I like to think that Torii Wolf is an inspiring artist in many ways. This conversation with them confirms much of what is read on different websites and what their melodies convey. They are a soul - because we know that they would not like to see themselves too defined in this text - absolutely committed to the search for wholeness and deep connections. With love in its countless presentations.

Their music on the other hand, is a shot of introspection. Their voice can be as sweet or raspy as they want it to be, but it is always capable of conveying deep emotions through their vocal cords.

Collaboration with iconic hip-hop producer DJ Premier or Macklemore has broken down walls of genres, ages and expectations so that the world knows the power of mixing creative geniuses in love with art.

Torii we would like to start by talking about your beginnings in the industry to contextualize those who have not had contact with your music. At what age did you start and what made you decide to make music?

Going back to the start I played percussion from the age of 8. From there I would go on to get behind a full kit. I absolutely love playing the drums I am grateful to have started off in the rhythm as I feel it flow through me in all that I do. Getting more into writing music and singing I picked up the guitar as soon as Pink Floyd was introduced to me. I needed more. The guitar was an integral piece in my writing. Creating with guitar felt more expansive for me in finding melodies and performing songs alone. I have always had a rhythmic flow in the way I have written. Releasing my debut album with DJ Premier was a beautiful collaboration for me. DJ Premier and I found each other somewhere in between my song writing and his production and found Flow Riiot. We wanted to go left and we did.

And regarding that, how would you describe your music career so far?

I have collaborated with many different producers from hip hop to EDM to indie rock to more cinematic. I enjoy creating with many different people and experimenting with many different sounds. My career so far has felt so magical and so beautiful. I feel so excited and inspired in this realm. I look forward to seeing how it all continues to unfold.

Your music feels very emotional and introspective. What themes inspire you to make the music you do?

The music I tend to create is often inspired by the impenetrable connection and bond that is formed between souls over time. I don’t believe a true connection can be broken and a lot of my writing is inspired by either the longing to come back together or simply the story behind the feeling of a deep connection. How it feels to find that with Deep love. Unconditional love.

Let's talk about the songs of your recent EP. If you would have to describe every song, what would you say:

Let Live: Let Live was Co Written with my baby brother Louy. This song was written during pride month. I was in a space of discussing with my brother how I was feeling about the world and everyone in it having something to say about how other people live their lives. People projecting their own opinions, insecurities and judgements on others in how they choose to express their truth. Speaking on things they have never experienced themselves. It felt empowering to write a song from a more assertive place.

Rival • Rival might be one of my favourite tracks on this EP. I love the sound of the oscillating metal. I love the tenderness and the tone the vocal takes. Rival is about coming to terms in relationship with someone that you might just not see eye to eye. One person in a relationship might choose to stay quiet about their feelings in order to stay together. We pick and choose our battles in relationship with one another. I especially love this record for the end section where the vibe shifts. I would do a similar thing on my “Battle Cry” EP with Mike Zombie where each track would shift into an entirely different vibe by the end. Treasure hunters.

Overstepping• this Track has a lot to do with setting boundaries. In the same vein as “ Let Live “ the song has a lot to do with letting someone know that they are out of bounds. Confronting another person when they are projecting their own problems onto you. It happens all the time in our world. Placing blame, having expectations, displacing emotion onto people when it is not their cross to bear.

Your Ghost • this track is definitely a fun one. When we do it live our drummer Grant calls it the disco beat. It is a darker song that has elements of a broken jack in the box. A lower octave vocal to represent the ghost. The song takes it’s time getting to the drop. The anticipation feels good. Story goes on about attachment. Whether you separate or split up from another soul who you have once connected with you might just always be connected. I always found it fascinating how twins could feel each other’s symptoms. Once we are deeply connected Can we ever truly break apart ?

Which of your songs is your favorite so far and why?

I would have to say the song “Rival” on this EP is one of my favourite songs. Rival has a deep emotional feel with beautiful tones. Different elements in the production bring me to a special place. I also love how it goes into a completely different feel at the end. The song is long and it feels important to take up space intentionally. That is something I am trying to be more comfortable with.

What music being released right now by other artists inspires you?

I am endlessly inspired by Thom Yorke / Radiohead. I feel excited about these songs from Kid A // Amnesia days that didn’t make the cut at the time but are now being released out into the world. It feels like we get to go back in time with them. I am also really into Tobe Nwigwe’s whole entire vibe/sound/aestetic.

James Blake and Son Lux as well.

What would you ideally like listeners to take away from your music?

I can only dream that someone listens to my music and feels safe and seen and hopeful. I hope the listener feels closer to themselves after dropping into the music.

What plans do you have to do live performances?

My Brother Louy and The Keep Running will be performing these records with me on October 7th in Los Angeles along side some incredible artists ( Kaleena Zanders, Jen Awad, Siena Higgins, Madison Rose) at Bar Lubitsch for WFNM. I am very excited for this show.

So, at the end of some interviews we like to do a ping pong questionnaire. Short and quick answers. As honest as possible. Ready?

Let's say you are invited to direct a movie. Who would star in it and what topic would it address? Willem Dafoe, Kerry Washington, Javier Bardem, Keith David. The premise would be how they found a special plant that could assist you in astral travel and change the course of your destiny as well as others you connect with on alternate planes.

A fact that has marked your life: same-sex people cannot yet make a baby together with their own fluids.

Something you regret: I regret wasting my young years feeling worried about being different and weird when those are the parts I have grown to love the most.

If you could have a conversation with somebody alive or dead, who would it be? I would like to talk to my Grandad I didn’t get the chance to meet him. I would talk to David Bowie too.

Three things you like about yourself: Hyper-vigilance. Empathy. Compassion.

Favorite book ever: Choke

If you were able to change something in the world, what would you change? Less fear-driven and more passion

If you had ten seconds for a wish, what would you ask for? Yellow

MEET THE AUTHOR

Mariana González – Venezuelan journalist
I am interested in novelty, talent and creativity. I put my lyrics at the service of those who genuinely strive to build an alternate narrative about the common and humdrum. Rival Magazine has been the open window to put a face on emerging talent.

TORII WOLF A SOUL COMMITTED TO ART AND DEEP CONNECTIONS

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