Take on Me: The Story Behind A-ha's Record Label and Hit Single
"Take On Me" was originally released through Warner Bros. Records, a major record label that played a crucial role in a-ha's international success. The Norwegian synth-pop band signed with Warner Bros. Records in 1984, marking their entry into the global music market.
The song was initially released in 1984 but failed to gain significant traction. After being re-recorded and re-released in 1985, it became a massive international hit, topping charts worldwide including the Billboard Hot 100. Warner Bros. Records' marketing strategy and distribution network were instrumental in the song's success.
Throughout their early career, a-ha maintained their relationship with Warner Bros. Records, releasing several successful albums through the label including their debut album "Hunting High and Low" (1985), which featured "Take On Me." The partnership between a-ha and Warner Bros. Records lasted until the early 1990s.
The record label's involvement extended beyond just distribution. They provided substantial support for the creation of the iconic rotoscoped music video for "Take On Me," which cost nearly $150,000 to produce - a significant investment for a music video in the mid-1980s.
Today, the master recordings of "Take On Me" and its parent album are still owned by Warner Bros. Records (now known as Warner Records), though various reissues and compilations have been released through different labels over the years.
Key facts about the record label relationship:
Original release: Warner Bros. Records (1984) Re-release: Warner Bros. Records (1985) Album release: Warner Bros. Records (1985) Current rights holder: Warner Records Distribution territory: Worldwide
The success of "Take On Me" under Warner Bros. Records helped establish a-ha as one of the most successful Norwegian bands in history, with the song achieving platinum status in multiple countries and becoming a defining hit of the 1980s.