SOUNDING OUT: TORI LEVETT
Rising fast between continents and time zones, Australian DJ and producer Tori Levett is coming into her own as a producer.
Describe the music you make?
It’s a blend of melodic house and techno. It’s emotional but still made for the dancefloor, with big melodies, euphoric vocals and a lot of atmosphere. I like creating tracks that feel immersive and cinematic, where you can get lost in the journey but still feel that strong bass.
What music did you listen to growing up?
I was heavily into house and underground artists like Justin Martin, Maceo Plex, Claude Von Stroke and Jamie Jones, but at the same time I was also drawn to more EDM artists like Flume and Alison Wonderland. Being exposed to such a broad spectrum of sounds definitely shaped the way I think as a producer. It pushed me to be open-minded and experimental.
What first pulled you toward music production?
I have a background in playing piano and singing, so I was naturally drawn to the idea of creating something that was fully my own. What really pushed me was the idea of being able to play a track to an audience knowing it was something I created and not just seeing reactions to other people’s music.
Any specific studio tools, workflow habits or secret weapons you rely on?
I lean a lot on software synths and plugins, like Serum, Diva and Omnisphere for atmospheric sounds. I just love layering, combining vocal chops, and melodic elements until it feels cinematic.
Which track marked a real turning point in your production confidence?
My track ‘Never Found’. It was the first release where I genuinely felt like I’d found my sound, everything just clicked in terms of the melodies, vocals and overall direction. The response from fans really confirmed that feeling too. Getting such positive feedback gave me the confidence to trust my instincts more and lean fully into my own style moving forward.
What makes a track sound like you?
My vocals are probably the quickest way to tell a track is mine.
Who would you sell your soul to collaborate with?
Adriatique. Honestly, I’d probably faint if I even met them – I’m obsessed! Their production, their live shows, the way they structure tracks and take the audience on a journey, it’s all just next level to me. They’re my biggest inspiration in music and working with them would be a dream because I’d get to learn from their approach, blend my own style with theirs, and create something that really pushes me as a producer.
What’s the most exciting part of the production process?
Finishing a song that I’m genuinely proud of. You can make a hundred ideas, throw them away, revisit them, reshape them but there’s something really special about having a track that finally feels complete. And then that first moment you get to play it, whether it’s at a show or even just to your friends, is such a unique feeling. It’s the payoff for all the experimentation and effort and it’s addictive in the best way.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned as a producer?
Not to be so hard on myself and not to sit on ideas too long. Getting your ideas out there, even if they’re not perfect, is so important; it’s how you grow and find your voice as a producer.
Talk us through your latest EP ‘Over Again’?
It features two tracks, both of which are really personal to me, and I think you can hear that in the music. ‘Over Again’ is more melodic and vocal driven, emotional and introspective, while ‘I Need You Now’ is more dancefloor-focused, with energy that makes it perfect for a club. I love that the EP shows both sides of my sound.
Where can we see you play?
Soho Garden, Dubai.
