‘Independent Spirit’: Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song’ Is Rare Indie ARIA No. 1
Independent artist Shaboozey has pulled off something truly impressive on the ARIA Singles Chart.
His hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has held the No. 1 spot for three straight weeks, marking just the second time an independent release has topped the singles chart since Tones and I’s “Dance Monkey”.
Back in 2019, Tones and I made history with “Dance Monkey”, becoming the first independent artist to reach No. 1 on the ARIA tally. This track went on to become a global phenomenon, spending a record-breaking 24 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 in Australia and leading charts in 30 countries.
According to data provided by ARIA, Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” was independent when it first broke at No. 1 in Australia before Universal Music Group picked it up.
Following in these footsteps, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is now carving out its own place in the annals of independent music achievements.
The track’s success isn’t limited to the ARIA charts.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is leading the Australian Shazam Chart and the AU Radio Monitor All Radio charts. It’s also sitting at #2 on the Aircheck National Radio Airplay Chart.
EMPIRE COO Nima Etminan weighed in on Shaboozey’s achievement: “This underscores how independent artists can make a big impact in today’s music scene. It shows the power of staying true to your roots.”
Shaboozey’s 2024 has been nothing short of remarkable. He made a splash with two features on Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER album, being the only artist to score multiple spots on the record.
His own album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, debuted in the Billboard 200’s top five, solidifying his status as a major talent. The New York Times even praised him for “bringing hip-hop grit to country,” a blend that has won him fans from diverse backgrounds.
Serving as the album’s standout single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, which is 2X RIAA-certified platinum and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, launched him to mainstream stardom. Following Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”, it marked the first time in the chart’s 66-year history that Black artists had back-to-back #1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Born to Nigerian parents and raised in Virginia, Shaboozey’s music reflects a diverse range of influences, from hip-hop and R&B to country legends like Johnny Cash and Garth Brooks.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is the fourth single from Shaboozey’s highly anticipated album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, available now.