Who's behind the notes? Discover Tones And I: Biography of the Australian Breakthrough Artist
"Tones and I" is the stage name of Australian singer-songwriter Toni Watson, known for her hit single "Dance Monkey." Here are some interesting facts about the song and the artist:
Breakthrough Hit: "Dance Monkey" was released in May 2019 and quickly became a global sensation. It reached number one on the charts in over 30 countries and held the record for the longest-running number-one song on the Australian Singles Chart, spending 24 weeks at the top.
Busking Background: Before her rise to fame, Tones And I used to be a street performer in Byron Bay, Australia. She often sang and played music on the streets to make a living, which adds an intriguing backstory to her journey to success.
Streaming Success: "Dance Monkey" garnered massive streaming numbers, and by mid-2020, it had accumulated over 6.2 billion streams on Spotify alone. This made it one of the most streamed songs of all time on the platform.
Record Label Deal: Tones And I signed a record deal with Bad Batch Records, an imprint of Sony Music Australia, shortly after the release of "Dance Monkey." This marked a significant milestone in her career and helped propel her music to a wider audience.
Unique Vocal Style: Tones And I's distinctive vocal style, characterized by its raspy and powerful delivery, contributed to the song's standout sound. Her unconventional vocals set her apart from other artists and played a key role in the song's success.
Chart Achievements: Aside from its record-breaking stay at the top of the Australian Singles Chart, "Dance Monkey" also topped the charts in numerous other countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, and Canada, among others.
Global Impact: The song's international popularity led to Tones And I performing on various major television shows and at high-profile events, including the 2019 ARIA Music Awards.
Debut EP: Tones And I released her debut EP, titled "The Kids Are Coming," in August 2019. The EP featured "Dance Monkey" and several other tracks that showcased her unique musical style.
Songwriting Process: Tones And I wrote "Dance Monkey" while she was busking in Byron Bay. The song's lyrics touch on themes of feeling like a performing monkey and the pressures of constant attention.
Impressive Achievement: Considering Tones And I's rapid rise to fame and the massive success of "Dance Monkey," she became one of the most prominent breakthrough artists of the late 2010s and early 2020s.
"Dance Monkey" undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the music industry and solidified Tones And I's status as a notable artist.