our Experts, to tell you what they think of the bands/artist on SellaBand. The Charts will be updated daily, but once a week we will include the selections of one of our Experts. Their assignment will be to choose their Top 3 of SellaBand artists with a short motivation. Their name(s) will then shortly after appear on the artist page(s) with 1 Part donated by SellaBand.
The first expert to choose his Picks of the Week, is Dutch A&R executive Menno Timmerman who has spent much of his working life as music expert for BMG and Warner Music and is now a free lance consultant for the Dutch music industry.
1. Daniel Ward-Murphy
This guy not only shows pure craftsmanship in writing great songs. He’s able to take it to the next level as well, by using song structures that are not too obvious (catchy though !) and adding intriguing strings to his music. Besides all this the songwriter is blessed with a characteristic and unique voice.
Listen to “She’s a knock out” and let him knock out some more believers as well.
2. Nemesea
Holland has built a great reputation on Gothic driven rock bands and quite a few are successful abroad as well. Within Temptation, After Forever, just to name two. Nemesea has already gained a great group of believers, so it seems that there’s room for more. Enjoy the song “No More” on SellaBand, that’s what I did.
3. Danny Vera
Chris Isaak’s nephew seems to be living in Holland. If you like American roots music, check this guy out. With great respect to this musical tradition and with a smooth warm voice you could melt down and become a believer.
In his own words... Cubworld
Jacob Kongaika is a rising star on SellaBand. Under his artist name Cubworld he is not only gaining in budget really fast, but is also making more new friends than almost any other artist on our website. We’ve asked him to write a little story about himself for the Tribune, so here it is: Cubworld in his own words...
“Hello friends. My name is Jacob Kongaika and I am the musician behind the name "CUBWORLD" I am 26 years old. married with two little beautiful boys. I can always remember in my home having music. My dad was once known as the Tongan Elvis. LOL. My mother and him would often sing for us kids. In elementary schools I was always in choirs and again in high school I was in a group I followed my older brother into. For years I tried to copy my brothers classical voice and I got it down pretty good. I give much thanks to my brother for being my musical example. During this time though I got turned on to more types of music.
A little more background, I was born in American Samoa raised in Tonga till I was 11 then moved to Hawaii and lived there till 2006. In Tonga all the music I heard was reggae and hip hop. It's funny to me that the first rap tape I owned as I remember was an ICE CUBE album. I was around 8 and had no idea what he was talking about but I got hooked on beats and the sound of rap. I also got hooked on Bob Marley and UB40 before I left Tonga.
When I moved to Hawaii I had never heard alternative rock. While following and mimicking my older brother some close friends opened my eyes to three particular bands that still have roots in my music. I have since put my own twist on my sound and music but these champions are the inspiration to the start of my Cubworld style. Silverchair, Oasis, and Nirvana.
I especially got hooked on the slow ballets that these bands would pull out. Silverchair and Nirvana opened my eyes to rock in general while Oasis made me feel the need for smooth vocal execution and lyrics. I am most currently influence by Jack Johnson, Coldplay and, Dave Mathews.
I just graduated from college with a Bachelor in Fine Arts June 2006 and at the pinnacle of my time in college I was required to put on an art show so I planned to do things a little different. My passion was not just for art but also for the "ARTS". Visual and Audio, so I put togetherSong writting comes very random to me at times and sometimes hits me like insperation. My big Tongan fingers cant stop me from playing the guitar and the keys and I am in no way a master but I do know that it is a need for me to express myself through art and music. It is nice that others can enjoy my passions with me and I am very humbled. I want to keep my believers pumped and supporting because the truth is that I have over 10 solid songs and I am ready for recording. My current album was recorded in the room of my two-bedroom apartment and turned out great but I would like to take it to the next level and that is why I am so excited about SellaBand. SellaBand is like a bank account set apart for my dream.
Eventually I will reach my goal with the help from believers.
Please keep supporting and listening in. Thank you.”
www.sellaband.com/cubworld
Introducing... Szylvia
When we launched SellaBand, we had to define the musical genres on our search engines. Anything, from acoustic to gothic, from hiphop to black metal sprang to mind. We even thought of jazz, but classical? Well, why not? Would we be able to supply the right orchestra, producer and studio for a classical diva? Yes of course! Especially when they are as gifted as Szylvia. Szylvia writes poetry and children’s books (for which she has already received various awards), but most of all she is an extremely talented singer, who brings a light touch to the classical genre. Some call it crossover, others may say MOR, but the truth of the matter is that everything that Szylvia sings and writes comes from the heart. She now lives and works in California. Last year she won the Independent Adult Contemporary Artist of the Year award from the LA Music Awards. Szylvia: “This has given me a lot of positive attention and has opened some doors and has gotten me more fans. I sing in Italian, English and Spanish. I just want to deliver beautiful music. In addition to singing, one day I would love to have my own charity that will help people. Reaching my goals as a recording artist is something that I will make happen.”
Uplifting music
And that is where SellaBand comes in. “Hopefully with the help of SellaBand and all of the people (believers) who love my music around the world I will achieve this goal sooner. I just keep growing as a person and as an artist. I am really excited that as more and more of my friends learn about SellaBand that I will just keep getting closer and closer to reaching the goal. I joined sellaband to have an opportunity to make an incredible album with a team of people who are experts in their field and to let more people hear my music around the world and to get involved with my music. I want to make a positive difference and inspire people with my uplifting music and all I do in my career as a recording artist. I believe that sellaband is a great opportunity to take my music to the next level and let the fans (believers) share in the process as well as in the Album itself. I think the concept is awesome where believers can put in a little bit of money and are able to share in helping artists that they believe in to reach their goals.”
Writing skills
Szylvia is working very hard to achieve her goals and is teaching herself how to find her way to the top: “As a child I started singing and playing the guitar. I have been writing poetry for as long as I can remember. Recently I have taken my poetry writing skills (for which I have won awards) and focused on songwriting. In addition to writing and singing songs I have learned Pro Tools so that I can record and mix my own rough demos. Learning this has helped me understand the business better and has also given me greater respect for those who do all of the engineering. In this I have also learned how valuable it is to have a great team around me and that I cannot do it all alone. This makes me want to thankSellaBand even more.”