Manda Ophuis

AM : First can you present the bandmembers and a short story of the formation of the band ?

Manda : Nemesea was founded by Manda and HJ in September of 2002. In April of 2003 Nemesea became the support act for After Forever after playing there first gig ever.. Nemesea became very successful in the Gothic Rock scene. Bandmembers are: Manda - Vocals, HJ - Guitar/songwriter, Martijn - Guitar, Steven - Drums, Berto - Keys and Sonny - Bass.

AM : What is the musical style of Nemesea ?

Manda : Female fronted Rock/Metal/Gothic.

AM : Your first album, "Mana", was released in 2004, how was it received by the fans and the reviewers ?

Manda : Very good, we got great reviews from all over the world. Considering the lack of good promotion the album still sold over 6.000 copies. For a debut album of a young unknown band that's pretty good.

AM : What happened to your label, Ebony Tears ?

Manda : Good question, I think the managers/owners of the company didn't feel capable to run the label any longer. For a (beginning) band this is a very bad situation. We didn't know what to do. At the end we came to an agreement. Let's leave it at that.

AM : You are now writing new songs for a second album, from the sample I heard, I think they're heavier and catchier, also more modern, is it in this direction you're going for the whole album ?

Manda : Well, the first 2 tunes ( In Control and No More ) represent our future sound quite good. We are still developing our sound during the writing process but yes…this is the direction. We want to do something else, something new, something different with our music.

AM : You're now on the Sellaband website, where your fans can buy "parts" of the band, so explain this new concept, is it some kind of label ?

Manda : Yes and No, Sellaband offers both bands and fans the opportunity to 'work' together. People can buy a share ( or multiple ) of a band they like. If the band can find 5.000 so called 'believers' ( investors ) then sellaband becomes sort of a label. They take care of the process in making a professional album and offer A & R managers, producers, studio's etc. When the album is finished all believers get a unique limited edition album of their favourite band. The rule is 1 share- 1 album, so 10 shares - 10 albums. But that's not all. Both believers and band earn money through the albums sales and downloads. So…. for the first time people can buy an album but also can make money out of it. Great !!

AM : You must sell 5000 10 $ parts before entering in studio, so what if you never reach them, is your investor's money lost then ?

Manda : No, every investor can get his/her money back before reaching 5.000 shares or 50.000$. When this happens the amount of money 'freezes' and it's just a matter of waiting to receive the special album and extra's. Before that you can invest your money on bands, get it back when you need to get groceries or something or place it on another band you like.

AM : How is your experience so far with Sellaband, would you advise young bands to try this way ?

Manda : Yes, I think so. Why not, you're not signing a contract; it's free of obligations, without any risk. It's also good for a band to know and experience that's it's not only about making music. Those days are over. Sellaband is great but you still have to do the promotion yourself! This is very important! Sellaband will really help you when you've found enough fans/ believers.

AM : That's all for today, would you like to add something to our readers ?

Manda : I would say, consider to step in and take a look at the future of the music industry. And while doing that support a band you like by believing in them. You are ' In Control '!