"The Pack"

In what could best be described as two of the most stressful days for thousands of investors and musicians,  has finally ended on a very positive note!  Sellaband.com declared bankruptcy on Monday, February 22; but just two days later, a new and promising light was cast on this uncertain and dark news.

Michael Bogatzki, the new CEO of SellaBand GmbH, released this statement today on the Sellaband website:

We will continue to advance this fantastic platform while acting in the spirit of the SellaBand community and its founders. We are thankful for the exceptional work of Johan Vosmeijer and his wishes.

Starting from today we proceed with this unique concept and maximize the potential of SellaBand with the trust and faith of all Artists and Believers. In personal I am proud to be part of this idea and I am aware of my responsibility for done work and successes. I will take care about the community and spirit of sellaband.com with your help and confidence.

Best regards,
Michael Bogatzki
Munich, February 24.2010

Personally, I have just gone from a very low place to an elevated one full of hope as we pursue a new beginning.  First and foremost…I would like to extend a HUGE Thank You and a very warm Welcome to Michael Bogatzki!  These past few days have been some of the most difficult I can remember.

As a believer, I was upset not for myself, but for the artists I have supported these past two years, also known as “The Pack“.  Like so many artists on Sellaband, they have put forth an incredible amount of energy towards their projects and to wake up one day and see all that hard work just disappear…was one of the most gut-wrenching feelings I have ever experienced.  Yes, they too were upset, but in spite of all this uncertainty, “The Pack” pulled together and supported each other!  And now with this new beginning…they will emerge even stronger!

I’ve said this time and time again…the artists in “The Pack” are some of the best I have ever heard…and on top of that, they work their tails off…each and every day!  They never stop and as their friend and loyal supporter, I will not stop either.  I think they all know that I’m not going anywhere; instead, I will keep pushing ahead, working harder and harder to help all of them reach their dream of raising the necessary funds to produce a world-class CD.

This mess was not their fault and I am concerned that many believers will be pulling back their support because of the Sellaband website failures and the bankruptcy.  I urge all of their believers to please take a deep breath and give Mr. Bogatzki a chance to “right the ship“.  He obviously believes in the Sellaband concept…otherwise, why would he put his reputation and money on the line?  I am very optimistic this is going to be the beginning of the potential this site has always been capable of reaching.  Not to mention, we’ve developed one incredible family within Sellaband!

Sure there are those who weren’t happy with things lately, but so many of us stuck it out and didn’t leave.  There’s a reason for that…and it all revolves around our love for music, the musicians we support, and the opportunity to be a part of something that no amount of money could ever buy…the chance to make a difference in someone’s life.  I love the artists I support and I have enjoyed watching each and every one of them grow their talent and their fan base…not to mention witnessing each of them blossom into the artists they are today!  I will never abandon them…they will always have my unwavering support and I hope the rest of the believers on this wonderful site feel the same about the artists they support.  We are all pioneers in this venture…I am looking forward to continuing the dream!

Wolfman

The February 2010 issue of the $50K Music Magazine is featuring articles about Angie Arsenault, Gisel de Marco, LeeAnn Casey, and Lindy Waldeck.  Angie Arsenault is gracing the cover this month with a wonderful picture taken from her “Once Upon a Dream” album and the write-up about her is a very insightful piece about her musical journey, news about her album, and her current fund raising project on Sellaband.

Gisel summarizes everything that has happened since she hit her budget goal and when we can expect to receive her debut album.  You can feel the excitement and energy in Gisel’s answers.

LeeAnn talks about how her short time on Sellaband has been an uplifting experience, a little bit about her background, and some insight in to the studio she will be recording her debut album in.

In Lindy Waldeck ’s article, she explains how she was drawn in to music and some insight into her fund-raising experience for her upcoming Jazz (and more) album financed by believers from Sellaband.

All of the articles are nicely written and you will learn a lot about each of these artists.  I encourage you to read it, if you haven’t already.

Cheers!

Wolfman