Who's behind the notes? Discover Tones And I: Biography of the Australian Breakthrough Artist
"Tones and I" is an Australian singer-songwriter whose real name is Toni Watson, and she gained worldwide fame with her hit song "Dance Monkey." Here are some interesting facts about the song and the artist:
Record-Breaking Hit: "Dance Monkey" became a massive international success, reaching the number one spot on the music charts in over 30 countries. It held the record for the longest-running number one single on the ARIA Singles Chart (Australian chart) for 24 consecutive weeks.
Busking Background: Tones and I began her music career as a street performer, busking on the streets of Byron Bay, Australia. She used the money she earned from busking to fund her early music endeavors.
Rapid Rise to Fame: Tones and I uploaded her debut single, "Johnny Run Away," to Triple J Unearthed, an Australian music platform. It quickly gained attention and led to her being discovered and signed by a music label.
International Success: "Dance Monkey" topped the charts not only in Australia but also in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and many European nations. It became a global phenomenon.
Streaming Records: The song also achieved remarkable success on streaming platforms. It broke records for the most-streamed song by a female artist on Spotify, with billions of streams worldwide.
Unique Voice: Tones and I's distinctive voice and style set her apart from other artists. Her raspy, soulful vocals combined with an energetic and catchy melody in "Dance Monkey" contributed to its popularity.
Impact on Busking: Tones and I's success as a former busker inspired other street performers, demonstrating that talent discovered on the streets can lead to global stardom.
Awards and Nominations: "Dance Monkey" earned Tones and I numerous awards and nominations, including several ARIA Awards (the Australian equivalent of the Grammy Awards) and an MTV Europe Music Award.
Chart History: Tones and I's "Dance Monkey" charted in the Top 10 in multiple countries for an extended period, making it one of the most enduring hits of its time.
Follow-Up Success: While "Dance Monkey" is undoubtedly her most famous song, Tones and I continued to release new music. Her subsequent singles, like "Never Seen the Rain" and "Ur So F**king Cool," also received positive reception.
Tones and I's journey from a street performer to a global music sensation with "Dance Monkey" is a testament to her talent and the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect with audiences around the world.