In conversation with liberating multi-instrumentalist & composer Tor

Image: Brandon Artis

Ambient multi-instrumentalist Tor shared his latest single ‘Riverline’ via Eleuthera Music last month and is a great taste of what is to come is to come with his forthcoming offerings. ‘Riverline’ makes one picture dipping one’s feet in the water of a hidden waterfall, where one can be free to move around with movement. Tor’s work opens the door to neutral thinking & focus in times of disruption and noise.
We chatted with Tor ahead of his upcoming album release Oasis

Sum up your year so far in two words.

At home.

Tell us more about how your latest/upcoming release was conceptualised?

The last two years I’ve spent working on my new album and a lot of the concepts just came from experimentation, putting myself in the studio every day, and moving the songs forward either in large or small ways. Lots of digging for sounds, organizing libraries, experimenting with synths, and enjoying the process.

Describe a typical day in your studio space.

I spend the first few hours of the day avoiding screens, I do a stretch, short meditation put on instrumental piano music, and drink coffee. Then when I feel ready I’ll dive into a project, start playing with my keyboard or if I’m not feeling it I will organize samples or dig for sounds. I try to take breaks every hour or so and go for walks. Repeat the process until I run out of steam but sometimes the real productivity doesn’t start till dinnertime. It’s always a bit different.

What are the most important pieces of equipment for you?

My speakers and midi controller keyboard. Everything else is on the computer.

Describe what an ideal day would be for you?

Having a campfire on tower beach here in Vancouver with my close friends, my favourite spot.

Do you have a favourite memory of your career so far that you will take with you forever?

My first time going on a proper bus tour in 2013, having only previously played one or two shows ever, to opening for Emancipator in places like New York and Miami in front of a thousand people. Absolutely blew my mind.

Who is your musical guilty pleasure?

Maroon 5 – ‘Wait’ is an absolute banger

What can we expect from you in the near future?

Two more singles before my new album Oasis Sky releases April 30.