CABIN FEVER with Torren Foot

As the world goes deeper into self-isolation, it is important to keep the lines of communication open and continue to support each other as much as we possibly can.

Acid Stag has launched a new series titled “CABIN FEVER” where we ask artists from all over the world to give us some insight into how self-isolation has affected their creativity and mental health, and also ask what they have/will be doing to keep their sanity and creativity flowing through these difficult times.

We’re checking in today with Australian producer Torren Foot!

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What is your current situation; are you at home alone, with family, or friends?
TF: I’m living at home with my wife, and our French Bulldog, Alfie. My wife is a primary school teacher, and has been working from home, so we’ve been in isolation together for almost 2 months!

Have you been dealing with any mental health issues as a result of this isolation?

TF: At the start I struggled a lot. I was in the U.S when everything changed, and had to fly straight home, and quarantine for 2 weeks. I think going from the excitement of the trip, to not being able to leave my house really challenged me. I set up a quasi-studio on my deck out the back, and tried writing music in the sun for the last week of my quarantine just so it felt like I wasn’t a prisoner in my own home! At the start I wasn’t creative at all, but I think I’ve adapted reasonably quickly, and I’m writing some really great stuff now.

What have you been doing to manage your mental state (e.g. meditation, yoga, writing music etc).

TF: Meditation is something I really believe in, and that played a huge part in getting me through the first period of isolation. That, and running. I’m a big runner, and for me, there’s no better feeling than kitting up, and hitting the road for an hour or so. It clears your mind, and the endorphin rush you get is visceral. It’s a massive part of maintaining not only my mental health, but my creativity too. Mike Toner from Thick as Thieves is responsible for the amount I’m running at the moment, he signed me up to run a half marathon later in the year haha I also started DJ’ing every day, which sounds silly, but I really missed it. I set up some decks at home, and started tune hunting, and preparing sets like I would normally, even though I was dj’ing for myself in my spare room.

Have you tried collaborating with other artists online, and if that is a yes, do you feel this has helped you feel less isolated & confined?
TF: I’ve actually done a couple of sessions with artists who wanted some help. We set up a zoom call, they sent me a project they were working on, and I went through and helped tighten things up and showed them some tricks I use when writing and producing. Feeling like I was contributing to the community was great, and I feel the other artists got a lot out of it. I usually write on my own, then send it out to friends for feedback, so that process hasn’t changed so much.

Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to share with fellow artists and your fans?
TF: I was guilty for a long time of turning up to the studio every single day and just writing whatever came into my head, but I’ve learnt it’s far better to be inspired, and go into the studio with an idea, or a reference, or a concept. I still go to the studio every day, but If I’m not inspired, I’ll search for music, or watch live sets, or tutorials. Immersing yourself in music, without the pressure to create it, stores up creative energy, and makes for much better art. That’s been my experience of late, and I’m having a lot more fun creating that way!!

What is your “go-to” song right now?
TF: Travis Scott & Kid Cudi – THE SCOTTS. I love hip hop so much, and Travis & Cudi coming together is so epic. The thing I loved most about the record though is the production. Mike Dean is a mother fucken genius!! The solo at the end of the record is almost like another verse, it’s so powerful!