Torii Wolf
Interview conducted on September 08, 2020
By Dan Locke
LA based indie/Avant Garde singer and songwriter Torii Wolf releases their new single “Wash Away.” A NYC native, Wolf has previously been featured on outlets like Billboard, Complex, okay player, and Stereo gum. Previously, Wolf has recorded and released music with notable music.
What is your upbringing?
born and raised on Long Island. Hit the road at 17 and landed on the west coast
How did you discover music?
I have always been into music. I started playing drums at 8 years old and made my way around to most musical instruments. Over time I found that singing was my instrument of choice.
How did you start to write music?
I have always been into writing. I am into words. I enjoy playing with words and animism. I love to write from different perspectives.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My very first guitar was a gift when I was young. My parents gifted me a fender acoustic guitar. The guitar is still in the family. I had it restrung leftie for my dad to take it up. I don’t think he has touched it yet though.
How did you get hook up with Alquier Guitars?
I work closely with songwriter/ producer Kiyanu Kim. Kiyanu turned me onto Alquier.
How does Alquier Guitar compare to other guitar companies for playability?
Alquier Guitars are so well made. One of my favourite models the Cosmic Buzz is made of Bamboo and titanium parts. very light but still feels strong and incredible to play.
What was your first performance at like?
my very first ever performance outside of school concerts was at a local coffeehouse on Long Island called The Cup. very busy hang and I was so nervous I didn’t let my parents come. I still feel bad about that.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I did not record my first ever original song but i played it and played it on the guitar until my fingers bled. It wasn’t until maybe 2008 that I recorded music in a studio and I haven’t stopped since
Tell me about your new single “Wash Away”, you wrote it while sheltering in place.
Wash Away is one of many songs that I have written during this quarantine. Although there have been many scary and confronting things about 2020 thus far, I have found great solace in isolation as far as my creative flow.
How was to work like that?
Building out a very minimal home studio has opened up a lot of doors for me in the way of creating and collaborating and I feel very inspired. I have always felt like a bit of a loner // alien and this virtual world is aligned with how I have been feeling for a long long time now.
How is “Summon” like “Wash Away”?
Summon and Wash Away are of the same pool. As well as a song coming out on September 11 called “Hideaway” these are some of the first songs that I have ever made and tracked on my own here at home. directly from the soul source. Also, so grateful to have Rumori the magical Cellist/composer add to the records over the interweb.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
ahh staying healthy while touring is very tricky. I do miss touring very much. I try my absolute best to walk a lot drink a lot of water and make sure to eat a substantial meal when it is made available. Timing and options can be very tough depending on the tour. I do love to explore different cuisine as well as coffee every city that I travel to if time permits.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I feel very grateful for streaming platforms. I am grateful to know that the music and art being created can be shared at a lutikris speed all across the globe. Most especially now I feel it is so important we have access and stay connected through art and expression.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I love vinyl I personally prefer vinyl. It becomes more and more special as we are in a digital worldWill places like Echo survival with all the shutdowns? In addition, should music halls have a government help to stay open? Working with BetaWave.tv has opened up my mind to doing virtual livestream concerts. I believe it’s the new way for now
Do you think kids should go back to school his fall?
I don’t feel like children should be going back to school in the fall.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
“Motion Picture Soundtrack” by Radiohead. I love this record. It feels close to my soul. I do believe we have soul contracts and that we find each other again and again in the next life.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Hard to know what the future of the music business will look like. I do feel that TV+FILM placement will be a safer way for artists to create and make a living. Although it might become a lot more saturated without being able to be on the road. I have faith we will find a new and safe way to be in a room together again.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Lots of writing Lots of creating lots of collaborating
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I have rediscovered painting and drawing. I have been painting paintings with all proceeds supporting Black Trans Lives
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I watch Netflix mostly. I rarely watch TV.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
I have a Live performance that I did on the rooftop of my house here in Los Angeles with Memento Mori Productions and Betawave.TV. I am releasing a song a week from that performance. I have also been working closely with BETAWAVE.TV and doing Live stream performances with them and their brilliant team.
Live Nations just started Live Nation from Home? Which are concerts from artist homes. An all-new virtual music hub keeping fans connected to their favorite artists featuring daily live streams, performances, new music, and more. Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
I am staying open to new ways of making a living as an artist. Having intimate performances from our own homes feels special.
For smaller bands who do not play large crowds, this is not really an issue. How do you see bands going back to smaller venues and doing things like play for the door, with no guarantees?
I haven’t gone there yet. I don’t have a very good feeling about being in close quarters for live music. I do love the idea of drive-in concerts. I’ve always been a big fan of drive-in movie theaters.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it may be the end of the music fest for the next couple of years?
I believe that Music Festivals will happen it will just look different than what we are used to.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
being an indoor animal, I am so into holographic concerts!
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