Dylan Tori, born Dylan Pretorius, is a singer-songwriter from Pretoria who has recently embarked on an exciting solo journey. With a rich history in various tribute bands and an impressive versatility in genres, Dylan’s new single 'Dance A Little More' showcases his ability to blend modern country with an upbeat twist. We sat down with Dylan to discuss his career, his new single, and his thoughts on the evolving music industry.

'Dance A Little More' has such an infectious energy. What inspired you to write this song, and how did you bring it to life?

"I wanted to write an upbeat, feel-good, English 'sokkie treffer' with a storyline behind it. This started with a very catchy guitar intro riff, and it all came alive from there".

'Dance A Little More' will have its radio premiere on the esteemed Bok Radio, a prominent station in South Africa known for supporting country music and hosting international acts like the Zac Brown Band at the upcoming country music festival. How does it feel to have your single featured on such a well-regarded platform, and what impact do you hope this will have on your music career?

"It’s a dream come true to have one of my songs featured on Bok Radio. I hope the song resonates with country music lovers, and if all goes well, that I’ll be invited to perform at the next upcoming country music festival."

Working with Mark Beling must have been an incredible experience. How did his production influence the final sound of 'Dance A Little More'?

"Mark is an amazing guy. Musically, he’s a monster, a genius. His vast knowledge and know-how in music performance and production had a firm positive influence on the success of the song. Working with Mark is just amazing because he brings out the best in you, and the song comes first."

You've been part of various bands like Nothing Alike and Spitfire Choir. How did these experiences shape your musical style and influence your decision to go solo?

"Having played in different bands and styles of music has enabled me to broaden my musical ability in terms of songwriting, vocal range, and audience interaction for any occasion. Twenty years of being a full-time musician has basically shaped my identity, which I believe is being a diverse musician."

Country music, with its rich history and deep roots, has continually influenced and been influenced by various other genres. In recent years, we've seen rock bands and pop artists exploring country music. For example, Def Leppard collaborated with Tim McGraw on the song ‘Nine Lives,’ blending rock and country elements. Similarly, Bon Jovi released the album ‘Lost Highway,’ which has a significant country influence. What are your thoughts on this trend of genre-blending, and how do you feel it impacts your own musical style and creative process, especially given your experience in both rock and country genres?

"When it comes to rock and country, the two genres share a lot of the same elements, especially in modern country. I’m a big fan of integrating the two genres. I feel this benefits me in the sense of writing story-based lyrics with powerful vocals and big choruses."

Modern technology and AI are increasingly used in music production. Have you experimented with any new tech in your music, and what are your thoughts on its impact?

"I don’t know too much about it and really hope the music industry stays authentic to its core. The coolest thing about music is the creative aspect. An instrument and a blank piece of paper creating something out of nothing is pure beauty."

Country-themed events often feature activities like mechanical bull riding. Have you ever tried it? If so, how was the experience, and if not, what’s a fun country-themed activity you enjoy?

"Oh, I've attempted to conquer the mechanical bull on multiple occasions, but let me tell you, it's no easy feat! My record is a whopping three seconds before I'm unceremoniously thrown off. The real challenge, though, is that this wild ride is typically found in bars, where the combination of a few drinks and a bucking bull can be a recipe for calamity. It's all part of the fun, but it certainly doesn't make it any easier to stay on!"

What’s the strangest inspiration you've ever had for a song? Can you share a quirky or unexpected moment that led to the creation of one of your tracks?

"I wrote a song about a girl and me who locked eyes in a shopping mall and shared a moment but never got to meet each other. That encounter stayed in my thoughts for quite some time, and I ended up writing a song called 'Little Love Stain,' which is a quirky title for a song."

If 'Dance A Little More' were the soundtrack to a classic country and western movie, what would the plot be? How do you envision a film that perfectly encapsulates the vibe of your latest single?

"It would probably be a country western version of the movie 'The Notebook.'"

Given your background in hard rock tribute bands, how do you integrate those influences into your current music style, especially with tracks like 'Dance A Little More'?

"Out of the hard rock tribute bands that I’ve performed in, the one thing that I can compare the two with is big catchy choruses. The influences really come into play when performing live."

'Dance A Little More' is designed to make people feel good and get them dancing. Have you ever tried choreographing your own line dance? If so, what was the experience like? Given the dance-centric theme of your new single, have you dabbled in creating your own dance moves?

"No, but it would be a good idea to incorporate professional dance moves into it."

In our conversation with Dylan Tori, we explored his journey from tribute bands to his new solo career, his latest single 'Dance A Little More,' and his views on the music industry. Dylan's passion for creating feel-good music that resonates with listeners is evident in every note. Be sure to stream 'Dance A Little More' on all platforms and let the infectious energy of the song brighten your day. 

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