Hi Everyone,
Hope you’ve all been well. First, I want to say thank you to everyone for writing in and contributing to this site, you all have such valid and interesting things to say and I wish I could answer each and every question individually but obviously that just wouldn’t be realistic.
The Grammy’s were fun yesterday and Charles made it even more fun to hang out. The great thing about these events is that you get to see your peers and friends that you only see at these kind of events, not because you don’t care about them otherwise but more for the reason that everyone’s schedules are so hectic. You also get to meet people who’s music you’ve liked but haven’t had the chance to tell them like ‘James Blunt’. He was a really nice guy and I was disappointed he didn’t win but his time will surely come. There were many highlights to the evening but I thought ‘Miss Mary’ was sensational and also ‘Christina’ sang her beep off
One performance I particularly enjoyed was the ‘Knarls Barkley’ rendition of that song that everyone’s sick to death of. It was highly creative and showed just how good of a song it really is. I also thought he sang great.
So what’s been going on in my life? Well, family, family, family! That’s about it. Of course there’s been the odd show here and there speaking of which, S America was so much fun. I particularly enjoyed ‘Punta del Este’ in Uruguay, which turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. I cannot wait to get back and do a proper tour with the new album.
The new record is really shaping up and is turning out to be much of a dance record. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do seeing as most will say that dance is my background. Over the years I’ve somehow become more known for my ballads which I also love doing but dance music has always been close to my heart. Make no mistake, there will also be a killer ballad or three on this record but at this point in my life I really want to make something that is more dance directed.
So far, the songs that will surely be making it to the record are
‘SWOOSH’
‘SILENT’
‘WEDDING DAY
‘WHEN YOU RUN’
‘IVE BEEN ALMOST EVERYWHERE’
‘YOU AND ME’
I also feel that with the advent of technologies like the various online music stores, the days of listening to 12 track albums are somewhat behind us. That is not to say that no one enjoys this anymore but I’m speaking about the majority. I cannot tell you the last time I sat in front of my superfabuloso hifi and listened to one of my favorite albums in it’s entirety, there simply isn’t the time these days and I feel that this is pretty much the case for a lot of people. Also I believe that for too long, the public has been short changed with substandard albums meaning that too often, a fan has bought an album based on one or two hit singles that he or she has heard on the radio only to find that the album was full of fillers. Now of course, with the ability to preview tracks on ‘iTunes’ and buy them individually, what we are seeing is more and more people making what is essentially a compilation of their favorite tracks a bit like how albums used to be in the 50’s and early 60’s. It was only in the mid to late 60’s that the idea of a ‘concept album’ became popular with bands like ‘Zeppelin, Hendrix etc. In fact, the first and I believe biggest album by the ‘Beatles’ was a collection (compilation) of their hit singles which was pretty much the case with every artist until the concept album was born as I mentioned.
I also feel that it would be easier for me to retain a higher level of quality over lets say six songs as opposed to a twelve song album. I ask you, what would you rather listen to, twelve good songs with one or two of them being great or six great songs? Of course the advantage of putting out six great songs is that it would take me less time to make the record therefore, there would be a lot more offerings from me, consistently great music more frequently. What say you? I would really be interested to hear your thoughts.
Right now we are in the programming stage of the record. Today there is someone called ‘Chris Allen’ arriving from London and he will be adding his flavour to the songs thus far. Brain McCloud (drummer/programmer) has been truly excellent in what he has brought to the table and Bill Bottrell is in my opinion a genius. I am having a really good time making this record, there is an excitement in the studio a bit like the first record I made only this time with a lot more peacefulness.
I will be posting some photographs and flash movies from our sessions in the studio so standby. I am loving my photography more and more these days. Digital is where it’s at and there are so many exciting tools with which to express one’s feelings.
Charles is working hard to try and make the site better and to bring more of an emphasis to the photographic side of things. He’s trying to create a photo gallery that would provide exif data and also have the ability for you to leave comments. It’s the backend that is taking the time but once again, thank you for your patience.
I still have not been able or indeed had the time to look for ‘Togetherland’. If I do find it, it will not be available for download but I promise that I will definitely stream it. As I said before it has some good moments but for the most part it is inconsistent which sort of brings me back to a point I was making earlier.
Okay, that’s it for now guys. I really appreciate the time that everyone takes to contribute, I wish I could thank each and every one of you in person. Perhaps when I tour this summer I will get the chance to do just that with my voice. This is going to be a great year and touring a dance album is something I’m so looking forward to.
As always, ‘Love, Peace and family’
S
Woo hoo this post has gotten me even more excited. I feel your excitement about this new album! Do we still call it an album ? haha.. CD! Ooh the choice between 6 or 12 is hard to say. But you are right about only listening to a few songs at the most.. but I can’t say that about your albums! honest! I listen to them straight through. I am anxiously awaiting the new album so I would say 6.. because that would bring your cd out faster and a tour? haha AND Charles.. the site is great and interactive! I love it!
It was a great grammy’s show I thought. Nice to hear that Van Hunt won with a song he did with Legend and Stone! You introduced him to us when he toured with you and he was fabulous! Anyways..rambling off! Cheers to you about family time!! Off to have some quality time with my boys at the moment!
Love ya!
Thanks for working so hard!!!
Lydia
Quality has always been your mark. With that in mind, I think your audience would naturally prefer more frequent quality releases rather than what you consider to be less frequent with a number of marginally qualitative tracks.
Your talent is so unique, however friend, that even those you deem as not worthy… are far better than the rest…
Please pardon me for going there, but… need I mention HB?
I’m looking forward to the new best of you…
M
I am torn. I would love to get more songs from you more frequently but I would also like to hear anything and everything you make. I cant say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE every song you have written, but I can say I enjoy listening to exceptional ones as well as not so exceptional ones. I love exploring your life with you and “feeling” what you feel. We dont all have our best days everyday, but the not so good days make the GREAT days GREAT. I am sure you understand. If I could, I would listen to everything you have ever written or wanted to write. You stand for something that is rare to find in this world and I love hearing about it, LOVE. Thank you for being such a magician with your music and words. Love you!
Nice to hear from you Seal. As to the Question about 6 or 12 tracks.Its hard to say because sometimes all the tracks in the album gets to be a hit!OR you don´t really like it at first but as you listen to it often you just fall in love with it and try to convince everyone to listen to it. 6 TRACKS is a little too little for an Album for me but if you promise the´re all going to be the bomb…..
Love,
Joyce-
Thank-you so much for your reports:O) I am really looking forward to hearing your new album. I will be happy with the amount of songs you release. Quality over quantity anytine;O)
Go Seal, Bri, Bill, Eric, and the rest of the crew!, Janet
Hi Seal,
Great to hear that the album is coming along well. I am very excited for it’s release.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I would definately prefer 6 excellent songs on one album rather than 12 songs with only 2 or 3 excellent ones. I would also prefer more offerings more often as well. I think that would be a good idea, to release smaller albums that are of the highest of quality. Although, all of your albums so far have been top-notch, in my opinion.
Take Care!
Noah H.
As for 6 songs versus 12. I think that you should try doing 9 songs.
To be honest, I enjoy albums that have 12 to 14 songs because I feel I’m getting the most for my money.
Most good/great albums have no more than 3 or 4 good/great songs on them, so the remaining songs aren’t a real concern. It’s pretty much expected to have 3 out of 12, so a complete high quality album shouldn’t be expected from any artist at all.
In regards to “Togetherland”, if the inconsistences you’re refering to are the various changes in medleys and vocals, then the inconsistences are a good thing.
Personally speaking, songs where I can predict changes in notes and vocals become boring to me. The songs that keep my attention are the ones that constantly evolve through out the song. “Elisa”, “Love Is Better” and “Under The Sun” are songs that under go changes throughout. These are the songs that grab the listeners attention. You really should allow the fans to hear the entire album and let them, then judge for themselves.
Hello Seal,
I love Your music – it inspires me and accompanies me every day, but it wasn’t always like now. The first track (still my favourite track) I was listenin’ to was “Kiss From A Rose”, I bought the album “Seal 2″ – I liked only 3 songs from this album : KFAR, I’m Alive, Fast Changes. Hm… but after listenin’ to the album (and mixes…oh I love mixes) many times a day (after a month) I liked all the songs and You know why?! ‘Cause every song You wrote was for a different situation and about different expirience. So, what I try to say, is:
Please let us listen to every song You wrote in the last time. You’ve got Your family – wonderful ideas for wonderful songs- share it with us. I would buy an album with 12 songs where 6 are just from a genius and other 6 which we have to acclimate to.
.
Plus many, many mixes… I have bought every maxi with these mixes of Your songs – they are fantastic.
It’s tight that You want to release Your album with more Dance music – just the dream comes true
I wish You and Your family all the best. Good luck with Your album and Charles with the WebSite. Nice work…
a-chill
NxSG
Seal,
Well it has been a very long time since Harley and I were able to chat with everyone in the forum or even send you a little post. Just a quick hello from Tahoe and might we add that you received such an extraordinary compliment from Mr. Bacharach last night. Can’t wait for you to come back to Tahoe though there is little snow this year! Best wishes to you and your family and can’t wait for the album!
Jakki & Harley
So. Lake Tahoe
No way. I am an artist in Brazil and I know that art is a gift from God that express itself trhough us. We are only vehicles, and our unique obligation to that is to conect ourselves to this power of God and do our bests.
It is obvious to all of us that we would prefer to have ONE perfect song from you than things like “everything is gonna be allright” stuff.
This is a question that YOUR heart is the only one that should answer, not your fans.
We waited for you, sincerely, for 4-5 years for your albuns, knowing that it would be always perfect. And it always was.
It is not our responsability, as fans, to answer that.
The point of the question is not how difficult or easy it is gonna be for you (Many times, being an artist is hard and you know that), or the evaluation that technology provides. I am so desapointed with this question and I ask you back: would you consume a not “higher level of quality” art from a painter like Picasso? Just because has his name on it? One painting thah he would not be enlightned or less inspirated?
Who is your boss? I hope it is not the industry, money, or whatever another power. I hope it is still YOU.
For me, that lives far from the principal culture centers and have diffculties to consume your music, this is a desrespect.
I have been looking for your shows, cds, singles, interwies, videos, DVDs, appearences for the last 16 years. And I know ALL the lyrics by heart and I present you to my family and friends showing then your songs, and giving your CDs and DVDs as special gifts.
I let your heart, voice, soul, thougths and music to be part of MY life and bring me messages from God.
And God is “high level quality”.
I respect myself and i will not allow me to have less than 1st quality. I don’t do that with my work.
I am a very good human being and i deserve the best.
I may not live in LA or have millions, but if you submit yourself to do less than the best, i won’t bye your CD, because i deserve the best from you.
There´s no coincedence in the world and specially today, believe it or not, I have signs to answer you back: I’m sorry if I was too hard but, in my heart, you really need a “wake up call”.
love
Vera
Hi Seal -
As far as the 6/12 track CD goes, I’d have to go with 9-12 songs; 6 just isn’t enough. Of course this is purely from a listener’s viewpoint. I have no idea how much hard work goes into an album. I can only say that I have never been disappointed with any of your material and I can’t imagine you could ever turn out anything that would be considered inferior. Simply put, I love your music and am looking forward to your new CD.
Peace.
Tina
My Dearest Seal,
first off, thank you so much for this wonderful, caring and detailed letter to us – your fans. I had to work late and it was way KUHL to see this long letter of yours before I am heading out of my office.
It’s pretty KUHL of you to ask us of our opinions. I have to admit, my initial reaction was ***6 songs*** because I am aching for your amazing way of using words, sounds and melodies to make me feel so much better in every sense…but as I took a step back, I have to say – to me – it always has been worth the wait to have a complete album of yours in my possession. To this day – after being a fan for 14+ years, I still listen to your four albums in its entirety. The only song I skip once in a blue moon is “Princess” – but only because it brings up painful memories of my past.
In addition, it says a lot about you to not release “Togetherland”; therefore, I am certain, if you end up releasing an album with 12+ songs, it will be of “SEAL” quality. That said…I am still dying to stream this album to see why you would not release it based on your feelings about it. I am a die-hard fan; therefore, I would love to listen into this creation of yours also.
I have purchased every single CD, Maxi-CD, limited editions etc. within the USA and World-Wide I could get my hands on. I treasure my collection and I love seeing it grow. I personally do not enjoy burning CDs through iTunes or any other source. I rather have the hardcopy in my hands for my collection.
Now…I am wondering…if you release an album of 6 songs, will it only be available online for purchase? Or will you also make this album available so we can add it to our collection including liner notes and so on? If you release an album with 6 songs, how soon would you follow-up on it with another one with 6 songs?
Hugs and Love Love Love from
Sylvia
PS: Thanks Charles for working so hard on this site. I truly appreciate this new place to be part of “Seal’s World”.
PPS: All the best to you Seal, your loving family, your wonderful hard-working band, and to everybody who makes it possible for us to enjoy life together in “Cyber World” and through your music.
Dear Seal,
What’s going on?
I have to agree with this that I am calling “Wake up call movement”.And I have to congratulate my friends above for that, because i’m feeling the same.
What is going on to you to ask this things?
I am asking myself why would you not make a best quality album?
In what conditions would you not want to give your best? And why would you not follow yours heart and soul?
Who is pushing you? Who is your boss?
I have also, as Vera and Sylvia, being spending money and time with my treasure collection, seeking for your music all over the world, and LOVING doing that because it inspires me.
But this is my part in our relationship as fan-artist. And yours, is only to touch my soul with your music, and make this love to grow.
I think it is out of limits from you to ask this question.
You don’t have to be insecure about us, we are always waiting for you. Even for ten or more years because I don’t like “Everything will be allright” stuff too. Like Vera.
And I am thinking about burning your new album from others sources, hating to do that because if it is coming an only “good” with a couple of “great” I prefer to make a test before buying it. And I never thought I would do that with you.
But, like Sylvia, I love my collection and, like Vera, I respect myself.
Don’t think about it, feel it with no judgement with your heart, because we may be right.
I don’t believe in coincidence as well and I know God speaks to us trough His signs.
By the way, I sorry to force the limits too but: you sound here and seem, at Grammy and photos, not glowing… We are getting concerned about you.
Wishing you all the best and praying for you always, Love.
And peace.
An
Good evening Seal, thank you for the update, we are looking forward to hear this new album, i totaly agree to the “six great songs”,rather than a whole cd with 2-3 great songs, i have a feeling that many would agree on that. it must be so good to work and be around you. all the best to you.
Love rules!
Tammy Z.
How fun to hear about your night at the Grammys….thanks! Also very interesting to learn about how concept albums became popular….I had no idea, even though I’m a year older than you
For me, I’d rather wait longer and have 12 songs on an album. BUT, if and WHEN the physical “album” is history and music is simply downloaded, I’d be very happy getting only 6 at a time (with the liner notes being posted on a website).
I actually DO listen to albums all the way through in my car. YOU and VAN HUNT are the ONLY two artists I know who haven’t released a bad song….and whose songs get better with each listen. I think most people give an album one or two listens and decide there are songs they don’t like, when if they’d listen to it repeatedly and undistracted, they’d have a greater appreciation.
Kudos to Charles for finding a way to showcase your techie side! Thanks for spoiling us. Good luck with the rest of the album and I hope to “collect” on your thank you in Cleveland sometime this summer.
Take care of that beautiful family!
xoSara
I am dying to see your new album…but I am happy you are enjoying your family…by the way the kids are cute and Heidi is always a doll! Take care Seal, kisses from a brazilian fan that loves you a lot…peace!
My thoughts, many! I’ve read with interest some of the posts and find the varying differences in opinion quite interesting. I tend to be leaning towards the 9 vs 12 vs 6. Only because I listen to the album in its entirety, and ALWAYS end up listening to my favs over & over again anyway. I like the idea of albums, making a purchase bringing it home, un wrapping it pouring a glass of wine and reading the album sleeve. I know technology is great, this blog is a prime example of that, however some things are just better left unchanged.
So what’s the fabulouso hifi of choice? We are a B&O family, wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thanks for the Grammy info, “GNARLS” was my absolute fav of the night, and no way in …..I’d ever get sick of that song.
Charles, bless you for giving us this wonderful opprtunity to connect! You ROCK!
Thanks for the update and I am glad to see you had fun at the grammys.
I would prefer to have less great strong songs anyday with faster releases. I do agree with others that 6 songs is not quite enough. you should try to do at least 8-10 tracks, 6 songs just somehow seems incomplete regardless of how strong the songs are.
I think it is wonderful that you are involving your fans in the process,or at least wanting to know what we think. It had nothing to due with you being insecure. We are the ones that are buying your music, so I think you are being smart to want to know what we think. The music industy has changed and in my opinion it seems unnecessary to do 12-14 songs unless (you feel) they are all great strong songs. Whats the point? as you said most cds are filled with filler songs with only about 3-4 being hot songs(I stongly agree!). Although S, you do have a better track record than most. I can’t remember the last time I listened to a cd in its entirety. I can feel the energy of excitement from you in this post and I am sure what ever you decide to do it will be fabulous!!! you are the absolute coolest!!!Take care.
Charles thank you for doing such a fantastic job with this site!!!
peace,
I
I can’t speak for the industries expectations, but for me I would rather hear songs that you have developed from the heart and not to fill a quota…to that end what ever number of songs come out on an album is great. Certainly we want more…always more…but I have not been disapointed with any of the songs, on any album, ever. I suppose that is why I am such a fan and admirer of your craft and talent.
Hope you find time to visit Tahoe again on your next tour…I read in the forum that there were some less than appropriate ‘fans’ in the crowd…I hope that was not the case. The show I attended was wonderful, and the crowd was great.
Peace – Love
Jason
I always thought that Sgt Pepper was the first concept album. But I’m not sure what the concept was! I think only 6 songs would leave us wanting more. But I agree that sometimes we listen to only one “side” at a time. I did sit down and listen to the White album once all the way through but I was sick. Showing my age here. I really need to get an ipod.Thanks for asking our opinion though. I think more is better but what ever you do I’m sure it will be worth the wait.
Love & peace to you,
Allyson
I guess that people on this site will always buy the whole Album so from my point of view more songs is better, but I would not want to sacrifice quality for the sake of quantity.
People who are not Seal fans, but who like individual songs will just purchase the songs from itunes or similar anyway, and will therefore be unaffected by the number of songs on any album.
I guess the debate is fans vs occasional Seal listeners.
I personally still love Killer and the Jakarta remix of My Vision, although I love all your stuff, depends on my mood at the time.
Good luck with the creating, can’t wait.
Halo247 xxx
P.S……please…please…please…. tour the UK soon and allow a ticket pre-sale on your site. It means that the people at the front will be true fans and not at the mercy of touts and uge ticket agents. xx
That was a long post. I had to sit down a minute.
. I prefer a cd complete with good songs and less good songs. Because you appreciate the good ones more if you put them together with the other less good ones.That’s how it is in life too. You have to taste the both sites to find the balance. Ok now I’m going to give my partner rotten food so he will appreciate more and more the times that I cook good….:-)
Hi Seal,
I think you´re right! Since I can download a few songs from an album I usually don´t buy cd´s or a whole album anymore. I choose the best ones and then I can hear it on my computer – where I´m the most time – and I don´t hear albums on my hifi any longer.
In some kind it´s sad, because you don´t get the feeling of an album or artist. I remember some albums I heard all days long and I can tell you, I experienced music in a different way. And I still can tell you what I did, when I heard some songs…
But you´re also right, that there´s no time anymore to sit down and only LISTEN music and do nothing else. But lots of music isn´t worth to hear, because it´s only produced for the money…
But don´t misunderstand me, I don´t intent your music!
So, what´s the best way? Maybe it´s better to put only the best songs on an album, because you can concentrate on them and make them much more better!!!
And as a fan I´m interested, what you think, which songs are best!
It´s a difficult question and as your comments shows, you get lots of different answers.
But I trust you, you´ll find the best way to do what´s best for you and that´ll best for your fans.
But thanks, that you want to know our opinion, that´s great!!!
Love and a happy time in studio, yours Andrea
First I just want to say…
It is Wonderful that you take time out of your busy schedule to share your life with your fans…It Just truly speaks to the person your are, and the gift you are to the world.
And I am also waiting for your new album ….cant wait….
But in reading other comments …I just want to say for myself and my wife as well…
For every artist that we listen to, regardless if we first hear the song on the radio or if it’s someone we already knew… or if they have a song out we like.
We buy the whole album!!
Music is such a special gift, and the songs have such a deep meaning to so many different people …To passably miss one…..no we want to hear them all.
But as a final twist…Music and your voice are such a personal gift you should be able to express it as you feel it needs to be expressed.
So that is our take….
Graham
You are right… The reality I see, is people with their Ipods or CD-R listen to their compilations.
I think a 6 songs e.p is very fine if it doesn’t take 2 or 3 years to have another e.p released.
Back in the 60’s when the 4 track singles were the majority, they were released every 6 months, maximun… just an exemple.
truthfully seal i prefer to buy a cd with all the songs, the more the merrier for me. if there is a track i didnt like then i would skip it…..im not in to the download thing i prefer to go out and grab my cd in my little mitts. i personally dont have a credit card so i cant buy on line , which makes it difficult too. ( i could always bend hubby’s arm if pushed lol tho ) i feel 9 – 12 tracks feels like value for money too. luv sue xx
?Mesmo as noites totalmente sem estrelas podem anunciar a aurora de uma grande realização. ( Martin Luther King)? Have a great week!I
I say lead by example — the music industry is the one that needs the “wake up call.”
Do your best! And in six months to a year when you’ve been touring or enjoying your family and the music comes pouring out of you again, we’ll have another x songs.
As fans, some of us like the collecting quest, and so I’m sure the “label” will find a way to release singles of each of the songs, maybe with some non-album b-sides…new ones, old ones, whatever
My friends would say I’m very picky about music. There are very few musicians/groups I like well enough to buy a whole CD (2-3 great songs isn’t worth it for me), and for that reason, I have very few CDs. I don’t like sorting through all the “filler” music just to find a couple of good songs to put on my mp3 player.
On the other hand, if it’s truly great music, I will gladly buy the CD and love every minute of it (although I will still probably put the songs on my mp3 player). The great musicians out there don’t have 2-3 great songs, they have a CD full of them.
Your music falls into the second category – it’s just great music, and I haven’t heard anything I don’t truly enjoy listening to. In this case, I don’t think it matters whether it’s available as a whole album or singles because I want to hear it all either way.
But I do think it’s great that you are questioning the way the music industry does things; they do need a reality check because technology is changing how we listen to music.
Hi Seal,
nice to hear from you again.
It`s great to read that the work on your new album is going well and we can expect it in summer!! Can`t wait to hear it
))
I think it`s time for a dance record – but not only 6 great tracks!
6 tracks on an album is not enough cause we must wait 3-5 years for a new album – so I want hear more stuff when an Seal-album is coming out.
So 12 tracks is my favourite number(6 great unbelievable tracks and 6 good tracks
) Believe me – 6 good tracks from you are very much better as 6 great tracks of most other artists!!
Or you must bring out 5-6 great tracks every year!!
) Only than the short number of tracks would be ok in my mind.
By the way:
I hope very much we can hear some “new” good tracks on b-sides on singles like “A Minor Groove” on “Future love paradise” single or “Blues in E” on “Newborn friend” …not only some remix versions!!! That makes a single really more intersting for buying in my opinion.
So have a great time!!
All the best
Kai
PS:
And don`t forget the Togetherland tracks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can put it by and by on your page for streaming ;;-))))
DEFINITELY 12, SEAL!!!! at least! we LOVE your MUSIC AND WANNA DANCE!!!!!!! i am sure with your dance-songs, dancing will become even more FUN!
so, TAKE YOUR TIME and give us lots of DANCE-TRACKS!
THANK YOU, NANNI
For those of us who have dial-up..loading iTunes is god awful!!
I would much rather purchase a CD in a store…JMO
Hey Seal, its me Burt again, I am very hapy to see you go in the Dance direction as I am a dance music DJ and enthusiast myself. I curious to see if you are going for the Soulful House aka Deep feel or something more in the breath of techy or trancy
sort of feel. I am sure with your vocals and good production it will not mattter which direction of dance you take the outcome will be perfection. The concept you have of 6 tracks albulm is a foward thinking concept that I am sure many artist will emulate in the future. You made a valid point by saying that less is really more. I am expert at listening to music as I am a DJ and work in music retail and I can say that your music is always mathmatically sound and life affirming at the same time. I hope that even as you move away from ballads that you lyrics will still penetrate as they always have. Another thing I can say is that your albums have never had “fillers” or songs that had the feel that they were just thrown together. Everything you have released has always felt as if they could be the signature song on the album. To sum everything up I think the idea of 6 songs is King and I think the idea of dance music is golden as well.
Everything is cause and effect
Peace,
Burt Lawson
Hey Seal,
Again, thank you for the update. It’s really awesome to hear your thoughts about everything and especially sharing your vision for the new album. Its so welcome to be apart of that process. To answer your question, I totally see where you’re coming from but I would really prefer hearing 12 songs as opposed to 6, mainly because you are certainly unlike most artists; there is never a worry about dissappointment in the quality degrading over the span of the album – its always just an issue of wanting more!!!
So I really hope you lean in that direction again,but I trust you will follow your creative instict and do what you feel is right.
Thanks again for remembering Togetherland! We wait eagerly.
//AP
Seal,
I am writting you again to try to make you to understand the size and implicattions of your questions.
I live in a 3rd world country where 22 million people live in “favelas”: with no water, electricity nether sanitary conditions for a human being to live. A country where there are women traffic, child prostitution, hunger.
As you can imagine, to buy 1 CD of yours in Brazil, (Seal IV costs here around U$15,00), it is not for all.
Because of this, only to consider the possiblity of producing an album with 12 tracks that only two are great is a desrespect.
Just like you said:”the artist will have to adjust.” This is your problem, not mine. When I pay the same U$15,00 for an album wich 9 tracks dont have the same high level quality, I share with you the onus of yours necessity to adjust.
You can’t send me a part of your profits to pay my bills.
As a comsumer I adjust myself to technology innovation buying necessary equipment (as vinil to CD) and this is my part at ours relationship. To accept low quality paying the same price of high quality represents an absurd.
Try to understand our reality: my generation in this country fight everyday for a change in the “status quo”. To “fly like an eagle”, you know? We are not from England, where you grew up, and where ethic at
politics and social cruelties are solve problems.
Here, millions of dollars are stolen for the public health system. Peolple buy votes for elections and other uncountable corruption cases.
For us, ethic means respect for ourselves and my country need this RESPECT FOR OURSELVES. This is the only way to demand the change in our reality now. Respect even for the small things of our day-by-day as get in to a store and buy a CD, concious of paying for the best the artist can make.
I thank you so much for letting me know that my U$15,00 would “maybe” be spent in an album not so great. This way, I can choose not to buy it and to spend this money with artists that do not compromise theirselves in the name of adjustment to industry. And I can also buy a not legal copy of yours that we find at the streets here for less than U$3,00 if I want.
You are right at the end: it is business. But for me, in my reality, I don’t buy a box with 12 ice-cream cups when 9 are not so great and pretend they are all beautiful just because Seal sold it to me. I love you so much but I wouldn’t.
Here, it would be anti-ethic to me to buy your 12 track album councious of what I know now.
What makes me sad is to see that for everyone to whom I talk to about you and know your music simply ADORES your work and consider you a genius. And it is very rare.
Why do you want us to expect, or even to open the possibility, of having music that is less than “Seal”?
I pray that you make the best decision, and if you have hurry, my suggestion is: release an only 6 great track album that you have for now.
And I will pray that you continue having success in your life and carrier, but I stick with my “treasure collection” until “One night to remember”.
You have no idea of how much your music changed my life and i will be forever thankful. You have a DHARMA in the world for that and I know God will always recompense you.
Don’t worry, I am only an oppinion, only one person in between millions of fans that loves you a lot.
My decision to not buy your album will not make any spiritual, economic, or emotional difference for you, but I hope you understand that for me this is a big step.
Blesses, health, peace and love.
Nossa Senhora, Virgem Maria, que te proteja e te ilumine sempre.
Vera Blanc.
Hey Seal, que tal?
Please, release a 15/18 great track album as soon as you can!!! or what about a 6 great track album each 6 months? …anyway, I’ve never felt ANY of your songs like a “filler”…so keep the wheel spinning…!!!!!
Nico
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to: Seal, Heidi, Leni, Dashtu, Johan, Chris, Eric, Ramy, Deron, Earl, Jeymes, Brian, Bill, Trevor, WB, AND All of the wonderful people that I have met and loved on Seal.com. Thank-you Seal, for a beautiful place to share the LOVE!
Peace… today is the day to love, Janet
Since you’ve released four albums in 16 years, I guess I should be happy that anything gets released. You already released a greatest hits package for the casual fans, now it’s time for another complete artistic statement. I don’t believe 10 to 12 songs is too much to ask for. Technology has changed things, but statements will live on.
By the way, I wrote a book, but I’m thinking of only releasing the interesting chapters. The message gets lost, but these are the best chapters.
Not many people “get it” about technology and music, and you do, Seal. I’m impressed by your use and understanding of technology. I think it’s safe to say that the “album” is dying a slow death.
I think you will be the one to lead the revolution of the “digital artist.” I’ve been following your posts and it’s evident that you understand the “record label” is going the way of the dinosaur.
By the way, I think the idea of great, frequent releases is a winning formula. How many other artists are thinking this way? You are well ahead of the pack, Seal.
[...] else in the music industry who’s more aware technologically than this guy. He’s now proposing two releases a year featuring 6 tracks each, instead of the usual 12 track album released ever few [...]
Hey Seal
I have been a fan of your music since you blasted onto the scene in the early nineties. My wife and I finally got to see you live at Sun City last year (The Sunday show). I must confess I had no preconceived idea as to what to expect from your live act. That said, your voice, band, attitude, relaxness and crowd interaction blew me away. The whole experience was deeply emotional! A one and a half hour retro journey through the last 15 years of my life. The lyrics, sounds and mood orchestrated a fantastic cacophony of happiness, sadness, euphoria and hope. My lasting impression was how powerful a medium your music is live and how important it is to dedicate yourself to what we are absolutely passionate about. Seal, I cannot image you doing anything other than making music!
I am deeply curious about the “creation process. I am intrigued about what set of feelings and thoughts collaborated at a particular point in time that allowed you to find the words and sounds to express as you have. I was fascinated to see you and Eric in the swoosh clip giving the song life. It seems like a very iterative process that combines intellect and heart wrapped into one. When do you know (or maybe feel) when the song is finished and that there is nothing more to craft.
Living in South Africa, I am very curious as to your SA plans. I remember very vividly an interview you gave to Morning Live. It was about 6:15am in the morning and looked freezing. There was a choir of young children, dressed only in traditional attire, singing African songs for you. You seemed very humbled by the experience and later referred to how the one young boy kept calling to you not to “let them forget him”. Any clues as to when you will be back and what your plans might be?
Really looking forward to the new album. Would prefer a minimum of 8 tracks.
Thanks for the great sounds over all the years
Kevin M
” So far, the songs that will surely be making it to the record are
‘SWOOSH’
‘SILENT’
‘WEDDING DAY
‘WHEN YOU RUN’
‘IVE BEEN ALMOST EVERYWHERE’
‘YOU AND ME’
”
hey seal!
great to see that everything is working fine for you
i am glad to hear that the album is going on well. let me ask something. last year in july you played a concert in bonn/germany. and you were singing two new songst which you said will be on the new album… is it possible that one of that songs was “‘WHEN YOU RUN’”? if so, it will be great, cuz i liked the song
anyway.thanks for giving all that infos to us – i appreciate it
Love
Tatjana