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. She gained worldwide fame with her hit song "Dance Monkey," which was released in May 2019 and became a global sensation. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the artist:
Record-Breaking Success: "Dance Monkey" holds several records and achievements. It spent 24 weeks at the top of the Australian Singles Chart, making it the longest-running number-one single in Australian chart history.
Global Chart-topper: The song also reached number one on the charts in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and more. It was a massive hit internationally.
Busking Roots: Tones and I began her music career as a street performer, busking in the streets of Byron Bay, Australia. "Dance Monkey" was inspired by her experiences as a busker and the reactions she received from passersby.
Rapid Rise to Fame: The success of "Dance Monkey" was almost overnight. Tones and I recorded the song in her bedroom and uploaded it to Triple J Unearthed, an Australian music discovery platform. Within a week, it gained popularity and eventually led to her record deal.
Independent Artist: Tones and I initially remained an independent artist, choosing to release her music through an independent label. This allowed her to maintain creative control over her work.
Unique Vocal Style: Tones and I's distinct vocal style, characterized by her raspy and expressive voice, played a significant role in making "Dance Monkey" stand out from other pop songs.
Chart Dominance: "Dance Monkey" achieved chart dominance not only in 2019 but also continued to perform well in various charts worldwide throughout 2020.
Impact on Streaming: The song's streaming numbers were impressive, and it became one of the most-streamed tracks of all time on platforms like Spotify.
Debut EP: Tones and I released her debut EP titled "The Kids Are Coming" in 2019, which featured "Dance Monkey" as its lead single. The EP also received critical acclaim.
Awards and Nominations: "Dance Monkey" earned Tones and I numerous awards and nominations, including ARIA Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and the International Songwriting Competition.
Global Reach: The success of "Dance Monkey" allowed Tones and I to embark on a world tour, performing in various countries and reaching a global audience.
Musical Evolution: Tones and I has continued to release new music and explore different musical styles, showcasing her versatility as an artist beyond the massive success of "Dance Monkey."
Tones and I's "Dance Monkey" not only made her a household name but also demonstrated the power of independent artists and the potential for viral success in the digital age.