The Unexpected Success of Sparky Deathcap's Song 'September' on TikTok
Join us as we delve into the extraordinary story of musician Rob Taylor, also known as Sparky Deathcap, and his song 'September' that took TikTok by storm. From its humble beginnings to becoming a viral sensation, we explore Taylor's unexpected journey and the impact of social media on his music career.
The Viral Journey of 'September' on TikTok
Uncover the surprising story of how Sparky Deathcap's song 'September' gained immense popularity on TikTok.
It all started with a serendipitous moment on Christmas Eve when musician Rob Taylor, also known as Sparky Deathcap, stumbled upon a Reddit thread featuring viral videos. To his astonishment, he heard his own song 'September' playing in the background of a video showcasing a moth pupating. This was the turning point that marked the transition of his song from a niche cult favorite to a sensation on TikTok.
Prior to this unexpected breakthrough, Taylor had noticed a surge in sales on Bandcamp, thanks to the support of Twitch streamer Wilbur Soot. However, it was the explosive popularity on TikTok that truly propelled 'September' to new heights, reaching number two on the UK viral charts and attracting the attention of record companies.
The remarkable aspect of this TikTok success story is that 'September' was released back in 2009, long before the platform even existed. Taylor admits that he was still operating under the traditional model of music creation and distribution, with less emphasis on streaming and social media statistics.
With the unexpected resurgence of 'September,' Taylor has rekindled his passion for music and is now focused on making it his full-time pursuit once again. He has returned to London to oversee the re-release of his 2009 EP 'Tear Jerky' and is actively working on new solo music as well as a new album with his band Los Campesinos!.
Navigating the Transition to a Major Label
Explore Rob Taylor's experience as he navigates the unfamiliar territory of signing with a major record label.
For Taylor, signing with a major record label was a significant culture shock. Having primarily worked as an illustrator and designer, he found himself thrust into a new world. To his surprise, he discovered that someone had uploaded his song 'September' on Spotify under a different name, generating approximately $10,000 in revenue.
Despite the challenges and adjustments, Taylor remains optimistic about this new chapter in his music career. He is determined to banish any lingering doubts and fully embrace the opportunities that come with being signed to a major label. This unexpected turn of events has reignited his passion for creating music and has given him the chance to focus on his solo work as Sparky Deathcap once again.
The Impact of Social Media on Music
Discover how social media platforms like TikTok have revolutionized the music industry and propelled artists to new levels of fame.
The success of 'September' on TikTok serves as a testament to the power of social media in shaping the music landscape. It has allowed artists like Rob Taylor to reach a wider audience and gain recognition that was previously unimaginable.
With the rise of platforms like TikTok, streaming and social media statistics have become crucial factors in determining an artist's success. Taylor's experience highlights the need for musicians to adapt to this new digital era, where viral moments can propel a song from obscurity to mainstream popularity in a matter of days.
Furthermore, the democratization of music creation and distribution through social media platforms has given independent artists a level playing field, allowing them to compete with established acts and gain a dedicated following.
Reviving a Song from the Past
Join Rob Taylor as he embarks on a journey to revive his song 'September' and embrace his passion for music once again.
'September' holds a special place in Rob Taylor's musical journey. Despite being released over a decade ago, the song has found new life and resonated with a whole new generation of listeners.
Returning to London, Taylor is dedicated to overseeing the re-release of his 2009 EP 'Tear Jerky,' which features 'September' as one of its standout tracks. He is also working on new solo music and collaborating with his band Los Campesinos! on a fresh album.
This revival of 'September' not only signifies a renewed focus on Taylor's solo work but also represents a turning point in his career. He is ready to embrace the joy of making music without any reservations, leaving behind any past doubts or guilt.
