Get to know 2022 Electronic Album of the Year nominee, TOR in our “7 Questions With” series where we speak with first-time JUNO Award nominees from all genres.
Tor is a Vancouver-based music producer and DJ who has been releasing original music since 2011.“Oasis Sky” is Tor’s first original body of work since his 2016 album, “Blue Book”. It expands on the latter’s meditative energy with the producer’s signature warmth and beat-driven atmospherics, while digging deeper into the experiences and emotions that have informed the past 4 years of his life. The album began to come into focus after slowing down, establishing roots, finding centre and introspection in a new living space.
“For me, this album is a reflection on my sense of home,” says Tor. “It’s a highrise apartment, looking out over rooftops, trees, and mountains. It’s filled with plants and flowers, and to me, it feels like an oasis in the sky.”
1. How did it feel to be nominated for a JUNO?
Absolutely incredible – I released the album independently and I didn’t think it would get noticed, so it was completely unexpected and amazing.
2. Who are your biggest musical influences?
The artists that inspired me to take a real shot at music as a career are Caribou, Four Tet and Bonobo.
3. What are 3 items you require when you’re on-tour?
Enough time to get everywhere with no stress, some sleep, and my camera
4. What do you think is the best song you’ve ever released? What’s the story behind it?
I’m most proud of my song ‘Foxglove’ – I wrote it after spending some time at a friend’s small island cabin in the middle of 2020. There were giant Foxglove flowers blooming everywhere and the time there gave me life after a difficult few months.
5. Which artist(s) would you like to collaborate with most?
Hania Rani – she’s a Polish pianist / composer and her approach to music is inspiring
6. What has been your favorite performance of your career?
My set at Basscoast Festival in 2019. So many new and old friends there, I may have shed a few tears.
7. What’s next for you?
I have some festival dates this summer announcing soon, a tour with Parra For Cuva in June, and lots of time in the studio working on new music.
Tickets for The 2022 JUNO Awards are on sale now! Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of Canadian music hosted by Simu Liu on May 15th.
