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 international fame with her breakout single "Dance Monkey," which was released in May 2019. Here are some interesting facts about Tones and I and the song "Dance Monkey":
Record-Breaking Chart Performance: "Dance Monkey" became a global sensation and topped the charts in multiple countries. It held the record for the longest-running number-one single on the ARIA Singles Chart (Australia's official chart) by staying at the top for 24 weeks.
Busking Background: Before her music career took off, Tones and I used to be a busker in Byron Bay, Australia. Her experience as a street performer helped shape her unique and captivating style.
Early Musical Training: Tones and I started learning to play the keyboard at the age of 3 and later picked up the saxophone. Her musical talent and background in busking contributed to her distinctive sound.
Viral Success: "Dance Monkey" initially gained popularity through viral videos on social media platforms like TikTok. Users from around the world began dancing to the catchy tune and posting their videos, which helped the song spread rapidly.
Songwriting Inspiration: The song "Dance Monkey" was inspired by Tones and I's experiences as a busker, where she would perform for hours and see people's reactions change over time. The lyrics reflect her observations of people who wanted her to keep playing, much like a dance monkey.
Gender-Neutral Appearance: Tones and I is known for her androgynous appearance, which is a conscious choice to challenge gender norms and stereotypes in the music industry. She often wears oversized clothing and a cap.
International Recognition: "Dance Monkey" not only topped the charts in Australia but also achieved great success in countries like the United Kingdom, where it spent a record-breaking number of weeks in the top spot.
Multiple Awards: The song and Tones and I herself have received numerous awards and nominations, including several ARIA Awards in Australia. "Dance Monkey" won the ARIA Award for Song of the Year in 2019.
Debut EP: Tones and I released her debut EP titled "The Kids Are Coming" in August 2019, which includes tracks like "Johnny Run Away" and "Never Seen the Rain."
Rapid Rise to Fame: Tones and I's journey from a street performer to a global music sensation happened in a remarkably short period. Her unique sound and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences worldwide.
"Dance Monkey" remains one of the standout songs of 2019 and a testament to Tones and I's talent and unique approach to music.