The Economics of Everyday Things 3. My Sharona (Replay)
Nov 27, 2023
This podcast explores the story behind the hit single 'My Sharona' and its financial success. It covers the band's rise to fame, royalty streams, copyright infringement, and the song's resurgence in popularity. It also discusses free market negotiation and features advertisements for various brands.
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Teenage Muse In LA
- Sharona Alperin remembers being a carefree 16–17 year old in late-1970s Los Angeles.
- Doug Fieger pursued her relentlessly and later wrote a hit song using her name.
One-Hour Songwriting Breakthrough
- Berton Averre describes writing the riff and Doug Fieger inventing the stuttering hook in about an hour.
- They credit that quick session as one of the most productive songwriting hours of their lives.
Advances Buy Recording, Not Freedom
- Record advances fund production but the label owns the masters and recoups costs first.
- The Knack spent $17.5k to record and kept $82k from their $100k advance after costs.