Dylan Tori Unplugged: Insights into His Musical Evolution, Gear Preferences, and the Story Behind the Badge

Dylan Tori Unplugged: Insights into His Musical Evolution, Gear Preferences, and the Story Behind the Badge

South African Singer-Songwriter Dylan Tori is stepping into the spotlight with his new single, ‘Dance A Little More’. After a rich history with various bands and tribute acts, Dylan is now exploring the country genre with a fresh twist. We caught up with Dylan to discuss his new track, his gear, his experiences on the road, and what’s next for his solo career. Dive into this exclusive interview to discover more about his journey and his exciting plans.

Q: Dylan, you’ve transitioned from playing in rock and tribute bands to exploring modern country with ‘Dance A Little More.’ What inspired this shift, and do you see yourself continuing in the country genre for your future solo projects, or might you venture back into rock or other styles?

Dylan Tori: My inspiration comes from my love for country music and writing songs that tell a story. Other songs that I’ve written for the follow-up to ‘Dance A Little More’ incorporate elements of rock and soul while remaining true to country storytelling.

Q: Your new single features a mandolin, which adds a unique flavour to the track. Can you tell us more about how the mandolin came into play and how you approached integrating it with your guitar work?

Dylan Tori: In the studio, we were experimenting with different sounds and thought the mandolin was a nice touch to the song, providing a unique country feel without resorting to the usual instruments like a banjo or lap steel. We plan to integrate it into live shows along with some banjo, lap steel, and fiddle.

Q: Touring with various bands must have provided you with diverse experiences. How has your approach to live performances evolved with your solo career, and what can fans expect from your upcoming shows?

Dylan Tori: Performing live is my favourite thing to do; it’s where I feel most at home. Fans can expect a show filled with heart, soul, and moments of jamming that will get them up dancing and singing along.

Q: As a guitarist, what are some of your favourite gear setups and instruments that you use for both live performances and studio recordings? Has your gear choice changed at all with the shift to a country style?

Dylan Tori: My guitar setup is simple. For acoustic, I play a Yamaha LL16 TA into an LR Baggs Venue pedal. For electric, I use the Ritchie Kotzen RK5 Fly Rig. My preferred vocal mic is the AKG D5 or D7. My gear choice hasn’t changed with the shift to a country style.

Q: The sheriff badge-style logo on your branding is quite distinctive. What’s the story behind this emblem, and how does it reflect your artistic identity or the themes in your music?

Dylan Tori: I’ve always included stars in my logos or branding, a tradition I inherited from my dad for good luck. With my new branding and performing under my solo name, I wanted to keep the star theme but opted for a sheriff badge as it suits the music.

Q: With your background in tribute bands like SA/DC and Guns N’ Poses, how did these experiences shape your approach to writing and recording your own music?

Dylan Tori: I learned a lot from performing in tribute bands. AC/DC, for instance, never changed their formula to fit the music industry; they created their own niche and still have a growing fan base. The key is to stay true to yourself.

Q: ‘Dance A Little More’ has a fun, upbeat vibe. How did you and Mark Beling work together to capture this light-hearted and energetic feel in the song?

Dylan Tori: Mark and I have a great understanding of what our end goal should look like. We leverage each other’s strengths and collaborate closely during production, which results in the best possible outcome.

Q: If you could choose a dream collaboration with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why? What would you hope to achieve through this collaboration?

Dylan Tori: Chris Stapleton, without a doubt. He’s the best male vocalist and songwriter in my opinion. I’d love to create the best song ever written and make it unforgettable. A Grammy would also be a welcome achievement.

Q: Creating music often involves overcoming challenges. What was one significant challenge you faced while working on ‘Dance A Little More,’ and how did you tackle it?

Dylan Tori: Time is always a challenge, but we made the best of the Covid period and started writing this song when live entertainment was not allowed.

Q: Let’s have a bit of fun – what’s one unexpected fact or hobby about you that your fans might be surprised to learn?

Dylan Tori: I’m afraid of sharks, and I love cooking.

Dylan Tori’s move to a solo career with ‘Dance A Little More’ marks an exciting new chapter in his musical journey. From his gear and touring experiences to his artistic vision and unique branding, Dylan’s insights reveal a dynamic and evolving artist. Don’t miss out on this upbeat and infectious track – stream it on all platforms at https://linktr.ee/dylantori

About Dylan Tori

Dylan Tori, born Dylan Pretorius, began his professional musical career 20 years ago. Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, Dylan’s passion for diverse musical genres led him to form various bands during his school years. He quickly developed a talent for writing his own material and became known as a “cover maestro,” impressing audiences with his versatility and skill.

Dylan’s career has been marked by extensive studio work and performances alongside well-known South African bands, gaining valuable experience and honing his craft. Known for his distinctive voice, he has always been the frontman in his bands and has now embarked on an ambitious solo journey. Dylan plans to release his debut album by the end of the year, while continuing to captivate his fans with numerous live gigs across South Africa.

In 2016, Dylan gained wider recognition by participating in The Voice South Africa, where his rendition of Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’ won him a place on #TeamKahn. This exposure has propelled him further into the spotlight, allowing him to share his unique brand of music with a larger audience.

Dylan’s mission is to create honest, heartfelt music that resonates with his audience. He aims to deliver genuine, soulful performances, free from gimmicks, and aspires to share his love for music on an international stage.