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'Astronaut In The Ocean' joins billion stream list

Media Published Thursday 2 September 2021
Masked Wolf and Tyron Hapi

Aussie rapper Harry Michael (performs as Masked Wolf) and record producer/songwriter Tyron Hapi are the newest additions to APRA AMCOS’ The 1,000,000,000 List, with their worldwide hit 'Astronaut In The Ocean.' In recognition of hitting more than one billion streams across all major streaming services, Harry and Tyron both received the award this week in the midst of COVID lockdown restrictions in Australia.

Initially released in 2019 through Teamwrk Records, the thumping bass-heavy single began to gain huge popularity in late 2020 after going viral on TikTok. It was subsequently picked up for release in early 2021 by Elektra Records for the world (excluding Australia and New Zealand, where Teamwrk Records retain control). The 'Astronaut In The Ocean' re-release boasted phenomenal international chart performances all across the world, and continued to make waves across a range of social media platforms.

The song peaked at #4 on the ARIA charts, spent 17 weeks in the Top 10, and is already certified double platinum in Australia. Testament to its worldwide popularity, 'Astronaut In The Ocean' is also triple platinum in Brazil, and platinum in the United States, New Zealand, Italy, Portugal and Austria.

After reaching one billion streams, Harry Michael (Masked Wolf) is thankful for how far he has come, but tries to remain grounded. "I went out to celebrate 20 million streams because to me that was a goal and achievement, it's crazy what can happen when you never give up and truly believe in yourself, 1 billion streams later I'm still the same person but am so grateful for this moment," he said.

Tyron Hapi who produced and co-wrote the song had similar sentiments after receiving the prestigious accomplishment. "1 billion streams is an incredible achievement and stepping stone for me. I appreciate everyone who listens and supports. Without my team this also wouldn’t have been possible. Teamwork makes the dream work,” Hapi said.

Heath Johns, Managing Director BMG Rights Management Australia
, said of the hit single; “Astronaut in the Ocean is a certified monster global hit. Multi-platinum certifications in dozens of countries, radio all over the world, synchs every day and of course astronomical streams that show no signs of slowing. Huge congratulations to our incredible BMG writer Ty and the wolf behind the mask Harry- start making the 2bn stream award now.”

“Congratulations to Harry and Tyron on their billion stream achievement with Masked Wolf’s ‘Astronaut In The Ocean.’ Their collaboration started close to home and has connected to fans all around the world, which is no small feat with the challenges Australian music creators are facing right now. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their global success and the light it shines on Australian songwriting,” said APRA AMCOS Chief Executive Dean Ormston.

Harry Michael and Tyron Hapi join an esteemed list of recipients: Nat Dunn (for MARSHMELLO’S ‘Friends’), Dean Lewis and Jon Hume (for ‘Be Alright’), Kevin Parker (for 'The Less I Know The Better') Flume (for ‘Never Be Like You’), Jake Mason, Ivan Khatchoyan, and Lance Ferguson (for Cookin’ On 3 Burners ‘This Girl’), Starley and P-Money (for ‘Call On Me’), Troye Sivan and Alex Hope (for ‘Youth’), Tones And I (for ‘Dance Monkey’), 5 Seconds of Summer (for 'Youngblood'), Georgi Kay, Ivan Gough, Aden Forte and Josh Soon (for 'In My Mind'), Vance Joy (for 'Riptide'), Gotye (for 'Somebody That I Used to Know'), VASSY (for 'Bad'), Khaled Rohaim, Te Whiti Warbrick, Lewis Audino, and Nick Hughes (for Rihanna's 'Needed Me'), Leroy Clampitt and James Wong (for 'Company') and more including Sia, Joel Little, and Sarah Aarons for multiple works. See the full list.

The 1,000,000,000 List takes into account streaming numbers from major services Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. It is the first award of its kind to recognise a songwriter’s achievement.

Masked Wolf - Astronaut In The Ocean

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