The single "Dance Monkey" propelled Toni Watson, known as Tones and I, to unprecedented streaming records, eventually becoming the first song by a female artist to reach over 3 billion streams on Spotify. Born in 1993 in Mount Martha, Australia, the singer-songwriter and producer transitioned from retail work and busking to global chart dominance within a single year.
Early Career and Busking
Before achieving international recognition, Watson developed her musical skills in secondary school, learning keyboard and drum pads. After being made redundant from a fashion retail job at the Universal Store in Melbourne, she purchased an RC300 loop station. She spent time busking along the east coast, specifically in Byron Bay and Mornington, which allowed her to build a dedicated fanbase and refine her ability to engage live crowds.
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Take the IQ test →The Rise of Dance Monkey
In February 2019, Watson signed with Bad Batch Records and Sony Music Australia. Her debut single, "Johnny Run Away," gained traction via the Triple J Unearthed platform. Shortly after, she released "Dance Monkey," which she wrote in a dark closet in approximately 30 minutes. The track reached number one in over 30 countries and spent 24 weeks atop the Australian singles chart, surpassing the long-standing record set by Bing Crosby's "White Christmas".
Professional Milestones
Watson's debut EP, The Kids Are Coming, arrived on 30 August 2019, peaking at number three in Australia. During that same year, she became the most awarded artist at the ARIA Music Awards, securing four wins, including Breakthrough Artist and Best Pop Release. Her debut studio album, Welcome to the Madhouse, followed on 16 July 2021, debuting at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart.
Fast facts
- Born: 1993, Mount Martha, Australia
- Primary Occupations: Singer, songwriter, record producer
- Notable Work: Dance Monkey
- ARIA Awards won in 2019: 4
- Language: English
- Debut album: Welcome to the Madhouse (2021)
Questions readers ask
What record did Dance Monkey break in Australia?
It spent 24 weeks at number one on the Australian singles chart, surpassing Bing Crosby's 1943 record of 22 weeks.
How did Tones and I start her music career?
She began as a busker in Melbourne and Byron Bay, using an RC300 loop station to perform with synthesizers and keyboards.
Achievements
- Notable work: Dance Monkey
- Instruments: piano
- Genres: indie pop, electronic dance music and pop music
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