Every musician dreams of landing that pivotal record deal. At first, attracting even one fan seems daunting, but when a record label sees potential and invests in studio time, everything changes
For Nirvana, their breakthrough moment came not just from their growing presence in the Seattle scene but from a surprising cover of the Shocking Blue song “Love Buzz,” which ultimately caught the attention of Sub Pop Records.
The Reality of Early Music
While many love to romanticize the idea of instant success, few artists hit a home run during their first jam session. Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic’s early attempts at creating music barely kept the band afloat in their local scene.
However, after immersing themselves in the sounds of the Melvins and Flipper, Cobain began experimenting with pop melodies influenced by R.E.M., leading to packed clubs across Seattle.
They didn’t aspire to be the next Beatles just yet, but Sub Pop was the key label that could help them achieve greater success.
Sub Pop’s Impact
With a reputation as one of the best underground labels in the country, Sub Pop had already signed acts like Green River and Soundgarden, signaling their understanding of the emerging sound. Bruce Pavitt, the label’s co-founder, was initially skeptical after catching them live, but he felt something special in their cover of “Love Buzz.”
The Magic of “Love Buzz“
Though it was an obscure B-side to Shocking Blue’s hit “Venus,” the hypnotic bassline played by Novoselic instantly captivated listeners. The track also showcased Cobain’s vocal power, especially as he unleashed his signature scream in the chorus.
Pavitt’s Reflection
Reflecting on that performance, Pavitt remarked, “In listening to their whole set, that song was the only one that really jumped out, and it was a cover. But the hypnotic feel of that was kind of an indicator of some of their direction in songwriting. And it’s just an incredible recording. They totally nailed it.”
A Band on the Rise
Even at this early stage, it’s understandable that Pavitt may have caught them on a rough night. Dave Grohl later admitted that Nirvana could swing from being a complete trainwreck to one of the greatest bands in the world during live shows. Yet, “Love Buzz” stood out, marking a crucial point in their development.
The seeds of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” were already forming, and “Love Buzz” played a vital role in propelling them forward, establishing a significant piece of their catalogue.
