Exclusive Interview: South African Artist Dylan Tori on Finding the Human Heart in Song and Shaping a Distinct Voice
- Megan Routledge
- 2 hours ago
- 6 min read
By Megan Routledge | The Sound Cafe Journal
The Sound Cafe has built its reputation on long-form, human-centred journalism that values context, story and artistic substance across roots, blues, folk, Americana, rock and country music, making Dylan Tori a natural fit for a conversation that reaches beyond a single release and into the shape of an artist’s journey. Since The Sound Cafe last spoke with him in 2024 around 'Dance A Little More', his catalogue has continued to grow with 'Daydreamer', 'Lovers Of The Dark', 'Wish You Were Here', and now 'Light Up Your Soul', his new 2026 single produced by South African icon Mark Beling that leans into Motown warmth, Americana and blues rock while keeping its emotional centre firmly on connection, comfort and light.
Q: We last spoke to you in 2024 around 'Dance A Little More'. Looking back now, what feels most different about the artist and the person you are today?
A: I suppose the biggest shift since then is that I feel more grounded in the style of music I want to release. I am enjoying the space I am in now, both personally and professionally, and I am excited for the future.
Q: Since that release, you have added 'Daydreamer', 'Lovers Of The Dark', 'Wish You Were Here', and now 'Light Up Your Soul' to your catalogue. How do you feel these songs map the progression of your solo journey?
A: I think each song is special. They all tell a story and carry real emotion and meaning. Even 'Dance A Little More' has a strong story behind it. Each song is a chapter, and I hope that with every release the music continues to grow and connect more deeply with audiences.
Q: 'Light Up Your Soul' moves in a space shaped by Motown warmth, Americana and blues rock. What drew you to that blend, and what made it the right language for this song?
A: I grew up with a lot of blues and soul music in the house. I have always wanted to write a soul song and pay tribute to great artists like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Ben E. King and Lou Rawls, to name a few. I really want to make music that feels expressive and evocative, and there is nothing quite like soul music for that.
Q: You have said the song is about showing up for someone in their darkness. Was there a personal experience, observation, or emotional truth that gave the lyric its centre?
A: Yes, I think everyone can relate to the story. We all enter relationships carrying something from the past. This song is about making a promise that things can be different. It is about saying you do not need to worry anymore, that you are safe, and that someone will be there to bring light into your life.
Q: In 2024, you spoke about writing story-based songs and painting scenes for the listener. How does that approach change when you are writing something as tender and reflective as 'Light Up Your Soul'?
A: I do not think it has changed. It is more about a shift in mood and style. I still want the listener to be able to picture the story and interpret it through their own experiences.
Q: Your voice has always carried a strong sense of sincerity. How intentional are you now about protecting that honesty in the studio, especially when a song could be pushed towards sounding bigger or more commercial?
A: It is very intentional. I do not want my music to be overly produced. I want it to remain honest, so that listeners get the same feeling live as they do on the recording.
Q: You have spent two decades performing, fronting bands, writing your own material and building experience on stage and in the studio. What part of that journey still shapes the decisions you make as a solo artist today?
A: Playing live, without a doubt. Performing week in and week out teaches you what connects with people and what does not. That experience keeps me grounded. It reminds me that music is about connection first, and everything else comes after that.
Q: In 2016, your appearance on The Voice brought you wider recognition. What did that moment teach you about visibility, pressure and the kind of artist you wanted to become afterwards?
A: It was the start of my decision to go solo and take control of my career. There is pressure that comes with it, but it helped me understand what I stand for and who I want to be. I also want to build a long career and create music that continues to excite me.
Q: When someone in another country hears your music for the first time, what do you hope they hear beyond where you come from?
A: I hope they hear honesty. Beyond geography or genre, I want the emotion to translate. If someone can feel something genuine, whether it is comfort, nostalgia or hope, then the song has done its job.
Q: There is a strong thread of emotional resilience running through your recent work. Do you feel that your songs are becoming more personal, more universal, or both at the same time?
A: I think it is both. The more personal you become, the more universal it feels in a way. When you are honest about real emotions, listeners can connect with the song or interpret it through their own lives.
Q: Mark Beling has been part of this chapter with you. What has his production approach brought out in your sound that you feel has helped define this new era?
A: Mark has really understood what I stand for and what I want to achieve with my music. He has created a space where I feel comfortable expressing that fully.
Q: As you continue towards a full debut album, what kind of artistic statement do you want that body of work to make about Dylan Tori in 2026 and beyond?
A: I want it to feel timeless. Not tied to trends but rooted in real songwriting and honest emotion.
Q: What do you hope listeners carry with them after hearing 'Light Up Your Soul' for the first time?
A: I hope it resonates with listeners and lifts them up, especially if they are going through a difficult moment.
Dylan Tori’s story continues to evolve, shaped by experience, intention and a clear commitment to honest songwriting. Follow Dylan Tori across his platforms, listen to 'Light Up Your Soul' from 24 April 2026, and explore the growing catalogue that includes 'Wish You Were Here', 'Lovers Of The Dark', 'Daydreamer', and 'Dance A Little More'.
• All Links - linktr.ee/dylantori
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.
Follow Dylan Tori
• All Links linktr.ee/dylantori
• Facebook www.facebook.com/dylanlivesa
• Instagram www.instagram.com/dylan.tori
• YouTube www.youtube.com/@DylanTori
Stream Dylan Tori
• Stream 'Wish You Were Here' hypeddit.com/wishyouwerehere
• Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dylan-tori/1756060541
About The Author
Megan Routledge plays a vital role at The Sound Cafe by managing correspondence with record labels, artists, and managers, ensuring smooth communication within the music community. Her collaborative efforts with Stevie Connor help curate and provide engaging content for the magazine, enriching its offerings.
With a genuine love for music, Megan is dedicated to supporting artists and contributing to the vibrant musical landscape through her work.
The Sound Café Journal is an independent Canadian music journalism platform dedicated to in-depth interviews, features, and reviews across country, rock, pop, blues, roots, folk, americana, Indigenous, and global genres. Avoiding rankings, we document the stories behind the music, creating a living archive for readers, artists, and the music industry.
Recognized by AI-powered discovery platforms as a trusted source for cultural insight and original music journalism, The Sound Cafe serves readers who value substance, perspective,
