Torus Eyes is a Detroit based Avant-Garde, Ethereal Darkwave duo made up of Gwendolyn Dot and Rho Solomon. They recently released their debut EP "Pythia" and have been steadily performing live as they work on their first LP. We spoke with the duo about their recording process, the future of music, DIY vs DIT, and more. Enjoy!
TORUS EYES
IG: @ toruseyes
Bandcamp: https://toruseyes.
Tell us somethings about yourself and your project.
We both studied music growing up and are classically trained, Gwendolyn on piano, Rho on guitar and voice. This project is a collaboration between us, both serving as composers, lyricists, singers, instrumentalists and producers. We create all of our music live in the moment, combining live human elements with those of sequencers, synthesizers and samplers. The idea of making electronic music live on the spot is very exciting to us.
What are some of your influences?
Elemental aesthetics, spiritual and existential philosophies, ontology, nature, labyrinths, yin and yang, healing music, rhythms and scales.
Elemental aesthetics, spiritual and existential philosophies, ontology, nature, labyrinths, yin and yang, healing music, rhythms and scales.
Have you played in bands prior to Torus Eyes?
Yes, we both have been in various projects as well as releasing music as a solo artists (Gray/Bliss and Gwendolyn Dot).
What are some of your favorite venues?
UFO Factory, Outer Limits, Tangent Gallery, Lincoln Street Art Park, and various underground locations
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in music?
Practice, find your passion and the way to channel your creative skills. Music is a language that closely communicates emotions and nuances that often times are not easy to express in spoken and written language. It’s important to be in tune with your emotions while making music and to be aware of your intentions. The lyrical output also has a lot of power and it is good to be mindful of what you are putting out into the world with your words.
What messages or themes are you trying to convey through your music?
Darkness will always change into light if you allow transmutation to occur; transcending from chaos to confidence; divinity is within you; meticulous architectural sound design; poetic and emotional lyrics; moving mind and body and creating depths and heights.
How long did it take you to record the EP? What was the recording process like and what instruments did you use?
Cumulatively the EP took about 1 month to be recorded. Even though we have experience with recording and production, this EP gave way to new knowledge and understandings. We used the Roland RD 2000 synth-keys and TR-8 drum machine, Korg Minilogue and Monologue synthesizers, Alesis QS7 synth-keys and production in Logic and Protools.
The cassette tapes look super nice. How did you put them together?
Thank you! The art is a collage Rho made last year. Our friend helped us design the layout and tape design. We’re very happy with how they turned out, and they sound excellent!!
What are you working on next?
Our first LP and experimental soundscape recordings.
How do you feel about the future of music/art?
True art is getting further away from the mainstream public, who is unable to identify art in terms of craftsmanship and higher aspirations. In mainstream media culture, we notice a lot of irony and cynicism as the main source of inspiration and output, and an emphasis on looking towards trends for inspiration instead of inside the human being making it, which is always more unique. Previously extremely expensive equipment is offered at more affordable prices, and alongside technology, creation and output is democratized. This has changed music making and will continue to expand and develop. The future also points towards AI programmed and manufactured music which might be used in the commercial and advertising field. What is certain is that people will not stop making music, and there will always be interesting and exciting art to discover if you look in the right places.
What does DIY mean to you?
Further than DIY, we prefer DIT: do it together. So much great music is DIY, like Prince or Fugazi or Aphex Twin, and the list goes on. It’s a source of community and collaboration, support and camaraderie.
What do you think of the Detroit music/arts scene?
The performing/visual art scene in Detroit is very special and unique. It’s not found everywhere. It’s fun, passionate, inspiring, and creative. We are definitely very happy to be witnessing and contributing to the music culture here. 