Check out our exclusive interview with one of Sydney’s most influential artists, DJ and Producer Tori Levett. Her new single ‘Shady Intentions’ with @nghtmre + @zedsdead is out now!
Tori has already secured major features and collaborations with international producers & superstars. Tori is on the verge of global recognition for her talent and there is no slowing her down – even during a pandemic. If you have been lucky enough to see Tori Levett in action, her live show throws down a mix of house-down party tunes, heavy bass and even showcases commercial tunes spanning across a wide range of tempos and feels. On the road T has played shows alongside Peking Duk, Quix, Enschway, ShockOne and What So Not as well as festival slots that have seen her travel all of Australia, New Zealand Japan and Malaysia.
Follow Tori @torilevett
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Leo, Wild, adventurous
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I was always into music growing up and playing instruments throughout school but When I turned 18, I started club promoting and through that, I met heaps Djs, artists and other club promoters and I was super inspired that they were sharing something they loved or created and where making people happy and dance while doing so. I then thought why not just give DJing a go and I practiced for a very long time in my bed room before I played my first show. After I played my first couple of shows, I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. A year later I started learning how to produce, sing and write through friends, singing teachers, other artists, many hours of Youtube tutorials people on my team etc which is how I got to where I am but always learning new things everyday,
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Bass, trap, melodic
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time! I am the most nervous person haha
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
Odesza
What so not
Jorja Smith
Halsey
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
At the beach on a sunny day with friends, surfing and just chillen
Best stage you have ever play?
Cloudora Festival Malaysia
What’s your favorite club to DJ in?
Ivy – Sydney
Tell us about your new single “Shady Intentions?”
Shady Intentions was actually originally written for another artist and their manger never replied to me so I sent the song to Dead Beats, (zeds Deads Label) and they want to use it and a few months later NGHTMRE jumped on the track to which was seriously the most amazing feeling, I was so happy and it was actually the 2nd song I ever wrote completely by myself.
What’s the story behind the single?
I wrote Shady Intentions at the end of 2019 in my bedroom about a night out I had in LA. I was out until the sun came up and I was with a guy that I kind of liked and he asked me to go home with him and I said no but luckily because I then found out he had a girlfriend. This isn’t the first time this had happened to me which is why I wrote about some people in particular that have Shady Intentions.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
I think the hardest part about what I do has been the past 3 years and having the inconsistency of what is happening in the world. In Australia we had fires before 2 years of covid and now we have been having constant floods. So for 3 years theres been a lot of cancelled gigs which has been hard and upsetting for the whole music industry and it has been hard to stay focused and motivated as well as dealing with the struggles that everyone has had to face.
The best part is to be able to do something you love and share the music you are vibing at that point in your life and making people happy and dance while you are doing your job. That has always been the most wild and coolest thought to me.
What’s your advice for the newer DJ’s? Specially Female DJ’s
Don’t give up, keep going and believe in your self. I have been hit hard especially in the Sydney DJ scene being a female but I just continue to try not let it get to me and if people want to judge you before they have seen me play or before they have met me, that’s fine, my art can speak for itself.
What was the first record that you bought?
Probably a 2000s So Fresh CD !
What’s next for Tori Levett in 2022?
Planning on heading over to the US to start a new chapter 🙂
As a popular DJ, Producer and Influencer you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of doing always the right thing, and encourage people to follow their dreams?
I am never going to be able to please everyone so I try and be the most authentic version of myself and try not to conform to what people think a DJ or producer is supposed to look like or act like which is something that I have extremely struggled within the past.
What do you think is the secret to have a successful IG account?
Just be yourself <3
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t listen to the negative things people say to you or about you and just be yourself and keep going because I think I have put a holt to a lot of things in my life whether it be my music or what photos I like because I was always worried about what others thought and If I never cared when I was younger, I would love to see how much further I would be in my career today.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
The adventures of Tori haha I have had some amazing, crazy, wild experiences of good times and bad, I think people would find it very entertaining.
How would your best friend describe you?
I asked them and they said this
– more then meets the eye
– Can’t resist a good time
– determined and motivated
Name one your strengths?
I never give up
What is your own definition of happiness?
Not wanting more – being happy and content with where you are in your life.
Do you support any charity?
I support lots of charities but donate monthly to Monicas Doggie Rescue
What is your favorite healthy food?
Rice Paper Rolls
And your favorite cheat food?
Hot chips (Fries)
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
I am the most picky person ever, it literally could be anything haha
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Headlining EDC
How would you describe your fashion style?
Edgy, street style vibes
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it depends how you use it. I think it is a great way to spread awareness about whats happening in the world, to have a platform to promote your art or business or even simple things like showing what enjoy doing in a day. It has allowed myself to connect with other artists and creators so easily and has Created so many amazing opportunities for me. On the downside I think it can be a bit of a scary place, theres a lot of bullying and feelings of having to look a certain way or be at a certain place in your life. I think the best way to overcome this to be yourself and authentic and not compare yourself to others on social media because not everything you see on social media is real.
Where we can follow you?
