Tones and I

Toni Watson, known professionally as Tones and I, is an Australian singer, songwriter, and record producer who gained global recognition with her breakout single “Dance Monkey.” Born on August 15, 2000, in Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne. Tones discovered her passion for music at a young age. Her interest in music was first noticed by her family during a gathering in Frankston when her aunt recognized her singing talent. As a teenager, Tones began learning to play keyboards and drum pads, further cultivating her musical skills.

Tones started her music career busking in Melbourne while working in fashion retail. In 2009, she created a YouTube page where she posted a cappella cover versions of popular songs, gradually gaining local attention. By 2017, she had moved to Byron Bay to focus on busking, where she met music lawyer Jackson Walkden-Brown, who became her talent manager. Tones spent 2018 living between Walkden-Brown’s home and her van in Byron Bay, fully committing to her music career. Her dedication paid off when she won the Battle of the Buskers at Buskers by the Creek, marking a turning point in her journey.

In February 2019, Tones and I signed with Bad Batch Records/Sony Music Australia, releasing her debut single, “Johnny Run Away.” The song quickly became a viral sensation, peaking at number 12 on the ARIA Singles Chart and earning triple platinum status. However, it was her second single, “Dance Monkey,” released in May 2019, that catapulted her to international stardom. The song, written in just 30 minutes, reached number one in over 30 countries, including Australia, and broke numerous records, including spending 24 weeks at number one on the Australian singles chart. “Dance Monkey” also became the first Australian song to top Spotify’s global daily top 200 streaming chart.

Tones released her debut extended play, The Kids Are Coming, in August 2019, which peaked at number three in Australia. Her success continued as she performed at major events, including the AFL Grand Final in September 2019, and began her Kids Are Coming World Tour in 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting her tour, Tones remained active, participating in virtual concerts and releasing new music.

In July 2021, Tones and I released her debut album, Welcome to the Madhouse, which debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album’s lead single, “Fly Away,” achieved significant success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. Tones continued to break records, becoming the first female artist to reach over 3 billion streams for a single song on Spotify with “Dance Monkey” in February 2024.

Tones and I’s journey from busking on the streets of Byron Bay to achieving international fame is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. Her unique voice and genre-diverse style have resonated with audiences worldwide, solidifying her place as one of Australia’s most successful contemporary artists.