“Dance Monkey” – the infectious tune that dominated global charts and became an inescapable earworm. But behind the catchy beat and quirky vocals, there’s a story of busking, perseverance, and an artist named Tones And I. For those wondering, “Who Sings Dance Monkey?”, the answer is Toni Watson, the Australian singer-songwriter known professionally as Tones And I. Her journey from the streets of Byron Bay to international stardom is as captivating as the song itself.
From Bourke Street to Byron Bay: The Busking Beginnings of Tones And I
Before filling stadiums and topping charts worldwide, Tones And I honed her craft as a busker. Melbourne’s bustling Bourke Street was her initial stage, but without the ability to play an instrument at the time, she sought a more conducive environment. Inspired by a friend’s suggestion, she ventured to Byron Bay, a bohemian enclave known for its vibrant street performer scene. “I said, ‘I don’t think I’m going to fit in here,’” Tones And I recalls about her first impression of Byron Bay. The busking scene was dominated by acoustic guitars and a folk vibe, a stark contrast to the electronic sounds she envisioned.
Undeterred, Tones And I carved her own niche. She brought a keyboard, drum pad, synthesizers, loop pedal, and harmonizers to the streets – a bold and unique setup that immediately set her apart. Her distinctive sound quickly attracted attention, even catching the ear of her future manager, Jackson Walkden-Brown. “I stumbled across her when she was busking in Byron, in September 2017,” he recounts, impressed by her raw talent and unique performance. This encounter proved pivotal, marking the beginning of Tones And I’s professional music career.
The Song Born from Street Performance Frustration
Busking wasn’t always smooth sailing. Despite the growing crowds and fan base, Tones And I faced frustrations common to street performers. She describes an evening that became the catalyst for her breakthrough hit. Dealing with demanding onlookers who would grab her hands and repeatedly ask for “one more song,” along with other disruptive behaviors, sparked an idea. These interactions, both positive and negative, fueled the lyrical content of “Dance Monkey.”
Tones And I explains, “That’s why if you replace ‘dance’ with the word ‘sing,’ it’s just about me busking.” The lyrics reflect the push and pull of street performance – the audience’s desire for more entertainment and the artist’s experience of meeting those demands. Musically, she aimed for a bass-drop chorus, inspired by songs like “You Just Want Attention,” and within just half an hour, “Dance Monkey” was written.
“Dance Monkey”: From Byron Streets to Global Stage
Even in its early busking performances, “Dance Monkey” resonated strongly with audiences. Its infectious rhythm and relatable theme proved to be a winning combination. Manager Dave Morgan initially tempered expectations, suggesting it might be more of a “live track” than a radio hit, especially compared to her debut single “Johnny Run Away.” However, “Dance Monkey” defied all predictions.
The song exploded globally, breaking records and solidifying Tones And I’s place in music history. In Australia, it achieved unprecedented success for any artist, male or female, holding the number one spot for a record-breaking consecutive weeks. Its reach extended far beyond Australia, conquering charts in the UK, Europe, and eventually making its mark in the United States. Tones And I humorously recalls Dave’s initial doubts, now a testament to the song’s unexpected and phenomenal success.
Busking’s Enduring Influence
Despite achieving global fame, Tones And I remains grounded in her busking roots. She acknowledges that street performing is “the reason that I’m here,” expressing gratitude for the experiences and connections made during those formative years. The raw interactions with people on the street directly inspired “Dance Monkey,” and the lessons learned busking continue to shape her artistry.
While returning to busk in disguise as “Old Tones” from the “Dance Monkey” music video remains a fun idea, her focus now is on navigating her extraordinary career trajectory. Moments of reflection, like realizing “I have the most streamed song in the world right now,” offer glimpses into the magnitude of her achievement. From the streets of Byron Bay to global stages, Tones And I’s journey, fueled by busking and culminating in the global phenomenon “Dance Monkey,” is a remarkable story of talent and determination.
