Elton John makes a clear statement: women “make the best music,” says the superstar. He cited Consequence Artist of the Month alumni Nova Twins and Wet Leg as examples.
Despite his legendary status, Elton John keeps his eye on the pulse of today’s artists. In an interview with Music Week he said: “It’s so great to see Nova Twins, Wet Leg, Let’s Eat Grandma, The Linda Lindas, Haim and all these girls that rock and make the best music”. He also praised British singer Sam Fender: “Apart from Sam Fender, none of the boys do it, the girls do it. It’s a breath of fresh air because it comes from innocence and pure joy, and to me that’s what music is about,” John continued.
The UK charts are ‘depressing’
During the interview, John eclipsed his own musical talent. He explained that artists such as Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen deserve much more attention in the UK charts than ABBA, Queen or himself. He praises Kate Bush, among others, who with her classic “Running Up That Hill ” from 1985 stormed the charts worldwide – just a few days ago she cracked the 100 million hits mark on YouTube with the music video for the song. John said: “It’s nice to see Kate Bush at number 1, but there aren’t many good records in the top 20. And the album charts are full of things like me, ABBA and Queen. One or the other comes through, like Sam Fender or Harry Styles, or a new artist comes in at #3 and then disappears at #80 or something. It’s depressing – there are a lot of good albums that deserve to be on the charts like Juanita Euka, Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen. What I want to know is why aren’t they there? Because of people like me!”.
Elton John collaborates with Lil Nas X, Dua Lipa and more
In recent years, John has focused on working with younger artists to bring some fresh air back into the scene. He has worked with the likes of Lil Nas X, Rina Sawayama and Dua Lipa, all of whom can be heard on his most recent album THE LOCKDOWN SESSIONS (2021). He also recently teamed up with British indie rock band Yard Act for a new version of their single 100% Endurance. In the near future, tracks he co-wrote with Shaina Taub for the Broadway musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada will also be performed at the Chicago premiere. John is currently touring North America.