Holly Valance has achieved a notable milestone with her latest single, Kiss Kiss (XX) My Arse, a collaboration with Australian politician Pauline Hanson. The song, which features provocative lyrics targeting marginalized groups, has rapidly ascended to the top of the iTunes charts. Despite this achievement, industry experts caution that the significance of this ranking may be limited.
Originally released in 2002, Valance’s updated version has garnered attention for its controversial content. The single is not only a reimagining of her earlier hit but also serves as part of Hanson’s upcoming animated feature film, A Super Progressive Movie. The film is scheduled for a limited release, screening for one night in major cities and available for streaming as a one-off purchase through its official website.
While Valance’s song currently ranks as the highest-selling track on iTunes, it is important to note that this chart only reflects digital downloads and does not account for streaming data from platforms like Apple Music. Industry insights suggest that digital purchases constitute a small fraction of overall music consumption, with estimates indicating that as few as a few hundred downloads might be enough to secure a position on the iTunes charts.
Radio presenter Kent “Smallzy” Small, now hosting a show on KIIS, highlighted the discrepancy between iTunes and streaming metrics. He noted that while a song might need around 200,000 streams to break into the top ten on streaming services, significantly fewer purchases could achieve a similar chart position on iTunes. This difference indicates that it may be easier for songs like Valance’s to gain visibility on the iTunes charts compared to streaming charts.
The promotional efforts surrounding the release of the single have been noteworthy. Hanson’s Facebook page urged followers to download the song, suggesting that a high volume of sales could compel radio stations, including Triple J, to play it. However, radio stations are not mandated to broadcast songs simply because they chart well on iTunes. The official ARIA weekly charts, which incorporate both sales and streaming data, will provide a more comprehensive picture of the song’s performance when released.
According to ARIA, the calculations for their charts assign a value where a single digital purchase equates to approximately 445 streams on ad-supported platforms or 200 streams on premium services. This means that while the iTunes chart may reflect a surge in sales for Valance’s song, the overall impact on her career may be limited if the song does not maintain its momentum.
Dr. Tim Byron, a music expert from the University of Wollongong, pointed out the challenges for a standalone song to achieve lasting success in the current music landscape. He noted that contemporary listeners often favour established artists whose tracks tend to dominate the charts for extended periods. Valance’s recent success appears to be a strategic move to generate publicity rather than a sign of a significant resurgence in her musical career.
This pattern is not unique to Valance. Recently, Victoria Beckham made headlines when her 2001 single Not Such An Innocent Girl returned to the UK charts, driven by increased support from fans following a public family dispute. Such instances illustrate how fan engagement can play a pivotal role in a song’s commercial performance.
Dr. Byron also referenced a historical example of political music charting in Australia. The anti-war song Stop the War in Croatia by Tomislav Ivcic reached No. 7 in 1991, driven by an activated diaspora community. This indicates that specific social or political contexts can influence music sales, aligning with the current fervour surrounding Valance’s track.
Small emphasized that while chart positions can be seen as significant, they do not always reflect broader consumer engagement. He remarked, “These chart positions are real, but what does it mean to the actual consumer? Not much at the end of the day.” He suggested that sustained success, rather than a brief peak, would be a more meaningful indicator of Valance’s musical viability.
As of now, Kiss Kiss (XX) My Arse is also ranking in other international markets, including positions on iTunes charts in Ireland and the UK, as well as achieving a notable placement in Qatar. Valance’s alignment with right-wing politics and her previous associations, including those with figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, have added an additional layer of controversy to her music.
Ultimately, the trajectory of Valance’s single within the competitive music industry remains uncertain. Its current success may be less about long-term viability and more about generating headlines and discussion within the public sphere. As the official ARIA chart is released, it will be crucial to observe whether this single maintains its relevance or fades into the background of the music landscape.
