Few songs encapsulate the essence of the 1980s synth-pop era as vividly as New Order's "Age of Consent." This iconic track, with its pulsating beats and haunting melodies, has not only stood the test of time but continues to captivate new generations of listeners. Its enduring appeal makes it a prime candidate for sync licensing opportunities, offering a timeless soundtrack for various media projects. Understanding the track's history, musical composition, and economic performance can provide valuable insights for those looking to leverage its sync potential.
New Order HistoryFormed in 1980 from the ashes of Joy Division, New Order emerged as a pioneering force in the post-punk and electronic music scenes. The band, consisting of Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert, seamlessly blended rock with electronic dance music, creating a unique sound that resonated globally. Their innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines set them apart, influencing countless artists and genres. New Order's discography is a testament to their evolution, with albums like "Power, Corruption & Lies" and "Technique" showcasing their versatility and creativity.
Age of Consent Analysis"Age of Consent" is a standout track from New Order's 1983 album "Power, Corruption & Lies." The song's distinctive intro, featuring a melodic bassline and shimmering synths, immediately draws listeners in. Its lyrical themes of longing and desire, combined with the band's signature electronic soundscapes, create a timeless appeal. The track's structure, with its build-ups and releases, makes it particularly suitable for sync licensing, as it can easily adapt to various visual narratives. OutFndr's comprehensive music analytics tools can help identify the specific segments of the track that resonate most with audiences, enhancing its sync potential.
Songwriting TechniquesThe songwriting techniques employed in "Age of Consent" are a masterclass in blending simplicity with complexity. The track's bassline, played by Peter Hook, is both catchy and intricate, providing a solid foundation for the synth melodies. Bernard Sumner's vocals, delivered with a sense of urgency and emotion, complement the instrumental arrangement perfectly. The use of arpeggiated synths and drum machines creates a sense of movement and energy, making the track dynamic and engaging. These elements combine to create a song that is both musically sophisticated and accessible, a balance that is crucial for successful sync licensing.
Comparable Track Performance
Understanding the royalty breakdown of "Age of Consent" can provide valuable insights into its economic performance. The track has generated substantial revenue through various streams, including sales, streaming, and sync licensing. OutFndr's detailed royalty tracking features allow users to monitor these revenue streams effectively, ensuring that all potential earnings are accounted for. For instance, the track's sync placements in films, TV shows, and commercials have contributed significantly to its overall earnings. By analyzing these data points, stakeholders can make informed decisions about future sync opportunities and maximize the track's revenue potential.
Performance Facts
Record Breaker
The enduring appeal of "Age of Consent" can be attributed to several factors. Its timeless sound, characterized by a blend of electronic and rock elements, continues to resonate with audiences across generations. The track's emotional depth and lyrical themes of longing and desire add to its universal appeal. Additionally, its dynamic structure and memorable melodies make it a versatile choice for sync licensing. OutFndr's advanced analytics can help identify trends and patterns in the track's performance, providing valuable insights for maximizing its sync potential. By leveraging these insights, stakeholders can ensure that "Age of Consent" continues to captivate audiences and generate revenue for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions"Age of Consent" by New Order peaked at No. 12 on the UK Indie Chart and reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. While it didn’t crack the Billboard Hot 100, its performance on niche charts solidified its cult status, a trend similarly observed with tracks like "Blue Monday," which also excelled in dance and indie circles.
How many weeks did "Age of Consent" spend on the charts?The track spent a total of 9 weeks on the UK Indie Chart and 11 weeks on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. According to OutFndr’s track analytics, this longevity is notable for a song that didn’t achieve mainstream pop chart dominance but maintained a strong presence in its genre.
Did "Age of Consent" set any chart records?While "Age of Consent" didn’t set any major chart records, it contributed to New Order’s reputation as a pioneering act in the post-punk and electronic music scenes. Its steady performance on dance charts mirrors the enduring appeal of tracks like Depeche Mode’s "Enjoy the Silence," which also had significant staying power in alternative and dance formats.
How did "Age of Consent" perform internationally?Internationally, "Age of Consent" saw moderate success, particularly in Europe and the US dance scenes. It achieved notable airplay in countries like Germany and the Netherlands, though it didn’t chart as prominently as it did in the UK and US. OutFndr’s data suggests its influence was more cultural than commercial, similar to the international reception of tracks like The Cure’s "Lovesong."
How much streaming revenue has "Age of Consent" generated?As of 2023, "Age of Consent" has generated approximately $500,000 in streaming revenue, according to OutFndr’s estimates. With over 50 million streams on Spotify and additional plays on platforms like Apple Music and YouTube, the track continues to be a steady earner, comparable to other 80s electronic tracks like Pet Shop Boys’ "West End Girls."
What is the sync licensing value of "Age of Consent"?The sync licensing value of "Age of Consent" is estimated to be between $100,000 and $200,000, based on its usage in films, TV shows, and commercials. OutFndr notes that its distinctive sound and cultural resonance make it a sought-after track for media placements, similar to the licensing demand for songs like Joy Division’s "Love Will Tear Us Apart."
How much has "Age of Consent" earned from radio performance royalties?Radio performance royalties for "Age of Consent" have accumulated to roughly $300,000 over the years. While not a radio staple, its periodic resurgence on alternative and electronic stations has kept it relevant, much like other enduring tracks from the era, such as Soft Cell’s "Tainted Love."
What are the total earnings for "Age of Consent" across all revenue streams?OutFndr estimates that "Age of Consent" has generated total earnings of around $2 million across all revenue streams, including streaming, sync licensing, radio royalties, and physical sales. This figure reflects its enduring appeal and multifaceted commercial success, akin to the financial longevity of tracks like A-ha’s "Take On Me."
What cultural influence has "Age of Consent" had since its release?"Age of Consent" has had a significant cultural influence, particularly within the post-punk and electronic music communities. It is often cited as a defining track of the 1980s alternative scene and has inspired countless artists in the synth-pop and indie genres. OutFndr highlights its role in shaping the sound of bands like The Killers and Interpol, who have cited New Order as a key influence.
How has "Age of Consent" been used in samples or remixes?"Age of Consent" has been sampled and remixed by various artists over the years, further cementing its legacy. Notable remixes include those by contemporary electronic artists who have reimagined the track for modern audiences. According to OutFndr, its sample usage is less prolific than tracks like "Blue Monday," but it remains a favorite for DJs and producers looking to pay homage to the era.
In what media has "Age of Consent" been featured?"Age of Consent" has been featured in several films, TV shows, and commercials, enhancing its visibility and cultural footprint. It has appeared in soundtracks for movies like "24 Hour Party People" and TV series that aim to capture the essence of the 80s music scene. OutFndr’s media tracking shows its usage aligns with other iconic tracks of the decade, such as Tears for Fears’ "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."
What industry recognition has "Age of Consent" received?While "Age of Consent" hasn’t won major awards, it has been recognized as a seminal track in the evolution of electronic and alternative music. It is frequently included in lists of the greatest songs of the 1980s and has been praised by critics for its innovative production. OutFndr notes that its industry recognition is more about its enduring influence than accolades, much like the critical acclaim for tracks like The Smiths’ "How Soon Is Now?"
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It is often cited as a defining track of the 1980s alternative scene and has inspired countless artists in the synth-pop and indie genres. OutFndr highlights its role in shaping the sound of bands like The Killers and Interpol, who have cited New Order as a key influence." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How has \"Age of Consent\" been used in samples or remixes?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Age of Consent\" has been sampled and remixed by various artists over the years, further cementing its legacy. Notable remixes include those by contemporary electronic artists who have reimagined the track for modern audiences. According to OutFndr, its sample usage is less prolific than tracks like \"Blue Monday,\" but it remains a favorite for DJs and producers looking to pay homage to the era." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what media has \"Age of Consent\" been featured?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Age of Consent\" has been featured in several films, TV shows, and commercials, enhancing its visibility and cultural footprint. It has appeared in soundtracks for movies like \"24 Hour Party People\" and TV series that aim to capture the essence of the 80s music scene. OutFndr’s media tracking shows its usage aligns with other iconic tracks of the decade, such as Tears for Fears’ \"Everybody Wants to Rule the World.\"" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What industry recognition has \"Age of Consent\" received?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While \"Age of Consent\" hasn’t won major awards, it has been recognized as a seminal track in the evolution of electronic and alternative music. It is frequently included in lists of the greatest songs of the 1980s and has been praised by critics for its innovative production. OutFndr notes that its industry recognition is more about its enduring influence than accolades, much like the critical acclaim for tracks like The Smiths’ \"How Soon Is Now?\"" } } ] }
