PHIL BURTON - MY AUSTRALIA
Phil Burton OAM, is a founding member of the iconic Aussie ARIA Hall of Fame winning pop group – Human Nature. Phil is a multi-talented singer and live performer and is about to headline the 25th anniversary Australian tour of Burn the Floor as host and featured vocalist. In June’s My Australia, Phil talks about his illustrious career, both internationally and at home.
Phil, how did you start out as a singer? Was it a gift at a very young age?
My parents noticed quite early that I had the gift of being able to hold a tune. My grandparents actually used to have a cassette of me singing all the songs from Romper Room when I was 2 or 3 years old (“See me walk so straight and tall – I won’t let my basket fall…”) but I think it may have disappeared by now. I joined my primary school choir when I was about 5 and I’ve been singing regularly ever since.
What would you say is your favourite genre of music?
I can switch between genres at any given point depending on my mood, but overall, I’m probably most drawn towards classic soul (Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, etc.) or all the great Aussie rock music we were flooded with in the 80s – INXS, Hoodoo Gurus, Midnight Oil, Crowded House, The Models, the list goes on…
Since you left Human Nature in the USA, do you keep in regular contact with the guys over in Vegas?
Yes, I do keep in touch with the guys – the fact that the group is still all 4 of us when we work outside the US means there’s always a lot of reasons for us to jump on the phone or a Zoom call. It’s nice when we get to catch up – we certainly have a very long history!
What else is in store for you in 2024?
I have really enjoyed performing my solo show Sweet Soul Music over the past year, so I would really love to do more of those shows – potentially take the show all around the country. Doing the solo thing also means I have time to dive into other opportunities in radio, TV, or musical theatre. Watch this space!
Give us some hints about what Aussies can expect to see at “Burn the Floor”?
“Burn The Floor” is one of the most exciting dance shows you’ll ever see. The show takes ballroom and Latin dancing and gives them a modern and sexy twist – it’s just incredible to watch these elite athletes throwing their bodies around and making it look so easy and so free. It’s a privilege to be a part of it.
What’s your role in the show?
My official role in the show is host and guest vocalist. I introduce the show and get to front the amazing band and sing alongside the other fabulous singers. My successful run in Dancing With the Stars last year means you might see me put on a move or two as well, but it won’t be much – I’m happy to leave the dancing to the professionals!
