HannahTaylor

“Somebody that I Used to Know,” released in 2011 by the indie artist Gotye, created rippling effects in the music landscape of the 2010s, with parodies, remixes and radio stations playing it on loop. However, you never hear about Gotye’s other music, and that’s because it doesn’t exist. Shortly after the success of “Somebody that I Used to Know,” Gotye retired from his music career early. This is a famous example of the phenomenon known as a “one-hit wonder.”

A one-hit wonder is a classic song that is widely known, but also happens to be the only known song from an artist. It’s a common occurrence for artists: only striking creative gold once, with one and only hit. Who wrote “Come on Eileen”? or “Video Killed the Radio Star”? Exactly. 

However, these songs all date back to the pre-2010s, and the fast-paced world of social media has changed the way in which one-hit wonders work.

Now in music, the popularity of a new song isn’t dictated by radio listeners, but by the virality a 10-second sound bite can obtain. A song’s success now hinges largely on whether the tune is catchy, and, more importantly, if it can catch your attention in a flurry of Instagram scrolls. The jingle-esque clips often get stuck in your head and vernacular, and can spawn a new fangled internet star.

This is what happened to long time performer Neace Robinson, now known for the popular “one, two, three, release ‘em” sound clip. This clip originated from a funeral concert she had been hired to do, and soon after posting her performance, she found herself famous. “When I went down to Texas…my family let me know it went viral,” Robinson said. 

Her sudden stardom may have been scary for others, but not for her. “It was amazing… something that I’ve already basically kinda seen that could’ve possibly happened, seeming as I’ve been doing this for so long… but seeing it go world wide was amazing,” Robinson said.  Robinson has performed at different venues with her original music for many years, her now infamous “release ‘em” clip coming from her song “I Wish Heaven had a Phone,” first performed live in 2020. 

Now, Robinson has seen world wide recognition for her music and iconic look. “I can’t go nowhere without being recognized,” Robinson said. Others may have shrunk in the face of a new, larger audience, but Neace embraced it. Her music’s natural disposition to fame have helped catapult her past her hometown of Louisiana and into global success

Photoillustration of Neace Robinson by HannahTaylor.

The global stage was a home for Robinson, and she was not afraid, instead embracing this as a chance to push more of her music. While some may have cowered at all the new listeners, she found it definitely, “benefited my career,” Robinson said. 

The internet and its ability to push small creators has helped Robinson and dozens of other small creators break into the mainstream media. With the majority of the population having ample access to the internet, musicians can be picked up by the luck of the algorithm and gain thousands if not millions of new eyes on their page. 

The transformation of one-hit wonders and celebrity culture at large can be attributed to social media. In some cases, the internet can bring small creators, like Robinson, into the limelight. 

It must be acknowledged however that of course– as with anything– there are downsides. Everyone being able to view your work sounds amazing….until you realize that everyone can view your work. But, it doesn’t bother Robinson much, “I knew it was coming [and] if you want to be great, it [negativity] got to come with it,” Robinson said. 

The ability to toughen up your ego seems to be the secret sauce to long-term success from the internet. Not only does it make you be able to handle digital hate better, but real life hate when it arises. Robinson’s ability to take every piece of her internet journey as a lesson and stepping stone is what truly solidifies her– and her music— as famous. 

From CDs sales to instagram likes, the public has always been in control of music success, but the most important part to fame is the confidence that you must possess. And that can truly make you one of “the greats.”