Hi all. I just wanted to clarify something that I wrote in my original newsletter. It is mainly in response to 'loneliestar's' posting. The actual commercial success, or lack thereof of my albums is really what enables me to continue making music for people to enjoy. I am certainly not motivated by this alone but it is a reality of life, If I have no commercial success, no one gets to hear the music. The reason I felt the need to list the comparisons of other territories around Europe was really in response to the numerous letters I've read on this site from people asking why the promotion in the UK has been so pitiful. I am not asking to become a billionaire on the profits from my music, I was merely pointing out that isn't it a shame that my music can be promoted by most other record companies in foreign territories around the world except the place of my birth.

The truth of the matter is that after having played in the UK, it became apparent from the turnout at the gigs that my fan base is as strong as it's ever been so it is the fans I feel for... not my pocket.

There! I have said all there is to say on my feelings regarding this subject. I hope you will all understand the sentiment of these words as I intended... merely informative.

Love, love, love,

S

"The actual commercial success, or lack thereof of my albums is really what enables me to continue making music for people to enjoy".

Lack of commercial success or lack thereof. I like this! Two sides of the same coin, maybe yes?? No pun intended.

Ahh....a true artist. IMO of course!

rambles,

fast

If we thought you were just in it for the money, most of us probably wouldn't be here. We know where your heart is. The UK just needs a big phone campaign to radio stations.

Simply Seal:

your music speaks for itself...

We love ya!!

Martin.
Netherlands

No need to clarify. I think you were clear enough in your original post, and totally right to be concerned about the lack of `oomph` here.... especially as you are a proud pom.

Unfortunately, the chart music industry in the UK (from our perspective... you obviously have much more knowledge) is and has been stuck in a quagmire of kiddie releases for the quick buck for years. We thought you`d always made a wise move by going to America as it seems they are more attuned to decent music over there (record co`s and the public). Unfortunate for us in the UK though. We feel very priviledged to have seen you perform again and meeting you.... we may never get the chance again.

If only you could do a song with Madonna or someone who is still promoted well in the UK (and even when her last album was crap). She`s on the same label.....

Anyway, there are loads of ppl out there who appreciate your music, so carry on doing what you are doing, as you do it so well.

http://www.mandyleigh.com/
singer/songwriter

Oftimes in my own mind I've questioned why you're not getting the airplay and promotion that you deserve.

Interestingly enough I read an article that Korn did on CNN.com that was very informative.

Korn did a video that is on their website that flashes this information on the screen:

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"One corporation owns the 5 major video channels in the U.S."; "90% of the bands signed to a major don't make a profit"; "Two radio conglomerates control 42% of listeners"; "The music industry releases 100 songs per week
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Though, true what Storm said about Madonna, though she is not without her own set of problems with Maverick and WB records (got an article if anyone wants to read it..wow!)

Its sad that record companies blame technological advances (i.e., file sharing), when they really should be blaming themselves! Remember the transition from vinyl and tape to CD? Lots of people changed over complete colletions. This of course meant that the record companies made money on the same Album twice! So sure it made them look very successful.

But as in any business there can be a lull period, and the record industry hit one because they weren't forward thinking and looking into advancements in technology. They could (and SHOULD) have kept the ball rolling and been in the forefront of technology when MP3 technology came about..they didn't and hid in the sand from it and blamed those who are forerunners of technology.

So now, they're trying to peddle fast to catch up and we all know that technology waits for no one..either you're a forerunner or you fall behind.

On another note, I for one hope that the industry finally get their act together and stop promoting crappy albums with one or two good songs, and pure sex appeal (al-la Britney Spears and other "nasal singers" that dress in their skivvies to "perform") and pay much more attention to those artists (like yourself) who are into making great music period!

BTW Seal, WE know you're not doing it for money. No way could anyone sing the way you do, and touch the souls of so many be in it for just money. Real love can't be faked.

Measuring success is quite subjective from person to person. Quite often no two people will see it in quite the same light.

My way of viewing success is this: As long as you do what you love, you're happy with it, and it provides those things that you want from it, then everyone else can take a flying leap.

-BOS

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Regular Answers: $1, Short Answer: $5, Correct Answer: $25, dumb looks: FREE!!

i heard about the korn video. i haven't seen it yet though.

the focus of the music business needs to be on the music rather than the business but i guess there is a reason it is called the music business/industry. such a shame

how do you fix the mess? that's the million dollar question.

quote:

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Originally posted by Allyson:
If we thought you were just in it for the money, most of us probably wouldn't be here. We know where your heart is. The UK just needs a big phone campaign to radio stations.

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And DREAMIMAGES...you are so right also.

Seal's lyrics and love for music does speak for itself!!!

GRMNCHCK

Love Love Love

the people you want to reach find you, half of us are crazy enough to visit this site everyday!!! your music is like listening to prayers for people to love and live right, yet the peole who could help you spread the word are too stupid and cheap to do it. it must be very frustrating for you....i live in Boston and have not heard one song from iv, they still play kiss from a rose...have only seem 1 new video on vh1..they do make it hard on your fans.

quote:

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Originally posted by babesofsteel:
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BTW Seal, WE know you're not doing it for money. No way could anyone sing the way you do, and touch the souls of so many be in it for just money. Real love can't be faked.

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SOOO true.
Martin.

I understood and undertsand. Thank you again...


Peace,
Ernest

" As you think so shall you be."

your fans will promote you ten fold !!! you are not a pop sentation!!! you are a gift that your listens treasure for everyone whos has the privalageof knowing your music we share that with everyone one we know!! i know i have!!! YOUR MUSIS FEEDS MY SOUL!!!I love to here people talk about you becuseit brings a bond of love and frienshipjust from listening to your music !!1so while promotion is part of the whole buisness of record making your music will always be unique and stand by its self !! i will prayer for you that you will get the right type of personel to honor your intergrity!! SEAL YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW TRULY HONORED I FELL TO BE A PART OF YOUR FAN BASE ITS SOMETHING I TTREASURE!!LOVE AND BLESSING MARCI

if microsoft gets its way, it'll run and take revenue for the digital right management for all of the corporations through its digital hub - the xbox
at that point, censorship and a distorted representation of "what the people want" will prevail

although given the many varied definitions that others would use to define 'success'... i think that there may be a common thought we all could share... that success is achieved by meeting the goal or fulfilling the purpose for our life's work... and often times that isn't monetary... (but babes is right- we know you aren't out for a quick buck) there are too many flash in the pan tunes that come and go for the almighty $$, and occasionally it's a disappointment to see something so valuable overlooked for the 'flavor of the week'..

quoting babes again 'that measuring success is quite subjective from person to person- and no two will see it in the same light'...true true true!!

some would say 'if what i've been able to do with my talent is appreciated by even one person...'

or... 'if i'm able to keep doing what i love and nothing else because it is appreciated by ten'...

heck, sometimes i feel successful if i can close my eyes when the sun goes down and know that i've stayed true to my own dream even if there isn't another soul that can relate...

i'd have to conclude that your success meter is blowing off the charts just from reading the posts in here!!!

i may not get very far phoning a latin tejano station and begging for a seal number, but i think that there are fans screaming for you to 'show us the way to solve your problem and we'll be there'..lol ... hmmm... come to think of it, they just MIGHT play that song with santana.. hmmm again....

thank you for taking the time out to explain and inform on the marketing a promotion issues- the forum has been buzzing and wondering!! we all appreciate knowing that you're around and care enough to give us even more of yourself than expected or required!!!

love and hugs!!!

~k

I agree with all above...I especially want you to know that we feel your love. Just keep it coming!! YOU are doing the right things.
I was just listening to some friend's music (Ozomatli) thinking it is a shame that no one will probably ever hear them on the radio... I still think we can be the pebble that causes the water to ripple. I am going to go and pester some radio stations now. Adios!

Amor, Paz & Luz

@ Seal I just want you to know that the fact that you feel for your fans and speak from the heart speaks volumes of who you really are. The Light that you shine on us all is so much brighter than any commercial success.Yet I hope your pockets are always as full as your heart cause lord knows no one is more deserving!
Rita

I hear you loud and clear seal, thank you for clearing that point out for us.

I think from A british fan base point of view, i for 1 felt very frustrated with the commercial side of things for the duration of your tour here. No airplay, no Marketing, it just took a little bit of the EDGE of the whole scenario.

It was a mind blowing performance, all through the tour, im just a little bit frustrated at other sides of the operation.

However, ive had my fix for a little while, and still full to the brim!

Wishing you all the best, until next time

Dan
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

quote:

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Originally posted by Seal Samuel:
Hi all. I just wanted to clarify something that I wrote in my original newsletter. It is mainly in response to 'loneliestar's' posting.

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Gasp!! Do you mean me, luv?!?!

Oh, my, I can, quite literally, hardly type now!

quote:

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The actual commercial success, or lack thereof of my albums is really what enables me to continue making music for people to enjoy. I am certainly not motivated by this alone but it is a reality of life, If I have no commercial success, no one gets to hear the music. The reason I felt the need to list the comparisons of other territories around Europe was really in response to the numerous letters I've read on this site from people asking why the promotion in the UK has been so pitiful. I am not asking to become a billionaire on the profits from my music, I was merely pointing out that isn't it a shame that my music can be promoted by most other record companies in foreign territories around the world except the place of my birth.

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I can sense the pain in that, yes; certainly. Thank you for clarifying.

I just feel so strongly about the role an ARTIST plays in society, and I am all too familiar with what it feels like to wear the hat of a business person as well; the two mentalities are universes apart, really, and I do believe the life of your music will far exceed anything any record guy can (or in our case, apparently won't) do.

quote:

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The truth of the matter is that after having played in the UK, it became apparent from the turnout at the gigs that my fan base is as strong as it's ever been so it is the fans I feel for... not my pocket.

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I didn't get the sense you were coming from any materialistic point of view whatsoever. The fan base is strong because perhaps word of mouth is a mighty, mighty tool!

quote:

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There! I have said all there is to say on my feelings regarding this subject.

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And I'm glad! Thank you for an amazingly FUN, intense time at the House Of Blues yesterday, dearest Seal Samuel! You are one of the Angels on Earth!

Love, Always.

quote:

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Love, love, love,

S

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quote:

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Gasp!! Do you mean me, luv?!?!

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I think its funny that you've just now noticed that Seal responded to your statement...LOL