Hello Everyone,
Everything is going so well in the studio. Bill Bottrell is a genius and is someone I hope to work with for many years to come. He truly is the last of a disappearing breed of great producers and I can assure you we are creating something very special here whether it be in a six or twelve song format.
As for Vera Blanc, upon further thought, I really feel that there was a language barrier and she probably misunderstood what I was trying to say, maybe I also misunderstood. Maybe this was the case or maybe it wasn’t, either way please continue to post here Vera. I value your contribution and I want you to feel at home here, I want you to treat seal.com as your home where you can converse with myself and others who feel like you.
Love, Peace & the Family,
S
Seal puts out such high quality different sounding and feeling music unlike ANY other recording ARTIST out there! It has been a shame that it seems he hasn’t been heard at the level that some of the more “pop”ular artists have. But we all know it’s what the radios play that the majority hear and we all know how difficult it is to get Seal on the radio as I’ve called and had to speak with Program managers that say we don’t make the decisions it’s a list that some other manager tells them to play.
Anyway conversations include positive and negative and rude as well as respectful things…
No judgement, truthful, open conversation isn’t always kind.
And Seal as well as the rest of us I’m sure can handle a bit of disagreement with topics.
Seal will always post as this is the equivalent (or the closest he can get) to sitting in your home and conversating over some dinner and wine!
Much Love,
Althea
I’m not ass-kissing here but I agree with Robert. If you all have something to say please have some respect. Seal doesn’t have to do this at all. Most everyone has that respect. The few that don’t please watch what you say. I may be out of line here but we could lose this opportunity if we are not careful. Just my two cents.
Peace and chocolate (good idea, Janet!!)
Allyson
Ahhh… my computer went haywire…
Sorry,
Robert
Perhaps I should’ve said what I said earlier here. Let me repost it here, if you don’t mind:
In regards to the continuing 6 vs. 12 issue, I really don’t comprehend what the beef is. Ms. Blanc wants quality. Seal is dedicating himself to a quality album. Are we not all in agreement here?
Honestly, I just see Seal and Co. making a (wise) all-around decision by making fewer songs per CD. It has it’s business perks such as a lower costing album and having the likelihood of reaching maximum profits out of the album. In the artistic side of things the smaller album won’t dry out any creative juices that the Seal team may have. In other words, Seal won’t have to feel like he has to make an entire 12 song dance album if halfway though he decides to go with some other styled album. Am I making sense here? You can only go so far with a certain direction before it gets old.
This is what I believe Seal is indirectly trying to get at. Vera Blanc, An Tomioka, and others do you understand what I’m saying?
I do think Seal and Co. are trying to make this a win-win situation for everyone, even those who are perhaps less fortunate and may have to go out of their way to purchase such an album. I really have to respond by saying that I honestly don’t understand the issue.
In addition, I find some posting to be quite rude and I wish those who so rudly commented would have the common curtesy to criticise in a more respectful nature/tone with keeping in mind that this blog does not have to exist or more-so it is a privilege to be typing on the blog here.
Sincerely,
Robert Sterling
Perhaps I should’ve said what I said earlier here. Let me repost it here, if you don’t mind:
In regards to the continuing 6 vs. 12 issue, I really don’t comprehend what the beef is. Ms. Blanc wants quality. Seal is dedicating himself to a quality album. Are we not all in agreement here?
Honestly, I just see Seal and Co. making a (wise) all-around decision by making fewer songs per CD. It has it’s business perks such as a lower costing album and having the likelihood of reaching maximum profits out of the album. In the artistic side of things the smaller album won’t dry out any creative juices that the Seal team may have. In other words, Seal won’t have to feel like he has to make an entire 12 song dance album if halfway though he decides to go with some other styled album. Am I making sense here? You can only go so far with a certain direction before it gets old.
This is what I believe Seal is indirectly trying to get at. Vera Blanc, An Tomioka, and others do you understand what I’m saying?
I do think Seal and Co. are trying to make this a win-win situation for everyone, even those who are perhaps less fortunate and may have to go out of their way to purchase such an album. I really have to respond by saying that I honestly don’t understand the issue.
Sincerely,
Robert Sterling
Just one more note on what is seeming to have caused so much unnecessary debate. Sergio, you are WAY out of line on the ‘Vera’ issue. I do not expect my fans to agree with everything I say and for you to even imply that is insulting. Unfortunately the business and the creative cannot be separated and if I choose to inform everyone as to the complexities here on this site, I will do so. As for my asking everyones opinion on the ‘less is more’ topic, I asked about MUSIC not politics,I’m sure that even you can make that distinction. Irishsox, if you feel you can fit whatever you have to say into less chapters spearing everyone the needless sarcasm…then do so
Voila, problem solved! Next.
Oh yes indeed for artwork, sorry Nico, http://www.montagnalunga.be
Dear Seal i have a quick Q .for you will you be touring with all the same musicans from the last tour?…i really hope so !!!and happy belated bday !!!hope you had a great one !!love Marci
Hey Seal, que tal?
I’m not sure you’ve recieved my offer to work for the new album’s artwork.
Please, take 2 minutes to check out my studio’s website at http://www.blake-studios.com (please allow emergents/pop-up windows to open the fullscreen version) and tell me if I can apply on presenting you some alternatives if you pitch more studios and feel free to contact me at nico@blake-studios.com
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ANSWER!
Nico
Seal, thanks for asking our opinions.im sorry if im stuck in the dark ages wanting a 12 track cd. if it will help you and help the fans get to see you touring then i’ll happily grab the 6 tracks when you can release them. i still would prefer to have a cd though please…. whatever you do i will always support you. i cant pretend to understand the music industry and how it works now, but hope you dont have a rough time with the album release . take care and love to you and yours luv sue xx
Seal,
I´m following this discussion about the shape of your new record and now I got the courage to point my opinions out.
First of all, I have to say that I agree with what Lovedivine said yesterday. I really did not understand why Vera Blanc´s opinions were so outrageous and unbareable for you, Seal. I do think that you were TOO much to rude to her. And I don´t think that the first message of hers was that rude. There is the fact that is very different to express a single opinion and to be SEAL, an artist that sells millions of CDs to millions of people, and that has a huge structure behind him (and all the fans that are avid to agree with him). Is like to use a atom weapon against a noisy neighbour just because he (she) hears music that you don´t like. I can imagine what would it be to read this harsh words coming from someone who you learned to love. ´Cause is clear that everyone that posts here in your blog is quite a fan or yours (otherwise, we wouldn´t spend our time here).
Seal, I do think you overreact and used all of this power I mentioned in a wrong direction. Vera Blanc is just an opinion, just a fan (that was clear) and deserve no war-retaliation against her opinions. We should not forget that we were asked to say what we think about your new CD.
I really can´t see the point of this discussion.
Why are we discussing (I quote) “the financial reality of my (???) industry”. You wanted us to be a part of your creative process but we are just talking about business! Let the business to the businessmen (that is really not MY business)! I don´t understand when that subject became so important for you. I´m a philosopher and l my prime issues are the artistic ones. I myself am a fan of your work, and like to here you talking about music, your work, your lirics, your partnership, etc. This is the very first time I hear you talking about this commercial issue (and I follow your work a lot, having even bought your “In conversation” CD.
I do think that this is what Vera Blanc wanted to point out. What really matters is the work. That is the concept. We really expect that Seal who refuses a entire record ´cause it is not good enough. What wasn´t good enough? The concept, maybe! (that I can´t say cause I never heard Togetherland).
That is just my opinion.
Best regards and love,
Sérgio.
First let me say Happy Belated Valentines Day!!! Must’ve been a little tough not having HK and the kids there with you
..But I really want to thank you for the time you take to communicate with your fans and really honestly listen to what they have to say and their opinions…and I believe that no matter which way you release your next album 6 or 12 …your true fans will love it and understand why you did it the way you decide..after reading your post again on the music industry I hear what your saying on the changes to come in that industry..all that matters to me is that you never lose your integrity in your music.Your music touchs me and others in a way different than other music..more on a personal level..it hits home..many of your songs…on another note..this is something I’d like to share with everyone and you…something I wrote a long long time ago about Love…and if its soemthing you’d ever like to use go ahead…
If there be sorrow let it be…
…for things undone
undreamed
unrealized
unattained….
to these add one…..
Love withheld restrained….
Peace
Beth
Oh I forgot to say… I don’t want to make a mash-up, I want to make my own instrumental – my own mix of Your song. Just for me or for US (Your fans), and if You’d like You can keep it. Oh man, this is one of my dreams to mix one of Seal’s Songs
.
a-chill
NxSG
I am soo excited about this album coming! I’m excited about it being more of a dance album.. Songs like “Get It Together” make you feel good, get you moving and yet the lyrics make you think.. On a personal front, the more I read your posts Seal the more I respect you as a person aside from enjoying your music. Your candor, and care towards your fans is just wonderful. EVERY bit of success in your professional life you have well earned and happiness in your personal life and having a family to share it with are well deserved by you. Wishing you a happy Bday in advance as I will be away from here during the next week. My wishes for health, and continued happiness and success to YOU.. A truly nice person! P>S..Perhaps Charles could ask the guys who work on the site to update your appearances and tour dates.. Some of us may very well have made some of these places you appeared at if we’d know about it. Hoping NY is on your agenda at some point. We can’t wait to see you again!!.. We saw you At PLanting Fields, Long Island a couple of years ago with friends and just loved the energy!Everyone was on their feet ! A dance album will be just wonderful to hear!
Hi Seal,
That’s awesome to see an artist that keeps his fans informed everyday and who takes time to do it. We all know how the life of a famous artist is busy.
Personally, I’d rather have a great six songs album than a good twelve songs one. That annoys me a bit when I bought an album on which I only listen for one or two songs.
You said that it would be a dance music album. I don’t have a clear conception of what dance music is. Can your song “My Vision” be considered as dance music ? I particularly LOVE this song, so an album full of six songs like “Mys Vision” would be awesome ^^
Cheers
François
Hey!
First time poster here. Following with great interest the progress of the new album under the watchful eye of Bill Bottrell…..which is sort of my reason for wanting to post.
I have always thought that Trevor Horn is a genius – an absolute musical production genius. When I listen to the material he’s had a hand in producing, I’m always left in awe and wondering “How in the world did he come up with that?” So it’s with a certain amount of reluctance and, yes, a bit of skepticism that I regard the decision to go with Mr. Bottrell on the next go around.
Don’t get me wrong; I read his website and the man’s got a solid pedigree and a roster of home runs to his credit. My fear – if I can call it that – is that the “sound” of the music will be altered. I’ve become so used to a certain Horn-inspired flavor to Seal’s music, that I’m unsure of anything that’s a departure from what I know and love.
I realize that it’s musically progressive, and a sign of musical maturity, for an artist to grow, experiment and be willing to go in new directions (and to work with different producers!). Can anyone reassure me that the sound I know and love from the previous four albums will somehow carry forward into album #5? Does anyone understand what I’m trying to convey here?
BTW: let it be said now that there is no finer musician today than Seal…and thanks for the opportunity to express myself, and to share in the musical journey!
Hello Seal,
I’ve got a question about Your acapellas. I’m makin’ mixes (mash-up’s) for German Radio Energy.de. I don’t know how I can reach You private, so I ask You here in hope for Your answer. Would You send me one of your acapellas to mix it officially? I would make a report and send You the result?! Anybody else would get the acappela from me, promise I work with many other bands in the world and didn’t have any trouble with them. So hope You’ll read this message.
my e-mail is: alexander_linhart@yahoo.com
my myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/nxsg
my first mash-up for the radio:
Eminem-vs-Justin-Timberlake-feat-Timbaland—Without-Me-(NxSG-Sexy-Back-Mix)
Hope You’ll like it,
a-chill
Alexander Linhart/NxSG
Ciao Seal,
)
Paolo from Italy here.
first of all , all the best for the completing of the album, here we say
“COMUNQUE VADA, SARA’ UN SUCCESSO!”
i.e. “whatever, it will be a hit!”
(more or less
Regarding the six-songs matter, I’d prefer more possible song, I’d say a 24 track, double-cd would be perfect
joking aside, I think everyone of us has very different view about a single track, so maybe in one of the tracks not released I would have found a favourite that maybe is not on the released ones, you know, and
maybe the “Togetherland” matter is about that. I think many of us would be more than happy to pay for that (just imagine if some promo would have circulated on Ebay…).
As for the time factor, you’re absolutely right , we’re all , always in-a-hurry mode these times, but let’s hope things will get better, personally I’ll keep dedicate music (and yours will be in) all the time it deserves.
Best,
ciao
Paolo
This is ok…:-) (Vera Blanc)
Thank you
sandra