Dylan Tori (Dylan Pretorius) is a South African musician embarking on an exciting new chapter in his career. With a history of playing in various bands and tribute acts, Dylan is now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. His new single ‘Dance A Little More’ available on 26 July, brings a fresh modern twist to the country genre. Produced by and featuring Mark Beling, known for his success with Mean Mr Mustard, this upbeat track promises to brighten your day and get you dancing. We caught up with Dylan to delve into his musical journey, his new single, and what’s next for this dynamic artist.
Q: Your new single ‘Dance A Little More’ marks a significant shift towards modern country. What inspired you to explore this genre, and how does this song reflect your personal style?
Dylan Tori: Being a fan of country music made me want to establish myself within the genre and integrate my love for storytelling songs.
Q: The track has an infectious, feel-good vibe. Can you share more about the lyrical content and the story you aimed to tell with ‘Dance A Little More’?
Dylan Tori: It’s a story about someone who has lost hope until a person or moment brings a life-changing experience, introducing new light and love into their life, making them want to celebrate this feeling for eternity.
Q: Dylan, you’ve had quite a diverse musical career, from playing in tribute bands to forming your own groups. How has this wide range of experiences shaped your approach to music?
Dylan Tori: Playing in different bands and styles of music has broadened my musical abilities in terms of songwriting, vocal range, and audience interaction for any occasion.
Q: Working with Mark Beling must have been an incredible experience. How did his influence shape the sound and production of the single?
Dylan Tori: Mark is an incredible person. Musically, he’s a genius. His extensive knowledge and skills in music performance and production greatly contributed to the success of the song. Collaborating with Mark is fantastic because he brings out the best in you, always prioritising the song.
Q: You’ve played in several bands, including Nothing Alike and SA/DC. How did these experiences contribute to your development as a solo artist?
Dylan Tori: Playing in various bands and genres has expanded my musical skills, enhancing my songwriting, vocal range, and ability to engage with different audiences.
Q: Your rendition of Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’ on The Voice South Africa was outstanding. How did this performance impact your journey, and what role did Kahn Morbee #TeamKahn play in shaping your experience on the show and your growth as an artist?
Dylan Tori: Participating in The Voice SA was an amazing experience. ‘Rocket Man’ was the song that got me onto the show, and Kahn’s appreciation for Elton John helped him turn for me. The show had a tremendous impact on my career, opening many doors. Being on Team Kahn was incredibly beneficial as he has so much industry experience to share, and it was fantastic to work with so many talented artists.
Q: ‘Dance A Little More’ is described as a modern country track with a fresh twist. What elements did you incorporate to give it a unique feel?
Dylan Tori: I incorporated elements of an upbeat, feel-good melody, a catchy chorus, and storytelling.
Q: As a guitarist, you’ve likely developed a strong preference for your gear. What guitars and equipment do you typically use for your performances and recordings? Additionally, on your new single ‘Dance A Little More,’ there’s a mandolin that adds a unique texture to the track. Can you share how this instrument was chosen for the song and how it complements your guitar work?
Dylan Tori: I use a Yamaha LL/16 Trans-Acoustic guitar with an LR Baggs Venue Pedal, and my microphone of choice is an AKG D7. We chose to include the mandolin because we wanted to introduce a new element and sound that isn’t as commonly used in country music, unlike the banjo or lap steel.
Q: You’ve transitioned from rock and tribute bands to a solo career in country music. What challenges did you face during this transition, and how did you overcome them?
Dylan Tori: Having played in many cover bands throughout the years made me very versatile in many genres. Given that country and rock music share many elements, I found the transition to going solo quite easy.
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Dylan Tori: Chris Stapleton, for sure. He is the best male vocalist and songwriter in my opinion now.
Q: Outside of music, what are some of your interests or hobbies that influence your creativity?
Dylan Tori: I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, motorbike riding, playing golf, and padel. I’m a very sociable person who enjoys time with friends and family.
Q: Every artist has a support network that plays a crucial role in their career. As you release ‘Dance A Little More,’ is there anyone you’d like to give a special shout-out to, whether it’s a mentor, collaborator, or anyone who has been particularly influential in your career and in bringing this song to life?
Dylan Tori: A big thanks goes out to my family and friends for their support and love during my music career. A special shout-out goes to my best friend, Friso Woudstra, who was crucial in coming up with the guitar hook for this song, and Mark Beling, who brought this song to life.
Dylan Tori’s journey from tribute bands to his debut as a solo artist with “Dance A Little More” is an inspiring evolution in the music world. With his fresh take on modern country and a collaborative effort with Mark Beling, this track is set to make waves. Don’t miss out on this energetic and heartwarming song – stream it now 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.
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