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50k: Who will be next?

 

When we started the preparations for Tribune 76, we had the unparalleled luxury of no less than 6 artists who are over $25,000 in budget. All on their way to 50K, but who will get there first, and why? We approached 6 dedicated Believers to inform us about why their favorite artist should be the next in line to enter the ranks of the SellaBand Recording Artists...

 

Utterly B. Groovy / Daniel Ward-Murphy

 

 

Who will be the next artist at 50,000?

“A tough one. I could see Dan being overtaken (again!) if So What manage to galvanise some young people into action, but I think Dan is very nearly close enough to the $50K Event Horizon that there may just be no stopping him soon. Of course, it really isn't a race, and Dan has been a slow and steady climber for a year or more now, so another few weeks to pull in yet more Believers won't hurt!”

 

Why should it be Daniel Ward-Murphy?

“I don't see any reason why it should be Dan next. There's nothing particularly special about being the 19th $50K Artist, or indeed the 20th. There might be something special about being the first natural 1000 Believer Artist though - Dan's on 720 Believers at the moment, with no special plans to go for 1000, but the No. of Believers is climbing almost as fast as his total. Who knows! For me, sure - Dan next please - it's been a long time waiting, but it's so going to be worth the wait ... worth the wait in gold!”

 

Walter Mulder - So What

 

 

Who will be the next artist at 50,000?

First let me tell you that I think all six of them deserve to make 50K as soon as possible and are a great addition to SellaBand. It might be a little fight but without a doubt So What will reach the magical 50K first, and I think they will get there mid or late April.” 

 

Why should it be So What?

Everyone who has seen So What live at "SellaBand All Access" will agree that this band has high energy and although they are very young (average age 20) they have a very professional performance and sound. These guys come from the rock city The Hague and will conquer Holland, and then the world,  but they haven't forgotten the streets. So What gave SellaBand some good press last year and will continue to do so. As many have pointed out their catchy songs have hit potential (Keep on Running and Passe Partout were sung loudly by the audience on SellaBand all Access). I firmly believe they can create the hit that SellaBand so desperately needs to grow further. So What has a very down to earth attitude but also a very ambitious 50K plan that to me looks very realistic. To be honest I don't understand why this band isn't in the recording artists section already!

 

Alex S / Nearfield

 
Alex s ------------------------------ Nearfield 

 

Who will be the next artist at 50,000?

“Of course I'm fingercrossing for Nearfield but as I look at the Stats I think Daniel Ward-Murphy will make it first, he's comfortably ahead of the others and will make it between 15th + 18th April. Behind him next will be either Lady Haidee or So What.”

 

Why should it be Nearfield?

“Nearfield should reach it, because their music is not 'everybodies' genre, and so it fits perfectly in the spirit of SellaBand. They continuously  change their songs and, as few people know I think, they have already published 56 different songs on SellaBand so far.”

 

Martin Nicholas / Tiffany Gow

 

Who will be the next artist at 50k and when do you think he/she/they will get there?

“I believe Tiffany Gow has the power and potential to be the next 50K Artist. She is currently positioned in 4th position and has gained significant and impressive momentum in the last month alone, averaging 1k every 5-7 days.I believe Tiffany will achieve her dream of 50K by the end of May this year, I would not be surprised if she achieves 50K even earlier than this date, her popularity is growing stronger each day.”

 

Why should it be Tiffany Gow?

“I really feel it should be Tiffany Gow as she is extraordinarily talented, has amazing vocal technique, is continually hardworking, will be internationally successful and truly cares for her believers interests at heart. She respects her Believers and considers all who have faith in her a very special member of "Team Tiff". She has a great positive attitude and truly believes in herself and her capabilities. Tiff's success is way overdue and I think it is the perfect time to allow this talented Aussie Rock Artist to shine and allow her the hard earned reward of 50K soon. Tiff Rocks !!!!”

 

 

Ron W / Lucia Iman

 
Lucia with Ron W's wife 

Who will be the next artist at 50k and when will he/she/they get there?

I think there are 3 candidates to be the next artist to reach $50k. Daniel Ward-Murphy, So What and Lady Haidee.

DWM because he's at $35k now and he is nearing the point where it all goes very quickly.

So What and Lady Haidee because they are selling lots of parts now every day, but they are probably too far behind to pass DWM. So DWM will most likely be the next $50k artist. And he deserves it. He has been active on SellaBand from the start and he makes great music. I think he will be at $50k in about 2 weeks, somewhere around April 15th.”

 

Why should it be Lucia Iman?

“It should be Lucia Iman because she's one of the most talented artists at Sellaband.

If you listen to Mr. Green or if you look at Lucia perform at "An evening with Sellaband" in London last year, you see what a great performer she is.

I listen to ‘Remember’, her opening song during "An evening with Sellaband", at least once a day and it still gives me goose bumps. Besides making great music, she must be the nicest person on Sellaband. She's attentive, always responds to mail and messages, always sends a "thank you" message when you buy Parts and she is a go-getter. She did not give up her dream when she had a setback some months ago when some Believers withdrew parts. She kept on being positive and thats what makes her a great person and artist. And although she should be the next artist to reach $50k, it is not likely to happen.

Her European tour in April and May will give her a boost and will result in reaching $50k before the Summer starts.

Lucia has a great musical career in front of her and if I were you I'd buy some parts in Lucia.”

 

Phill Sommersby / Angie Arsenault

 

Who will be the next artist at 50,000?

“Looking at who's hot I think Daniel Ward-Murphy has the impetus going right now to be the next artist to make the $50k. Its the month end and pockets are that bit fuller and Daniel has some enthusiastic believers supporting him and that might just tip the scales. Timescale - May 1st.”

 

Why should it be Angie Arsenault?

“From a personal standpoint - why shouldn't it be Angie Arsenault? No reason at all because lots of whats needed for Angie to be successful is now in place. Angie is getting good publicity at home and more Canadian artists are signing up to Sellaband - maybe as a result. As a singer songwriter Angie has a reservoir of existing songs ready for the big day. It's a team effort with Jocelyn (Angie's husband) providing all the back room support and with a UK tour in the Autumn and now over 300 believers all the ingredients are there. In Angie you have an artist that has always had belief in her own ability. I have never had any doubt that I was investing in a $50k artist. 2008 is going to be a big year for Angie Arsenault, and all her Believers.”




 

 

 

 

  

 

Maitreya's Release: It's Upon Us

by Logical one 

 

After much anticipation maitreya will release his SellaBand Album "Close To Home" this Friday, April 4th.  The album will be available for free download by all maitreya Believers at 12 Noon and maitreya will be holding a listening party at his website www.oneloveandlight.com at 12:30 along with the launch of an exciting promotions competition.  maitreya's shop will officially stock "Close To Home" at 4pm.

 


In true maitreya style, he has organized a substantial maketing campaign in his home of New Zealand to accompany the release of "Close To Home" on SellaBand.com.  He will have a cover mention and interview in leading Hip Hop magazine 'Back 2 Basics' and all purchasers of the magazine will be invited to sign up to SAB and download his digital album for free.  This is a fantastic opportunity for maitreya to spread the word throughout his home country, it is also a brilliant way to bring awareness and potential Believers to SellaBand.com.  It will however mean that there will be a slight delay between digital release and Believers receiving their LECD's. 

Now, maitreya's biggest Believer Logical One who has been lucky enough to hear maitreya's album is here to get the party started!

'WoW…'  that's the first word of the first email that I sent to maitreya after hearing 'Close To Home' – unfortunately for him – it wasn't even close to the last!!  :o)   I'll spare you guys most of it though!!  :o)   Packed way full of excellent songs and bunches of Extra Content , (I've heard 2 of the 4 extra tracks –  totally awesome!!!  As well as this a fantastic Sin City Remix Competition!) maitreya takes you on an incredible journey with him in this album from the totally overwhelmingly powerful 'Waitaha' and 'Loose Change' to the super cool, can't get it out of your head  'CHur To The CHur'  (you'll know what I'm talking about in a just a few days!!  :o)  'ch, ch, ch, ch, ch…').   then there are the maitreya classics like 'Sin City', 'Alone', 'Lotaluv', 'Been Around'…  (those are some of my favorite songs along the road to 50K so you've heard them before, but you haven't heard them like THIS!!!!  :o). 

 

 

Q + A: Moorlandt

 

In the early days of SellaBand, we had Headphone from Belgium, who represented the rich musical heritage of their beautiful country. Since they have moved on to pursue different avenues, it’s been a bit quiet on the Belgian front. With one exception of course: Moorlandt, whose Tribune debut is actually long overdue...

 

Who is moorlandt?

“About three years ago, I started off as a home musician, after more than fifteen years of musical inactivity. Through a couple of on-line music communities, I was able to expose my work and received some very valuable feedback, which helped me to evolve both technically and artistically. I also discovered another aspect of sharing my music on-line: collaborations. At first I was asked to vocalise some existing instrumental tracks, but more and more the new collab songs were built up from scratch, and grew with each exchange of ideas between my collab partners and myself. That’s a wonderful way to work. Collaborations expand your musical reach and ability dramatically. So today, moorlandt is much more than just a solo project. It’s like a ship sailing across the world. In each harbour there are new sailors coming on board, a very international crew in which diversity is key. I have no clue where the journey will end, as I refuse to use a compass.”
 

Do you remember how you found out about SellaBand and what made you sign up?

“Through a forum thread on one of the on-line music communities. At first I was sceptical, like most artists, I guess. Before signing up on SellaBand, I solely received feedback from fellow musicians. The fact that my music could be exposed to an audience of non-musicians was very appealing. Also the ‘team of experts’ was something that attracted me a lot. To be honest, I would love to see these ‘experts’ a bit more involved, because I think they might be a real added value to the concept of SellaBand.”

 

You are an active member of our community. What makes you come back to SellaBand day in, day out?

“A combination of things… This is a very active community, and I’ve built up personal contacts with people sharing the same interests. That’s the social aspect, the pleasure part. I have met a lot of very nice and interesting people on SellaBand. And like I said previously, getting feedback from non-musicians was an essential reason for me to sign up. Listening, learning, absorbing… my food to be creative. But I’m also interested in SellaBand as a business concept. The core idea is brilliant, and that’s why I enjoy watching how the concept develops business-wise.”


What’s the most frustrating thing about the Road to 50k?

“Ah, frustration is the shadow of your own ambition. Let’s be realistic. I’m not a mainstream artist, so I’m not going to skyrocket on SellaBand like other artists have done. My debut album ‘waiting again’ was very niche, quite dark and emotive. Kind of ‘you love it or you hate it’. I didn’t realise that before I came to SellaBand. I’ve had reactions here like ‘I don’t understand your music’ or ‘This kind of music depresses me’. Haha, not exactly uplifting… But mostly I invited those potential Believers to give it another try, and step by step my pool of Believers increased. I dare say that most of my Believers are experienced listeners, real music lovers with an open mind. And I truly cherish them. I’m a slow grower, but I gave up getting frustrated about it. When moving too fast, you will miss the whole scenery… Besides, I can tell you that it’s flattering to be called ‘the most underrated artist on SAB’ (thank you Chris!).”


What inspires you to write and play music?

“Almost everything: emotions, situations, stories… I also spend a lot of time on my lyrics. They have to be a perfect match to the music. In most cases, the music and the lyrics grow together, unless I’m just lyricising and vocalising an instrumental track in a collab project. At this very moment, I’m discovering yet another way of working. I received a brilliant poem from Kristen, which I’m trying to turn into a song now. Inspiration is one thing, but motivation is at least equally as important. In other words, I could never survive without an audience. Music is my way to express emotions, to tell a story. And I’m thrilled with the idea that I can reach people and sometimes touch them deeply. That’s what it’s all about.”

 

SellaBand and Belgium... When will this become a happy marriage, do you think?

“Is it so bad? I don’t know… It’s true that there are not many Belgian artists and Believers on SellaBand, although there is a very vibrant musical landscape in Belgium. Figure it out, we have the most music festivals per square metre in the whole world. I think Belgians in general are quite sceptical and down to earth. So, when it comes to investing money in a relatively new concept, they’re just very prudent. That might explain the poor presence of Belgian Believers perhaps. On the artist’s side, I have no clue. Besides moorlandt, the real active band on SellaBand today is Laudanum. Go check them out, these guys are brilliant. Naf (from Laudanum) and I have been brainstorming lately how to promote the Belgians on SAB. Watch out for a Belgian hurricane in the coming weeks…”

 

What type of album are you hoping to make with us?

“An album full of happy 120 bpm summer hits everyone can sing along to! Naaaah… of course not. I’m working on my second album now, which I hope to release in a couple of months. Compared to my debut CD, this new album will be more accessible to a broader audience. Less dark and intimate, but still very ‘moorlandtesque’ I hope. A very interesting experience was the orchestrated feedback I received with the release of an intermediate EP called ‘little boy sad’, containing 6 songs that probably will be included on the second album. Any of my believers had the chance to sign up and receive the EP for free, in exchange for a little feedback. A splendid source of information… About half of the songs on the new album will be collaborations with international artists. And that’s exactly the road I want to follow for my SellaBand album, hopefully my third CD. I would also like to work with a few semi-permanent musicians in order to have a base for a stage act. Yes, this is surely the next chapter in the moorlandt story.”

Why should people Believe in moorlandt?

“I could never impose my music on anyone, so this is a difficult question to answer. I would say ask my Believers or even better, pop in and take the time to listen… I will always be in a stage of learning and I feel that I’m still evolving with every new song. I’m here to reach the 50k goal, so the only way to get rid of me is to invest...”

 

Still Going Strong: Wetwerks

 

Here we offer a platform to SellaBand artists who have been with us for some time now and have not been featured in the Tribune for a while. The road to 50K may be long and winding, and we salute those who are still going strong regardless. This week: Wetwerks, who are certainly among the best SellaBand has to offer in the field of Hard & Heavy...



Hi Wetwerks. How's Life?

“Life is good, but crazy! There is a *lot* brewing.”

Anything exciting going on, at the moment?

“Yes, very exciting!   We're going to be launching something really, really big that is going to finally enable us to effectively get the Sellaband message outside the walls of the existing believer-base. Are we grateful for big Believers?  Definitely! … they are the pioneers!  But, believe it or not (and don't take this the wrong way) - we did not join Sellaband with big-believers in the equation.  The "one-part-per-believer" model is, to us,  the essence of Sellaband -  and in this "Phase 2" of our Sellaband adventure, we hope to get much closer to that.”

You seem to have gone a bit quiet on SellaBand - still determined to reach 50k?

OK!  Ready for this?  We're aiming for 2000+ believers by the end of the Summer.
Why try?  Because, in the end,  we  think it is the most effective way to market the album, both before and after it is recorded. So what about the plan? It's still under wraps, getting the finishing touches at the moment!  BUT, our Believers will get inside information soon!  And, if this works? Then we will share it with the entire community because it will have solved the fundamental problem every artist on SellaBand faces:  Universally Effective Marketing.”

 

Further Than My eyes is still a fave in the SAB office. Do you have some more of those killer songs coming?

“Thanks! That song is a blast to play live - it's actually a jazz tune - and it's a favorite of ours too. Did we mention we recorded that ourselves?  Actually twice… half of it got recorded in a mostly abandoned, turn-of-the-century textile mill, where our first recording studio was located, but the ancient building's electricity was cut off in frigid January of that year, (it's a long story) but, we had to pack all of our (then frozen) gear out of the heart of a pitch-black factory in the dead of winter!  Who says you don't suffer for your art?  ;)
Translation:  You can *definitely* expect more of those killer songs coming!”

Will 2008 be your year?

“Sounds like good timing ;)”

 

 

Maitreya's release: It's Upon Us continued...

 

Lots of  other words came to me - 'soooo cool!!! ', 'AWESOME'  'loooooovvvvvee this song!!!!', 'AMAZING'…  if I had to go with just one though – I guess I'd go right back to the first one – 'Wow…'   So happy for him and soooo proud to be his Believer!!  :o)

So, here's how the album happened... maitreya hit 50K while in London performing at "London Calling" and began recording, giving us a glimpse into the studios and players he chose through his Video Diaries.  We saw drummers, bass players and maitreya himself in the studio working their magic and putting together the beginnings of "close to home".  In August he traveled to Amsterdam to be the surprise guest with Cubworld at Sellebration 07 where he met Mark Maclain of The Silence.  Maitreya asked Mark about doing a remix and gave him four tracks to choose from.  Mark chose "Harlem Streets" and the rest is history.  Maitreya had chosen "Harlem Streets" as his "Heater" single for SAB and when Mark came back with his remix it cemented him as a production option in maitreya's mind.


At this point maitreya decided to take his album to London, it was a big decision which delayed the completion for at least a couple of months but it was a choice he made on the strength of his own vision and The Silence's ability and willingness to work towards it.  He packed up and 'took a trip to London' for two months in order to dedicate completely to the job.  While he was there he pulled pints

at the local Box Bar and played numerous gigs including Ginglik, Spred Love and a guest spot with Cubworld & as host of XS4ALL.  The crowning moment of his stay in the UK however was the official UK Album Release/Completion Party for "Close To Home".  Maitreya along with Alvero Lopez and his band of drummers and percussionist, DJ Beatnik and MC Blak played all the tracks from the soon to be released album and by all reports, they tore the roof off the pub the fires couldn't touch!