Useless Music Knowledge: 5 Facts to Brag About

Prince: The Triple Success That Made History

Prince was an exceptional artist whose influence is still felt today. But did you know that in 1984, he set a record previously only achieved by Elvis Presley? In the same year, Prince had not only a number 1 film ('Purple Rain') but also a number 1 album ('Purple Rain') and a number 1 single ('When Doves Cry'). This incredible success demonstrates how versatile and dominant Prince was in the music scene. Such achievements are rare and highlight the importance your entire catalog can have. Imagine being able to distribute your music via /distribution to 38+ DSPs in 240+ territories to maximize your reach.

For artists like Prince, who wanted to self-distribute their music, options were limited back then. Today, it's easier than ever to make your music globally available and tell your stories. With OGRECORDS^™, you retain 100% ownership of your masters and have full control over your releases.

The Longest Live Song: A Sound That Lasts 1000 Years

When talking about long songs, many think of epic rock ballads. But 'Longplayer' by Jem Finer overshadows everything. This live song has been running since 1999 and is designed to last a full 1000 years. It is played in a lighthouse in London and continuously generates new variations. A fascinating concept that redefines the boundaries of music. It shows that musical concepts know no limits, and this also applies to how you release and monetize your music. Your creativity is not restricted by our non-exclusive platform.

The First Music Video: Abstract Images to Gershwin

Before MTV took over the world, music videos already existed. The very first music video was shot in 1926 for George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue'. It was an experimental short film with abstract images that visually interpreted the music. An early pioneer of what is now an indispensable part of music promotion. Music videos are still essential today to visualize your music and reach a wider audience. With YouTube Content ID, you can ensure that your music is recognized and monetized on YouTube.

Nirvana's First Radio Hit: 'Love Buzz'

Many immediately think of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' when Nirvana comes to mind. But before this hit stormed the charts, it was another song that first brought Nirvana to the radio: 'Love Buzz'. This was a cover by the Dutch band Shocking Blue. Proof that cover songs can also pave the way to success. It's important that you release your music under your name and respect copyrights. With OGRECORDS^™, you automatically receive ISRC and UPC for each of your releases, enabling unique identification of your tracks.

If you want to kick off with cover songs, make sure all rights are cleared. With our /royalty-splits, you can split the earnings from your tracks indefinitely, even when it comes to licensing fees for covers.

U2's Band Name: 'The Hype' or 'U2'?

Sometimes a band's success is decided by its name. U2 was originally supposed to be called 'The Hype'. The name 'U2' was chosen spontaneously just before their first performance because it sounded 'young and futuristic'. A small decision with a big impact, showing how unpredictable the path to success can be. For you as an artist, there are also many decisions to make. OGRECORDS^™ offers you the freedom to release your music without committing to exclusive contracts. You only pay when you earn, with a 10% Revenue-Share model and no subscription or per-release fee.