‘Predictable’: DJ dominates triple j Hottest 100
The Australian music scene has been dominated by Flume, and not everyone is happy about it. Photo: Getty
Electronic music producer Flume’s dream run continued on Thursday when he backed up his domination of the Australian music awards in November by claiming the top spot in triple j’s Hottest 100.
The overwhelming favourite’s contagious tune Never Be Like You pipped internet sensation Amy Shark and her hit Adore for first place, but for many the result was more than predictable.
Never Be Like You picked up the majority share of the 2,255,110 votes cast – a record number of votes in the Australia Day poll.
“This is kind of surreal right now, its crazy. I’m incredibly grateful I honestly couldn’t be happier … I couldn’t have asked for more,” an elated Harley Streten, aka Flume, told triple j hosts Veronica Milsom and Lewis Hobba.
The Sydney-based Flume racked up five gongs at the ARIA Awards last year, winning the coveted Best Album and Best Male Artist for his second album Skin, as well as taking home trophies in the dance, pop and independent release categories.
And the Hottest 100 was no different, polling four songs inside the hundred, with Lose it (#95), Smoke & Retribution (#37) and Say It (#8) along with his winning track.
Only Violent Soho did better, with five songs in this year’s countdown.
For the Hottest 100 full list, click here.
‘Never been less surprised’
While many listeners took to social media to congratulate the 25-year-old producer for his unprecedented success in 2016/17, others were less welcoming to his dominance over Australia’s “alternative” music award.
It was considered a “boring” result as the $1.10 betting favourite picked up the prestigious title without a hitch.
https://twitter.com/KPKaiza/status/824545278669705218
https://twitter.com/giveawayfoxida/status/824545268699975680
Flume won. Omg I'm so shocked. 🙄 #Hottest100
— Slapjack Phil (@Jackamanlol31) January 26, 2017
Flume at number 1? A predictable #hottest100 this year
— Ryan (@rmdarnell) January 26, 2017
Female artists the real winners
For the first time in triple j history it was an all-female top three, with three women either singing or featuring on the podium.
Unearthed Artist of the Year Tash Sultana, Amy Shark and featuring artist Kai led the way, while women also made up 47 per cent of the total voters.
Other worthy mentions included Beyonce with Hold Up, which was her first-ever inclusion in the triple j countdown; Aussie artist Montaigne with Because I Love You and her feature on Hilltop Hoods’ song 1995 (#4); while former The Voice Australia contestant Vera Blue featured twice with her single Settle and on Illy’s hit track Papercuts (#7).
Who run the world?
The Top 10 (warning: explicit language)
10. The Weeknd (featuring Daft Punk) – Starboy
9. Peking Duk (featuring Elliphant) – Stranger
8. Flume (featuring Tove Lo) – Say It
7. Illy (featuring Vera Blue) – Papercuts
6. DMA’S – Believe (Like A Version)
5. Childish Gambino – Redbone
4. Hilltop Hoods (featuring Montaigne and Tom Thum) – 1955
3. Tash Sultana – Jungle
2. Amy Shark – Adore
1. Flume (featuring Kai) – Never Be Like You