Tones and I Drops Fantastic New Single “I Am Free”

Tones and I may never have a hit as big as “Dance Monkey.” A song that cuts through like that all over the world is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. However, that doesn’t mean we should label Tones a one-hit-wonder. It also doesn’t mean that her best music is behind her. While “Dance Monkey,” was fun, it’s also a bit gimmicky. I much prefer more recent releases like her latest single “I Am Free.” With powerful lyrics and a soaring chorus, it’s an impressive song from this local talent.

“’I Am Free’ is a song about relationships in my life, that have ended,” Tones shared. “It’s about self-reflecting on those relationships, acknowledging that I still carry parts of them with me and taking my share of responsibility for what happened. I wrote the song, composed it, co-produced it and recorded it with my choir and an orchestra. I also wrote and co-directed the film clip and wanted it to be powerful, joyful and anthemic.”

Tones and I is supporting Macklemore on his UK and European headline tour. If you’re abroad, you can catch them both at the following international shows. Tones will also come back for a couple of local festivals before heading back to Europe for more festivals there.

21 April 2023 – Lanxess Arena, Cologne
22 April 2023 – Verti Music Hall, Berlin
24 April 2023 – Zenith, Munich
25 April 2023 – Stadthalle Offenbach, Offenbach AM Main
27 April 2023 – Edel-Optics.DE Arena, Hamburg-Mitte
29 April 2023 – Warsaw Expo XXI, Warsaw
30 April 2023 – Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna
2 May 2023 – The Hall, Dubendorf
3 & 4 May 2023 – Alcatraz, Milan
7 May 2023 – Vega, Kobenhavn
9 May 2023 – Sentrum Scene, Oslo
20 May 2023 – Bassinthegrass, Larrakia Country/Darwin
27 May 2023 – Tropic Sounds 2023, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
20 July 2023 – Das Fest 2023, Karlsruhe
23 July 2023 – Deichbrand Festival 2023, Cuxhaven
11 August 2023 – Stars in Town 2023, Schaffhausen

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

The ARIA Awards Wrap

Pub trivia took precedence over the ARIA Awards last night so I’m only just catching up on all the goings on (thanks 9Now!). Honestly, I think it was one of the better award ceremonies. It was so exciting to see such a diverse range of talent honoured with the sharp pointy things. Guy Sebastian was such a superb host with the right mix of warmth and humour. I was thrilled to see him take out the Song of the Year title for “Choir.” What a top track that is.

I found myself getting unexpectedly emotional at Human Nature’s Hall of Fame induction. They were my boy band of choice in my teenage years, although I swore black and blue that they were a “vocal group” instead. I went to countless RSL gigs, shopping centre appearances, and the like. I lost track of them somewhere along the way, but watching them bust out those old hits before their induction took me right back. 30 years together is a massive achievement. Congratulations to them.

While Human Nature stirred my nostalgia, The Teskey Brothers delivered the performance of the night for me with “Rain.” I’ve long championed these guys and I can only hope the ARIA Awards puts them on the radar of people who might have been unaware of their talents. I was stoked to see them take home awards for best group and best blues and roots album for Run Home Slow.

I’m not going to run through every performance and accolade, because it’s so late on a Thursday that all that information has already been widely publicised. But it’d be remiss of me not to mention Tones and I. She’s smashed chart records and earned global fame this year, but four ARIA awards is such a fitting cherry on top. Hats off to her.

What did you think of the 2019 ARIAs? Who were you excited to see honoured and was there anyone you were disappointed to see missing out? I’d love to hear your thoughts!