July 31, 2025Interviews, Local Artists, New Music Video, New Single Comments (0)

DYLAN TORI – ‘LOVERS OF THE DARK’ NEW SINGLE INTERVIEW

NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘LOVERS OF THE DARK’ – RELEASED FRIDAY 1 AUGUST 2025

Riding Through Romance: Dylan Tori on ‘Lovers of the Dark‘

With a fanbase that spans from festivals to dive bars, Dylan Tori has listened closely to his
audience’s heartbeat. Now, as he rolls out his new single ‘Lovers of the Dark’, he’s inviting
fans to buckle up for a wild ride of impassioned storytelling, outlaw romance, and
genre‑bending sound. We sat down with Dylan to chat about the song’s journey from
Bonnie‑and‑Clyde inspiration to black‑and‑white motorbike visuals, his collaborations with
producer Mark Beling, and what it really feels like to be a “lover of the dark.”

Photo By Gerhard Diedericks

Q: You first teased ‘Lovers of the Dark’ on the Ian Shipley Radio Show ‘The Evening Session’
in the UK back in March – what fan reactions surprised you most, and how did they shape the
final mix?

Dylan Tori: By the time the song was played on Ian Shipley’s radio show, it had already been
fully mixed and mastered. What really stood out for me was the overwhelming reaction from
fans during live shows – the energy is incredible. I was genuinely surprised by how quickly the
chorus stuck with people; it seemed to become a crowd favourite almost instantly.

Q: The track blends rock riffs with bluegrass fiddle. How did you decide on that sonic palette,
and what surprised you in the studio?

Dylan Tori: From day one, the theme of the song naturally leaned towards a rock anthem, but
with subtle undertones of country. During the recording process, producer Mark Beling really
brought that element to the forefront by introducing more country flavours – incorporating
instruments like banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. It added a rich texture to the track while still
maintaining its anthemic feel.

Q: Mark Beling has worked with some of South Africa’s biggest names. What did he push you
to try on this record that you wouldn’t have on your own?

Dylan Tori: Mark Beling has a remarkable ability to truly understand your vision for a song.
Beyond that, he knows how to bring out the best in your musical talent – guiding the process in
a way that feels both collaborative and inspiring. Working with him always elevates the result.
There’s a moment in ‘Lovers of the Dark’, just before the third chorus, where Mark pushed me
to stretch my vocal limits to one of the highest notes I’ve ever had to hit.

Q: Your cover art feels like a homage to movies like Top Gun – black and white, helmet off,
adrenaline on. Walk us through that shoot with photographer Gerhard Diedericks.

Dylan Tori: Timing was everything for this shoot – we needed the perfect combination of an
abandoned road and just the right lighting. It involved a lot of back-and-forth riding on the
motorbike, with my wife balanced on the back, all while trying to capture a moment of love and
intimacy. It was a challenge to stay focused on the emotion we wanted to convey, while also
making sure I stayed on the road. Gerhard had great energy and patience, and he really
captured some fantastic shots.

Q: Your wife co-stars on the bike – how did you convince her to hop on two wheels in full riding
gear for the visuals?

Dylan Tori: She didn’t need any convincing – she also rides bikes. It could’ve been me on the
back with her riding, or someone else entirely, but neither of those alternatives would’ve been
nearly as cool.

Photo By Gerhard Diedericks

Q: As a fan-driven outlet, we know our readers love behind-the-scenes moments. Any go-to
snack, track, or ritual you needed before each video take?

Dylan Tori: The video was an absolute blast to shoot. A lot of the scenes were filmed on the
motorbike, riding through the suburbs of Pretoria. The remaining scenes were shot at a local
bar, complete with a few necessary refreshments to keep us going through the takes. Filming
it alongside my wife and my best friend – who’s also the band’s guitarist – made it even more
special. There was a lot of laughter, plenty of retakes, and just great energy throughout the
shoot.

Q: ‘Lovers of the Dark’ is a love song – but it carries a wild edge. How do you balance
vulnerability with that outlaw energy in your writing?

Dylan Tori: I’d say I’m a bit rough around the edges, and that wild, untamed energy comes
through in this song. But there’s also a softer, more sensitive side to me – especially when it
comes to love and the deep desire to be loved. Both of those sides show up vividly in my
songwriting, creating a contrast that feels real and honest.

Q: How has writing songs like this helped you – or your fans – navigate tough times?

Dylan Tori: Through my music, I aim to inspire hope and courage – especially when it comes to
finding love and holding onto it. At its core, my goal is to contribute to making the world a
better, more connected place – one song at a time.

Q: What’s next after ‘Lovers of the Dark’? Any albums coming, or special shows or collabs on
the horizon?

Dylan Tori: Yes, I’m looking to release the album around November this year. I’m also aiming
to perform at festivals soon and I’m always keen to collaborate with artists across different
genres.

Dylan Tori’s ‘Lovers of the Dark’ is an invitation to embrace love’s wild side, share stories of
hope in the shadows, and join a community of fans riding toward freedom together. Don’t miss
the video and single available 1 August – stream it, watch it, and become part of the darkly
romantic journey.

Dylan Tori Bio

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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