Exclusive Interview with In-Demand Australian DJ Torren Foot

Torren Foot has gained international attention following the release of ‘More Life‘, which attained over 1 million streams. The Melbourne-based producer would later see his top track achieve a #1 ranking on Beatport overall. Torren Foot’s collaborative single with Dom Dolla titled ‘Be Randy‘ helped him receive an ARIA nomination for “Best Dance Release” in 2017. Furthermore, other successful tracks from Torren Foot include ‘Hot Sauce and the remix of Tyga’s ‘Bugatti‘ via Diplo’s Mad Decent record label. Prominent artists such as Adam Beyer, Claptone, Anna Lunoe, Wax Motif and Destructo have also supported the Australian DJ.

On May 15, 2020 Torren Foot released a tech-house remix of Yung Bae’s hit single ‘Bad Boy‘ featuring bbno$ via Sony/Artista. For his remix of ‘Bad Boy’, he enhanced the original track’s funk by incorporating dub elements and intricate house rhythms. Additionally today on May 29, Torren Foot released a remix of Lastling’s ‘Take My Hand‘ on Astralwerks/Rose Ave. ‘Take My Hand’ is a cross-genre track that contains influences from Lastling’s Japanese heritage and their favorite anime, “Your Name” by Makoto Shinkai. Here is One EDM’s exclusive interview with Torren Foot, who may become one of Australia’s top DJs in house music.

Kenny Ngo: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. Can you give us some background on how you got your start in music? What drew you to making house music?

Torren Foot: Thanks for having me! I guess I got my start in music DJ’ing around Melbourne, roughly ten years ago. Playing 3-4 sets a night, all different styles and energy levels. Melbourne was pretty wild like that at one stage. Every hour you would see DJ’s running through the streets, from one set to the next haha Playing all those different sets, and being in all those different clubs, house music just always seemed appropriate. No matter what time of the night it was, how full or empty the club was, how calm or crazy the crowd was, house music worked. I love the diversity of it.

One of your most recent releases, “More Life”, ranked #1 on Beatport not too long ago. How did you react when you found out the news?

I bought a bottle of Dom Perignon hahahaha. That was such a crazy moment, it honestly didn’t seem real. To see my record nestled amongst artists I have so much respect for, was very special.

You just released a new remix of Yung Bae’s track ‘Bad Boy’. Loving your re-work of the track! Can you tell us what inspired you to create the remix? How did you connect with Yung Bae?

His label hit me up to do the remix, and as soon as I heard the record, I knew what I was going to do with it. It’s such a fun, funky, summer vibe record, and the ‘Imma Bad Boy doing Good Things’ lyric is a fantastic tagline. I wanted to keep the funky, fun elements, but apply some real dancefloor moments to it. It’s also pretty fun to listen to in your living room haha.

You are gearing up to release your remix of Lastling’s “Take My Hand”. What was it like working on the remix?

The Lastlings mix came together really quickly, start to finish it was done in around 24 hours! I started it in my hotel, watching TV before a show, and then finished it on my flight to LA the next morning. Amy’s vocals were such a delight to work with. I think the remix came together so quickly because of how amazing the original is.

Is there anything that the listeners should look out for in the remix in comparison to the original?

I wanted the remix to be a moment at my shows, about an hour into my set, I wanted a record that I could play with plenty of space and cut through, so that’s what I set out to do. It’s a little bit techno, a little bit acid, a little bit Torren Foot & and little bit Lastlings. 

How does your approach differ from producing a remix for an artist versus making your own track?

I think when I’m writing original records, I’ll let the ideas develop organically, whereas on a remix, it’s usually quite pointed. I’ll have a purpose for the remix in mind, or a reference, and work towards that. You can be far more self indulgent when writing original records, as there isn’t often a time restriction on when they’re due. Unlike with remixes, where you might be given a two week window, and you have to go in and get the job done.

What has been the most challenging part of quarantine for you? How are you making the best of your situation?

The abruptness of change was something that hit me at the start. I was in LA, and had to fly home almost immediately when things started to escalate. Then being quarantined for two weeks was like a shock to the system. But after a while, I adjusted to everything, started to implement a daily routine, and found myself becoming super creative. I’m really focused on coming out of this at full steam, with a bucket load of new records!

Which attractions in Melbourne should everyone need to check out if they are able to travel again?

I think the best things about Melbourne aren’t the tourist hotspots, but the nightlife and restaurant scene. Time is best spent in Melbourne eating, drinking and taking in art and music. Have dinner at Chin Chin or Kisume, grab a cocktail at Siglo or Eau de Vie, and inevitably, end your evening at Revolver.