Elton John is a pretty famous connoisseur of Aussie music. We’ve seen the legendary musician give praise to the brilliant Sarah Blasko before, and his love of Pnau is well-documented, but now, Rocket Man himself has used his Beats 1 program to put the spotlight on some fresh Aussie talent.
Recorded ahead of his trip to Australia (which is underway as we speak), Elton John’s Rocket Hour radio showed the veteran musician sharing praise to a number of Aussie artists, including Alex The Astronaut, The Babe Rainbow, Winston Surfshirt, and Angus & Julia Stone.
Elton discovers some of the hottest acts from Australia you need to hear this week on #RocketHour. Listen today at 2pm GMT / @Beats1. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/SopIdo4hFB
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 26, 2017
“I don’t know what it is with Australia at the moment but they keep producing the most fantastic music and the artists keep getting younger and younger,” Elton said.
Alex The Astronaut was absolutely ecstatic to hear the news, taking to both Twitter and Facebook to express her excitement. “He’s such an inspiring character and it’s so amazing that he takes the time to listen to and support new artists. What a superstar,” she wrote.
Oh my goodness thank you for playing my song @eltonofficial I hope you have a super duper day you're amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! 🚀
— Alex the Astronaut (@AtheAstronaut) September 26, 2017
The playlist for Elton John’s Rocket Hour ended up including Alex The Astronaut’s ‘Not Worth Hiding’, The Babe Rainbow’s “fabulous” ‘Peace Blossom Boogy’, Winston Surfshirt’s ‘Same Same’, and ‘Chateau’, from Angus & Julia Stone’s new record, Snow.
Of course, we’ve always thought Aussie talent was pretty top notch, but we’re sort of biased in that respect. Regardless, it’s absolutely wonderful to see these brilliant Aussie musicians receiving praise from such a huge player in the world of music like Elton John.
Check out one of Elton John’s new favourites, Alex The Astronaut’s ‘Not Worth Hiding’, below.
Elton John ‘Once In A Lifetime’ Australian tour
Friday, 22nd September
BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Sunday, 24th September
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
Wednesday, 27th September
Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
Thursday, 28th September
Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
Saturday, 30th September
Cazaly’s Stadium, Cairns
Sunday, 1st October
Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley