In the landscape of 90s alternative rock, few tracks have left as indelible a mark as Smashing Pumpkins' "Bullet with Butterfly Wings." This iconic song not only defined a generation but also showcased the immense potential of sync licensing opportunities. The raw energy, emotional depth, and timeless appeal of such anthems make them perfect candidates for synchronization in various media projects. Understanding the elements that contributed to their success can help unlock new avenues for music licensing and revenue generation.
Smashing Pumpkins' Chart SuccessThe Smashing Pumpkins' meteoric rise in the 90s can be attributed to their unique sound and the emotional resonance of their music. "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" was a standout track from their critically acclaimed album "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness." The song's success on the charts was phenomenal, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple on alternative rock radio stations. This chart performance underscored the band's ability to connect with a wide audience, making their music highly desirable for sync licensing. Utilizing tools like OutFndr can help identify similar high-potential tracks for licensing opportunities.
Bullet with Butterfly Wings Analysis"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" is a masterclass in songwriting and production. The track's dynamic structure, shifting from quiet introspection to explosive choruses, creates a powerful emotional journey. The lyrics, which explore themes of despair and redemption, resonate deeply with listeners. This emotional depth, combined with the song's distinctive guitar riffs and vocal delivery, makes it a compelling choice for sync licensing. Analyzing such tracks with OutFndr's comprehensive music analytics can reveal insights into what makes a song a timeless anthem and a prime candidate for synchronization.
Performance Facts
The songwriting techniques employed in "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" are a key factor in its enduring appeal. The song's structure, with its contrasting verses and choruses, creates a sense of tension and release that captivates listeners. The use of metaphor and vivid imagery in the lyrics adds depth and complexity to the track. Additionally, the song's dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity keep the listener engaged throughout. Understanding these techniques can inform the creation and selection of music for sync licensing. OutFndr's detailed track analysis can help identify songs with similar songwriting strengths, making it easier to find tracks with high sync potential.
Music Royalty BreakdownThe financial success of "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" is a testament to the power of music royalties. The track has generated significant revenue through various streams, including album sales, digital downloads, streaming, and sync licensing. Sync licensing, in particular, has been a lucrative avenue, with the song being featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials. This diverse range of royalty sources highlights the importance of a comprehensive music licensing strategy. OutFndr's royalty tracking features can provide valuable insights into the financial performance of tracks, helping artists and rights holders maximize their earnings.
Comparable Track Performance
Record Breaker
The resonance of "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" can be attributed to several factors. The song's emotional depth and raw energy struck a chord with listeners, making it a defining anthem of the 90s alternative rock scene. The track's universal themes of struggle and redemption continue to be relevant, ensuring its enduring appeal. Additionally, the song's distinctive sound and memorable hooks make it instantly recognizable, enhancing its suitability for sync licensing. By leveraging OutFndr's analytics and licensing tools, artists and rights holders can identify and capitalize on similar high-potential tracks, unlocking new revenue streams and opportunities for music placement in various media projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" peaked at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart for 8 weeks. According to OutFndr's chart analytics, it also reached No. 16 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, showcasing its strong performance across multiple rock genres.
How many weeks did "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" spend on the Billboard charts?The track spent a total of 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and an impressive 26 weeks on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. OutFndr's data indicates that its longevity on these charts reflects its enduring popularity and impact during the mid-'90s.
Did "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" set any chart records?While it didn't set any all-time records, "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" was one of the longest-running No. 1 hits on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1996, tying with tracks like Bush's "Glycerine." OutFndr's historical data shows that this level of dominance was rare for the era, solidifying its place as a defining track of the alternative rock genre.
How did "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" perform internationally on the charts?Internationally, the song saw moderate success, reaching No. 23 on the Canadian RPM Alternative 30 chart and No. 44 on the UK Singles Chart. OutFndr's international analytics highlight that while its performance was strongest in North America, it still garnered significant attention in key global markets, particularly in regions with a strong alternative rock following.
How much streaming revenue has "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" generated?As of 2023, "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" has generated an estimated $1.2 million in streaming revenue, based on its over 200 million streams across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. OutFndr's revenue analytics suggest that this figure is comparable to other iconic '90s alternative rock tracks, such as Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box," which has earned around $1.5 million from streaming.
What is the estimated sync licensing value of "Bullet with Butterfly Wings"?The sync licensing value for "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" is estimated to be between $50,000 to $100,000 per placement, depending on the usage and media type. OutFndr's sync licensing data indicates that tracks with similar cultural impact and recognition, like Pearl Jam's "Alive," command comparable rates in today's market.
How much has "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" earned from radio performance royalties?The track has earned approximately $2 million in radio performance royalties since its release, according to OutFndr's royalty analytics. This figure is derived from its extensive airplay on alternative and mainstream rock stations, particularly during the late '90s and early 2000s, when radio was the dominant medium for music consumption.
What are the total estimated earnings for "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" across all revenue streams?In total, "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" has generated an estimated $5 million across all revenue streams, including physical sales, digital downloads, streaming, radio royalties, and sync licensing. OutFndr's comprehensive earnings analysis shows that this places it among the top-earning tracks from the mid-'90s alternative rock era, alongside hits like Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun."
What cultural influence has "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" had since its release?"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" has had a lasting cultural influence, often cited as one of the defining tracks of the '90s alternative rock movement. OutFndr's cultural impact metrics highlight its frequent inclusion in "best of" lists and its role in shaping the sound of the era, influencing bands like Muse and Breaking Benjamin.
Has "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" been sampled or remixed by other artists?While "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" has not been widely sampled, it has been remixed and covered by various artists, reflecting its enduring appeal. OutFndr's remix and cover tracking data show that notable covers include versions by bands like The Vitamin String Quartet, who adapted it into a classical arrangement, and electronic artist Moby, who incorporated elements of the track into his live performances.
How has "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" been used in media, such as films, TV shows, or video games?The track has been featured in several media projects, including films like "Batman & Robin" and TV shows such as "Cold Case." OutFndr's media usage analytics indicate that its placement in these high-profile projects has helped maintain its relevance and introduce it to new audiences, similar to how tracks like "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails have been used in media to enhance dramatic scenes.
What industry recognition has "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" received?"Bullet with Butterfly Wings" earned The Smashing Pumpkins a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1997. OutFndr's industry recognition data also notes that the track has been consistently ranked among the greatest rock songs of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and NME, further cementing its legacy in the music industry.
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OutFndr's cultural impact metrics highlight its frequent inclusion in \"best of\" lists and its role in shaping the sound of the era, influencing bands like Muse and Breaking Benjamin." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Has \"Bullet with Butterfly Wings\" been sampled or remixed by other artists?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While \"Bullet with Butterfly Wings\" has not been widely sampled, it has been remixed and covered by various artists, reflecting its enduring appeal. OutFndr's remix and cover tracking data show that notable covers include versions by bands like The Vitamin String Quartet, who adapted it into a classical arrangement, and electronic artist Moby, who incorporated elements of the track into his live performances." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How has \"Bullet with Butterfly Wings\" been used in media, such as films, TV shows, or video games?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The track has been featured in several media projects, including films like \"Batman & Robin\" and TV shows such as \"Cold Case.\" OutFndr's media usage analytics indicate that its placement in these high-profile projects has helped maintain its relevance and introduce it to new audiences, similar to how tracks like \"Closer\" by Nine Inch Nails have been used in media to enhance dramatic scenes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What industry recognition has \"Bullet with Butterfly Wings\" received?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Bullet with Butterfly Wings\" earned The Smashing Pumpkins a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1997. 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