As me and my band, (Millie and the Floor Gang) are releasing our debut EP, I will be looking at some debut music from the bands and artists I like and see what they did.
Arctic Monkeys – Their debut song was “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.” This was a massive hit for a debut single. Arctic Monkeys were one of the fist bands to gain public attention off the internet. This changed the music industry, as there wasn’t much classic promotion and advertising involved. It was mostly online promotion, which was new for the whole industry.
The song in general was a massive hit, it went to No. 1 on the UK singles chart. The song and their first album in general was heavily inspired by the Strokes’ first album, Is This It. It is a very raw track, with a big focus on guitar and the vocals. It was catchy, with a good hook and a good song. What I take out of this as a debut single is that they didn’t try and do anything groundbreaking or overcomplicate anything. They did a song that they enjoy and was catch.
YUNGBLUD – His debut song was “King Charles.” Yungblud’s first song was a very ambitious debut song, as it is quite a strange song. By that I mean it isn’t part of the popular songs at the time of release, and isn’t something that would usually go big. However as it is something different from the normal, it gained a lot of attention. The song has been branded as “a protest song for the disenfranchised working class.” This song is an interesting debut, as it has a lot of meaning, as well as being ambitious. Which is different to the Arctic Monkey’s debut track. They are both very different, however both have different good qualities to them.
The Strokes – Their debut songs was actually a demo EP, called “The Modern Age.” It included 3 songs that later appeared on their debut album, which were “The Modern Age” “Last Nite” and “Barely Legal.” This EP caused many record labels to be interested in signing the band. The Strokes changed guitar music with their debut album and EP. It inspired the future of indie music, which for a debut EP is a massive feat. Last Nite is one of the Strokes’ most popular song, and it was massive for the industry. However they didn’t know themselves that they were making something groundbreaking when they were making it. What I take away from the Strokes’ debut music is that when you make music, don’t intend to change the industry or do something groundbreaking. Just make music you enjoy, as other people will as well, and it might even be something amazing.
The Stone Roses – Their debut singles were “So Young” and “Tell me.” These were released 4 years before their debut album. These singles are widely different from their other music, as after they released these singles, they went to recording their debut album. However they were unhappy with the sound of the album, so they scrapped it. These singles didn’t do insanely well, they got a cult following however they didn’t do great. After lots of changes and controversy within the band and many gigs, they got to recording their album, “The Stone Roses.” Which was a massive departure from their first two singles, but did miles better, as it is seen as one of the best albums in the genre. As the genre for their singles was post-punk which then they changed to indie rock. This shows me that your debut songs aren’t always going to be a hit, and you can change what kind of music you do.
Oasis – Oasis’ debut single was “Supersonic.” Supersonic was a massive hit for Oasis, as it practically made them a household name overnight. It peaked at 31 on the UK charts, however in Manchester and across the UK they became massive. The song was a very raw, loud and in your face song. It didn’t reinvent the genre or make a new one. It was an anthem for the UK and especially Manchester, Oasis and Supersonic defined the 90’s britpop. This shows me that you can make something that you like, and it can become massive. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated, it can just be what you think is good.