Underground Press thrives on unconventional stories, and Dylan Tori’s ‘Lovers of the Dark’ fits the bill: a gritty, genre‑mashing anthem about dangerous devotion, wrapped in black‑and‑white visuals and desert‑scaped urgency. Out 1 August, this single – produced by South African legend Mark Beling – ventures beyond the mainstream into uncharted emotional terrain. We dug deep with Dylan to uncover the track’s dark romance, DIY production tricks, and the mindset of an artist unafraid to ride into the unknown.

Your two solo songs to date have been very strong independent releases. What convinced you to make your most polished production yet without losing that DIY spirit?

With Mark Beling producing the album, we made a clear decision from the outset to keep the instrumentation authentic and avoid overproduction. The aim was to ensure that what you hear on the record is a true reflection of what you’ll experience live on stage – raw, honest, and real.

The lyrics read like outlaw poetry. Which line was hardest to write, and which came to you fully formed?

To be honest, the story, theme, and lyrics came to me quite naturally and quickly. It was one of those creative moments where everything just flowed, and the emotion behind it guided the writing process effortlessly.

Mark Beling’s name carries weight in many music circles. How did you maintain creative control while tapping into his expertise?

Mark and I share a creative relationship that spans over fifteen years, as well as the privilege of having performed together on stage. We were equally inspired by the vision for this album, and that mutual understanding made the collaboration feel seamless. We complement each other well – drawing on one another’s strengths to bring out the best in the music.

Your cover is in stark black and white – What made you reject colour for this world?

Our initial attempt to shoot the cover at night didn’t quite capture what we were aiming for. So, we went back and reshot it at sunset, which gave us the perfect balance. It allowed us to reference the tone and colour suggested by the song title, 'Lovers of the Dark', while still maintaining enough light to visually tell the story.

Soundtracks have the power to completely reshape a scene – if you could replace the score of any film moment with 'Lovers of the Dark', which would it be and why? Bonus points if it’s something with those “Top Gun vibes”, like the cover art suggests.

'Lovers of the Dark' would be a perfect fit for something like Top Gun – you’ve got the motorbike, the intense connection between two people who aren’t supposed to fall in love, and that sense of escape and breaking all the rules. Beyond that, I think the song could reshape scenes in several classic forbidden love stories like Romeo & Juliet, Bonnie & Clyde, Road House (the original), Twilight or even Dirty Dancing … the themes align.

The motorbike scenes capture that sense of freedom and danger – did you experience any unexpected moments during the photoshoot?

No, nothing too unexpected. We had great fun riding with sunglasses while the sun is setting, the open road, and my wife on the back.

Underground fans love hidden Easter eggs. Did you sneak any lyrical or visual nods for eagle-eyed listeners?

Sorry to disappoint, but no sneaky nods with 'Lovers of the Dark'.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to indie artists attempting a cinematic vision on a shoestring budget?

Look for ambitious, newly qualified creatives who are eager to build their brand and portfolio in the industry. Keep the approach simple and invest time in finding the right locations – it can make all the difference without blowing the budget.

How do you define success for a song – chart position, fan reaction, or something less quantifiable?

I define the success of my song first and foremost by the impact it has on listeners – the way it resonates emotionally, the feedback from fans, and whether it sparks any kind of connection or change. Of course, there’s also the measurable side: growing my fanbase and achieving chart placements are clear indicators that the song has reached a wider audience. But for me, true success always starts with how my music makes people feel.

You’ve written about escaping the mundane – what everyday object or routine do you secretly find comfort in, even as you urge listeners to break free?

It’s funny, but doing the school runs for the kids is ordinary – yet being the dad that drops his daughter off on a motorbike is my escape. That’s what brings me joy and comfort.

Dylan Tori’s ‘Lovers of the Dark’ doesn’t just ride the line between genres – it crashes through it, inviting listeners on a darkly romantic road trip they won’t soon forget. The single and video have been available since August 1^st. Strap on your boots, turn up the volume, and join the ride.

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