In the late 1990s, a band named Harvey Danger burst onto the alternative rock scene with their hit song “Flagpole Sitta”. The song was an instant success, peaking at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the accompanying music video received frequent airplay on MTV. However, despite the initial success, critics and fans alike have debated whether Harvey Danger was a one-hit wonder or not.
In this blog post, we will explore Harvey Danger’s brief rise to fame, and whether they truly were a one-hit wonder.
The Rise of Harvey Danger
Harvey Danger was formed in Seattle, Washington in 1993 by Sean Nelson, Aaron Huffman, Jeff J. Lin, and Evan Sult. The band’s sound was heavily influenced by the alternative rock movement of the early 1990s, particularly bands like Nirvana and Pavement.
After releasing their self-titled debut album in 1995, Harvey Danger signed with major label Slash Records and began work on their second album, “Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?”. The album was released in 1997, and it was their breakout hit, “Flagpole Sitta”, that quickly became the band’s signature song.
“Flagpole Sitta” was a catchy, high-energy song with witty lyrics that resonated with listeners. The song’s music video, which featured the band performing in a chaotic office setting, was also a hit and helped to propel the song up the charts.
However, in the midst of the song’s success, Harvey Danger was also facing some challenges. The band’s label, Slash Records, was going through changes and wasn’t putting much promotional effort into the album. Additionally, the band was struggling with internal creative differences, with some members wanting to pursue a more experimental sound, while others wanted to stick with the catchy, alternative rock sound of “Flagpole Sitta”.
The Aftermath
Despite the success of “Flagpole Sitta”, Harvey Danger was never able to replicate that success. Their follow-up singles and albums failed to chart, and after several lineup changes, the band went on hiatus in 2001.
In the years since their initial success, Harvey Danger has occasionally played reunion shows and released new material, but the band never regained the fame and popularity they experienced in the late 1990s.
The One-Hit Wonder Debate
So, was Harvey Danger a one-hit wonder? The answer to that question is somewhat subjective and depends on how one defines the term.
If we define a one-hit wonder strictly as a band or artist who only had one song reach the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, then Harvey Danger falls into that category. However, if we consider other factors, such as cultural impact or longevity, then the answer becomes less clear.
“Flagpole Sitta” was undoubtedly a cultural touchstone for a certain generation of alternative rock fans. The song has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, and it continues to be played on rock radio stations to this day.
However, Harvey Danger was never able to capitalize on that initial success and establish themselves as a lasting presence in the music industry. Many fans and critics argue that this lack of longevity disqualifies them from being anything but a one-hit wonder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta” was undoubtedly a massive hit and a cultural touchstone for a certain generation. However, the band’s subsequent lack of success and eventual demise does raise the question of whether they were truly a one-hit wonder.
Ultimately, whether or not one considers Harvey Danger a one-hit wonder depends on how one defines the term. However, regardless of their status, it’s clear that “Flagpole Sitta” remains a beloved and enduring song that continues to resonate with rock fans of all ages.
FAQ
How many 1 hit wonders are there?
Determining the exact number of one-hit wonders can be a bit challenging as it depends on the criteria used for the classification. However, based on the widely accepted definition of a one-hit wonder as a musical act that achieved only one top-40 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, there are numerous artists that fall into this category.
According to various sources, including Billboard magazine, there are hundreds of one-hit wonders in the music industry. In fact, there is even a book titled “The Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders” that lists over 1,000 artists who only had a single hit on the Hot 100 chart.
However, if we limit the scope to popular one-hit wonders, there are fewer artists that stand out. In a list compiled by Rolling Stone, the magazine highlighted 50 notable one-hit wonders, ranging from the 1960s to contemporary times. The list includes artists like Norman Greenbaum (“Spirit in the Sky”), Blind Melon (“No Rain”), and A-ha (“Take on Me”).
Interestingly, a significant number of the one-hit wonders on the list were released in the 1970s, a period of massive cultural and musical changes. Many of the hits were propelled by the meteoric rise of disco and its danceable music, which dominated the charts in the mid to late 1970s.
While there may not be an exact number of one-hit wonders in the music industry, it is safe to say that there are many artists who have only had one hit song on the Billboard Hot 100. These artists may have faded into musical obscurity, but their one memorable hit has managed to endure and become iconic in its own right.
What ever happened to Harvey Danger?
Harvey Danger was an American alternative rock band from Seattle, Washington, formed in 1993. The band consisted of Sean Nelson (vocals and keyboards), Jeff Lin (guitar), Aaron Huffman (bass), and Evan Sult (drums). They are best known for their 1990s hit single “Flagpole Sitta”. However, after a successful debut album, the band struggled to replicate that success with subsequent releases. This eventually led to the band’s dissolution.
Following their breakout in 1997 with the success of “Flagpole Sitta”, which peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, Harvey Danger’s career trajectory began to falter. Their second album, “King James Version” released in 2000, didn’t fare quite as well in comparison, selling 42,000 to the first album’s at two million. In an attempt to regain traction, Harvey Danger launched a publicity stunt offering to book shows for the band in people’s homes. The event got much media coverage but did not translate into more successful album sales.
In 2005, Harvey Danger released their third and final album, “Little by Little”, which received mixed reviews and commercial failure. The band made the decision to go on an indefinite hiatus in 2008.
Following the disbandment, Sean Nelson went on to become a journalist. He was hired as a reporter for “The Stranger” newspaper in Seattle and continued to write and edit for the newspaper until the present day. Nelson continued to make music too, releasing two solo albums. However, he has stated several times that he has no plans for Harvey Danger to ever reunite.
Harvey Danger had a brief but impactful run in the late 1990s. Despite an unsuccessful attempt to revive their career, the band members have continued to make music in various capacities. Sean Nelson’s journalism and continued music career have allowed him to remain in the spotlight, while the other band members have pursued their own careers outside of music.
How much does an artist make for a one-hit wonder?
Artists having a one-hit wonder is not an unusual phenomenon in the music industry, but it is often wondered how much an artist can make from a single hit and whether it is enough to sustain them for an extended period of time. Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is not exactly straightforward.
First, it’s essential to understand that the percentage of revenue the artist receives for each sold record is a tiny fraction. According to one estimate, artists typically end up yielding just 6.6% of their records sales. If an album sells for $10, that means the artist makes about $0.66 per sold album. Hence, if an artist’s one-hit wonder is part of an album, their revenue will come from the album’s sales that include their hit song.
In the case of a single hit song, there are some other factors to consider. The artist will receive royalties every time their song is played on the radio, TV, or streamed through services such as Spotify or Apple Music. These royalties come from the songwriters and composers royalty pool, which the artist is typically entitled to a percentage of the revenue generated from their song’s airplay. The U.S. Copyright Office regulates the royalty rates, which average around $0.005 per stream.
Another factor to consider is that a one-hit wonder is not always a solo project, and thus, the revenue generated must be shared among all contributors. If the hit song was co-written with others, royalties must be shared between all of the songwriters. Likewise, if the artist is represented by a record label, they will be entitled to a percentage of the song’s revenue generated.
While a one-hit wonder can bring in a significant amount of revenue for an artist, the amount they receive ultimately depends on several factors, including the number of contributing artists, the label’s ownership, and the distribution channels used to sell or play the song. On average, if a four-person band has a one-hit wonder, they split that 6.6% four ways, that’s 1.65% each. Thus, while the immediate fame and recognition that come from a hit song are undoubtedly appealing, the financial rewards are not always substantial enough to sustain an artist’s long-term career.
What one-hit wonder made the most money?
One-hit wonders are a special breed of musicians who managed to produce a smash hit song that catapulted them to fame and fortune, but were never able to replicate that success again. While many musicians who create hit songs achieve long-lasting success and wealth, one-hit wonders often fade away into obscurity. However, there are some one-hit wonders that managed to make an incredible amount of money from their single hit, and one stands above the rest: Sir Mix-A-Lot.
Sir Mix-A-Lot is a rapper and producer from Seattle, Washington, who is best known for his hit song “Baby Got Back.” The song was released in 1992 and quickly became a sensation, thanks to its catchy beat, humorous lyrics, and controversial subject matter. The song is an ode to women with large buttocks, and features Sir Mix-A-Lot rapping lines like “I like big butts and I cannot lie” and “My anaconda don’t want none unless you’ve got buns, hun.”
“Baby Got Back” spent a total of 28 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at number one on July 4, 1992. The song achieved multiplatinum status in July 1992, when sales reached 2 million. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance in 1993, although it ultimately lost to “Jump” by Kriss Kross.
While Sir Mix-A-Lot never achieved the same level of success with any of his subsequent albums or singles, he continued to make money from “Baby Got Back” for decades after its release. The song was re-released in 2002, and digital sales totaled 500,000 by May 2005. It has also been used in countless movies, TV shows, commercials, and other forms of media, which has resulted in millions of dollars in royalties for Sir Mix-A-Lot.
In addition to his music career, Sir Mix-A-Lot has also dabbled in acting, producing, and even hosted his own TV show for a brief period of time. However, it’s clear that “Baby Got Back” is his biggest claim to fame and the source of most of his wealth.
Sir Mix-A-Lot is the one-hit wonder who made the most money, thanks to his iconic hit song “Baby Got Back.” While he never achieved the same level of success with any of his subsequent work, he continued to profit from the song for decades after its release, through digital sales, royalties, and licensing deals. Sir Mix-A-Lot’s success is a testament to the enduring power of a great, catchy, and controversial hit song.
What is considered one hit?
In the music industry, a hit song is a single that gains significant popularity and commercial success. The definition of what qualifies as a hit may vary depending on the country and the organization keeping track of it. However, in the United States and the United Kingdom, a single is usually considered a hit when it reaches the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 or the top 75 of the UK Singles Chart.
The Billboard Hot 100 is a music industry standard chart that ranks the most popular songs based on factors like radio airplay and digital downloads. It was established in 1958 and has since become one of the most prominent barometers of commercial success in the music industry. In the US, a single that breaks into the Hot 100’s top 40 is usually considered a hit. This is because this achievement often represents a high level of exposure and popularity for the song, resulting in significant sales and airplay.
In the UK, the Official Charts Company compiles the weekly UK Singles Chart, which ranks the most popular songs based on sales and streams. The chart has been in existence since 1952 and serves as a barometer of commercial success in the country’s music industry. Traditionally, a single that makes it into the top 75 of the UK Singles Chart is considered a hit. However, this criterion has changed over the years as the chart has evolved to reflect new trends and technologies.
It is important to note that the definition of a hit can be subjective and can depend on factors beyond the charting success of a song. For example, a track may not chart highly but may become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a dance craze or a viral challenge. Similarly, some songs may be technically successful in terms of chart rankings but may not be considered hits by their genre’s standards or by critics.
A hit song is generally considered a commercial success that gains significant exposure and popularity. In the US and the UK, a single that reaches the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 or the top 75 of the UK Singles Chart is typically considered a hit. However, factors beyond chart performance can also influence a song’s status as a hit.
How do you get the one-hit wonder achievement?
To get the “One-Hit Wonder” achievement in a game or a role-playing game, you would need to deal a massive amount of damage in a single blow. This achievement usually requires a lot of preparation, careful planning, and the right combination of attack skills, equipment, and buffs. Depending on the game, you may need to hit a specific target or an enemy with a certain defense level, which adds an extra layer of challenge and strategy.
In most cases, the one-hit wonder achievement is reserved for warrior-type characters who can deliver powerful hits with their weapons or skills. To achieve this accomplishment, you will need to invest heavily in improving your strength, agility, accuracy, and critical hit chances. You can also use temporary buffs or consumables that enhance your damage output or reduce the enemy’s defense.
Additionally, you may need to master a specific attack technique that can deal massive damage in a single hit. For example, some games feature combos where you can string several attacks together to create a devastating blow. Others allow you to charge up your attack for several turns, unleashing an almost unstoppable attack.
Keep in mind that achieving the one-hit wonder achievement requires patience, persistence, and a bit of luck. You may need to try several times, tweak your strategy, or level up your character to access the right skills and equipment. However, once you manage to pull off the feat, you will reap the rewards of an unforgettable rush of adrenaline and the admiration of your fellow gamers.
