Swedish electronic music duo The Dorm, known for their inventive approach to electronic music, has released their latest single, “Toxic Eyes,” accompanied by a visually arresting music video. This new track showcases the duo’s evolution, blending dynamic beats with deep, emotive melodies.
The Dorm, consisting of Jonas Svensson and Linus “Lente” Johansson, has consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic music. This new single explores themes of emotional turbulence and the deceptive nature of dreams.
Following the success of their previous singles, such as “Time Circus,” “Find Another Love,” and “Don’t Be Sad,” “Toxic Eyes” continues their tradition of merging sophisticated soundscapes with compelling storytelling. As we dive into an exclusive interview with The Dorm, we uncover the story behind their formation, their creative process, and the inspiration behind their latest works.
Read the full interview below:
Penny Powell: Can you share the story behind how you two came together to form The Dorm? What inspired the name “The Dorm” for your duo?
The Dorm: We go way back, some 20 years or so, when our dorm room was the epicenter of non-stop parties and club nights. We both worked at night clubs back then, living life to the fullest. Alongside us was our legendary manager, Johan. After those wild years, we lost touch and went our separate ways. During that time, we discovered a love for music production and DJ’ing. Fast forward two decades, and we reconnected and decided to channel all that passion and experience into something new. Thus, “The Dorm” was born, bringing the energy and vibe of those unforgettable nights into our music, with us as the producers and Johan as our manager, who had been globe-trotting and working with big companies all over the world, guiding us on this wild journey.
Penny Powell: Your latest single, “Toxic Eyes,” explores themes of emotional intensity and illusion. What inspired you to write this track, and what message are you hoping to convey to your listeners?
The Dorm: “Toxic Eyes” was born out of a fascination with the complexities of perception and emotion. It’s about the intoxicating allure of something that’s simultaneously beautiful and destructive. We wanted to capture that push-and-pull feeling of being drawn to something you know isn’t good for you. The message is about recognizing those illusions and finding clarity, even if it’s painful. It’s a journey through the haze of emotional intensity to a place of self-realization.
Penny Powell: “Toxic Eyes” comes with a visually stunning music video. Can you discuss the concept behind the video and how it complements the song?
The Dorm: The music video for “Toxic Eyes” dives into the same world of alluring yet dangerous attractions that the song explores. We wanted the visuals to capture the intoxicating allure of illusions and emotional intensity, much like the irresistible pull of something we know isn’t good for us. The concept revolves around the song’s themes of being drawn into a mesmerizing but toxic situation. It’s a visual journey through the captivating chaos of emotions, where everything looks beautiful yet deceptive. Just like the song, the video invites viewers to question their perceptions and embrace the clarity that comes with facing the truth.
Penny Powell: The electronic music scene is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of trends while remaining true to your signature sound?
The Dorm: Think of us as musical mad scientists, always experimenting with new sounds. We stay ahead by keeping our ears to the ground, our fingers on the synths, and our playlists full of everything from the latest bangers to obscure deep cuts. We love mixing the unexpected, kind of like adding hot sauce to vanilla ice cream. It’s all about keeping things fresh and fun while staying true to what makes us “The Dorm.”
Penny Powell: You’ve released three new singles—“Find Another Love,” “Don’t Be Sad,” and “Toxic Eyes”—in a relatively short span. What inspired you to be so prolific, and how did you manage to maintain such a high level of creativity and quality?
The Dorm: Honestly, we’ve been on a creative caffeine high (and yes, there’s been a lot of actual coffee involved). The inspiration comes from everywhere—late-night chats, random shower thoughts, and even the occasional existential crisis. We’ve learned to ride the wave of creativity when it hits, which sometimes means sacrificing a few hours of sleep for a killer bass drop. Our studio is part music lab, part playground. Whether it’s experimenting with new instruments or turning everyday sounds into beats, we keep the vibe light and the ideas flowing. Plus, there’s nothing like the thrill of sharing new music with our fans to keep us motivated.
Penny Powell: Among your recent singles, which one holds the most personal significance for you, and why?
The Dorm: While each song has its own special place in our hearts, “Don’t Be Sad” is our musical hug to everyone having a rough day. We wrote it when life felt like a rainy Monday morning, and it became our anthem for shaking off the blues. The song was written during a tough time, and it became a reminder to ourselves that it’s okay to feel down, but it’s also important to find reasons to smile. The positive feedback we’ve received from fans has been incredible, making it all the more meaningful.
Penny Powell: Looking back on your recent string of releases, what are you most proud of, and what do you hope to achieve with your music in the coming year?
The Dorm: We’re super proud of the diversity in our recent releases, and each track showcases a different side of our sound. In the coming year, we’re aiming to take our listeners on an even wilder ride. We’re cooking up a full-length album that promises to be a sonic buffet, complete with surprising flavors and unexpected pairings. Our ultimate goal? To keep making music that resonates, whether it’s through heart-thumping beats or thought-provoking lyrics. We want our music to be the soundtrack to people’s lives—whether they’re celebrating, reflecting, or just dancing in their living room.