Masked Wolf and Tryon Hapi join The 1,000,000,000 List for 'Astronaut In The Ocean'

Australian rapper Masked Wolf (Harry Michael) and producer Tyron Hapi have been added to the coveted APRA AMCOS 1,000,000,000 List in recognition of 'Astronaut In The Ocean' topping one billion global streams.

First released in 2019 and then reissued late in 2020 after going viral on TikTok, 'Astronaut In The Ocean' served as a huge breakthrough moment for Masked Wolf, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #4 on the ARIA Singles Chart and landing him a worldwide deal with Elektra Records.

As of this month, the track has also been certified double Platinum in Australia, triple Platinum in Brazil and Platinum in the US, New Zealand, Italy, Portugal and Australia.

APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston commended both Michael and Hapi for reaching the monster streaming goal and reflected on the unprecedented success of the track.

"Congratulations to Harry and Tyron on their billion stream achievement with Masked Wolf’s ‘Astronaut In The Ocean'," Ormston said.

"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."

Masked Wolf's Michael celebrated the achievement and said that his unlikely success story should serve as a lesson for younger artists.

"I went out to celebrate 20 million streams because to me that was a goal and achievement," Michael said.

"It's crazy what can happen when you never give up and truly believe in yourself. One billion streams later I'm still the same person, but am so grateful for this moment."

Hapi, the Melbourne-based musician who produced and co-wrote the track alongside Michael, echoed his views and thanked the Teamwrk Records for the support.

"One billion streams is an incredible achievement and stepping stone for me. I appreciate everyone who listens and supports," he said.

"Without my team this also wouldn’t have been possible. Teamwrk makes the dream work."

Other artists on The 1,000,000,000 List include Tame Impala, Flume, Vance Joy, Sia, Gotye, 5 Seconds of Summer and Troye Sivan.