Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor”
The Backstory
In the year 2001, the UK witnessed the rise of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s disco anthem, “Murder on the Dancefloor,” a chart-topping sensation that, surprisingly, didn’t gain significant traction in the US. Fast forward 23 years to the present day, and the song is experiencing a jaw-dropping comeback, thanks to its unexpected role in the psychological thriller film, “Saltburn.”
The Saltburn Effect
The film, initially with a limited theatrical release in November, took the world by storm upon its streaming debut on Amazon Prime Video on Dec. 22. The turning point came with actor Barry Keoghan’s character, Oliver, delivering a mesmerizing dance performance set to the infectious beat of “Murder on the Dancefloor.” This sparked a viral TikTok trend, with fans recreating Oliver’s dance across the Saltburn estate, propelling the song’s popularity not only in the US but globally.
Streaming Triumph
New Year’s Eve marked a historic moment for “Murder on the Dancefloor” as it achieved its highest-ever single-day streams on Spotify worldwide. The numbers were staggering, reaching 1.5 million streams—a phenomenal 340% increase compared to the same day in 2022. In the first week post the film’s theatrical release on Nov. 22, the US alone witnessed a remarkable 360% spike in streams, showcasing the undeniable impact of the Saltburn phenomenon.
The Global Reach
The official Saltburn playlist, a curated collection of tracks from the movie, experienced a staggering 250% increase in streams worldwide since its debut on Prime Video. This newfound success not only solidifies the song’s place in pop culture but also sets the stage for prestigious awards, with Barry Keoghan nominated for Best Actor and Rosamund Pike for Best Supporting Actress at the upcoming Golden Globes.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Joy
Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the mastermind behind the iconic track, expressed her elation at the revived interest in her song, especially among those discovering it for the first time. Reflecting on the unexpected use of her hit in a pivotal scene, she shared her excitement with People magazine, stating, “I didn’t really know exactly how it would play in terms of the role it was in the movie until I saw it at the screening, but I absolutely loved it.”
A Lighthearted Exchange
In a delightful twist, Ellis-Bextor shared a humorous moment with Barry Keoghan, acknowledging that he might never listen to the song the same way again. “And every time he’s out and that comes on, people are going to think he’s going to strip off!” she exclaimed with a laugh, highlighting the unique impact the Saltburn experience had on the actor’s perception of her timeless hit.
The Anticipation for Awards
As the Golden Globes approach, all eyes are on Barry Keoghan and Rosamund Pike, nominated for their outstanding performances in “Saltburn.” The film’s use of “Murder on the Dancefloor” as a key element has undoubtedly contributed to the overall allure and anticipation surrounding these prestigious awards.
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