Busker turned global chart-topping superstar Tones And I has just added another feather to her already highly-decorated cap, winning the grand prize in the International Songwriting Competition.
As the ABC reports, Toni Watson’s big win came about thanks to her record-breaking single “Dance Monkey”, which has managed to win numerous ARIA Awards since its release just one year ago, and has topped charts all over the world.
Chosen as the Grand Prize Winner at the 2019 ISC, Tones’ honour – which includes a USD $25,000 cash prize, plus USD $45,000 in additional prizes – was decided by a panel of artists and industry executives which included the likes of Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Tom Waits, and Bebe Rexha.
“This song has taken the world by storm, and it is undeniable that it has propelled Tones And I to massive superstardom,” says ISC Founder and Director, Candace Avery.
“Prior to ‘Dance Monkey’, Tones And I was an indie artist struggling to get her voice heard. This is such a great example of how just the right song can change an artist’s life and should inspire up-and-coming songwriters to keep on following their dream.”
Having first launched in 2002, the International Songwriting Competition calls upon all songwriters to participate, with previous winners including fellow Aussies such as Gotye, Vance Joy, Kasey Chambers, and Kate Miller-Heidke.
Though Tones And I’s win was undoubtedly the biggest takeaway of the competition, it was a similarly-successful event for other Australian musicians.
In addition to top-three placings in various categories for the likes of Thelma Plum, Sahara Beck, Bec Sandridge, and Sophia Chesworth, Adelaide’s Tkay Maidza took out first place in the R&B/Hip-Hop category, while NSW’s Harry Cleverdon went home with the People’s Voice award.
Tones And I recently released the video for her latest single, “Can’t Be Happy All The Time”, with the clip’s content portraying her rapid rise to fame over the last year.
