We had the good fortune of connecting with Torrin King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Torrin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It narrows down to a couple of reasons into a single drive:

When I was much younger, there wasn’t a single moment that I could see myself pursuing in anything else but to create and perform. Surely, I have tried for the sake of trying itself but there was no sense of belonging. But like many, I too have an occupation to stay afloat. Balance has become a very crucial thing between the norm and where my heart and soul lies. It’s a struggle at times although I’m content that I’m aiming for the brightest future that I could gain.

Secondly, simply expression.
There’s no better outcome to a created piece than pouring your soul into it.
Many emotions, many subjects, limitless possibilities. To implement this in music and performance is perhaps my better method of expression itself. I want to be able to feel the emotive push behind each song, whether it’s from us or watching other acts. From the constant of everyday struggle and vice that we as human species are faced with, to portray the following of anger, sorrow, bitter-sweetness, etc. through music itself is the greatest release possible.

It’s even more enthralling when I’m able to accomplish such things with 4 other individuals within The Dark Divide.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been involved with music and live performance on a professional basis in the DFW local scene since ending 2009, on and off. I had stepped away in 2016 to focus on my mental well being as there were many things that I had to discover about myself. There were definitely several attempts to get myself back into the grind but it was a matter of taking care of myself first and foremost and or surrounding myself with those who hold value, which is important in any relationship.

Those few years weren’t easy and I was convinced that I would never return to performing again. However, the creative in me was starving to be fulfilled. That’s when I was beginning to enter the realm of electronic music and sound design. It was love at first sight. Surely, I did vocals for a couple of previous groups but I didn’t quite have that resolve by doing just that. I knew guitar along with a couple of instruments, but I had never felt such a connection until I picked up on synthesizers. Programming, I’ve already knew. It came down to perfecting the craft in my own ways.

I remember that moment that my best friend had referred Craig Sefcik (guitarist) to me about an upcoming project in the summer of 2019. We previously discussed doing something together in terms of music. I can’t quite pinpoint what immediately convinced me to give it a shot, but I knew from that moment that I wanted to be involved.
Not even a week later after a try out rehearsal, I was hired on the spot. I was certain that there were others in mind, if memory serves me correctly. I was beginning to feel “alive in new light” all over again (reference to IAMX).
Next thing I knew, we were already performing a few showcases in the local circuit prior to the pandemic.

As the world stood still for those couple of years, we were frustrated to not perform and sat on a track list of beautiful material, we just weren’t certain on how to proceed to the next step during that time even as a new band. That’s when I began a love interest in sound engineering. Out of sheer boredom.
Initially, I wanted to just learn the art of properly mixing vocals, but one thing led into another. Fast forward to fall of 2021 when we really debuted as a live band. the Alpha after the beta. That’s when we really started to know what we wanted for The Dark Divide.

As of now, we’ve released our debut mini album “Variant” with my new found passion of mixing and mastering, a music video that I could also say is my very first, we’ve just finished a short weekender tour with Third & Delaware and Transient. We are really just getting started.

I use to be terrified of getting older and regret not doing what I was very much hoping to accomplish when I was much younger when I had entered the music scene. My perspective has changed so much since I became one with The Dark Divide. It’s never too late to set and accomplish your goals. It really takes the value and support of those you choose to associate with as well as you give the same to them. I was raised with skepticism and fear of the future, but we don’t have a crystal ball to view the time ahead of us, thankfully we don’t. I don’t want to continue living with that mindset as it had once destroyed me, I want to take that struggle and ensure myself that I absolutely can and will do this.

The question is not what do we have to gain but what do we really have to lose? Especially if chance could be taken?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m Denton for life. It’s such a miniature Austin with the city’s upmost love for arts and music. Humorously enough, we debuted The Dark Divide at Graffiti Pasta Basement when it was previously J & J’s Pizza. I always have this bit of excitement whenever I‘m visiting the Denton Square with its numerous of antique stores, venues, that lovely and famous Opera House Book Store. There are many pubs and restaurants for the broadened demographic but I’m more appealed to anything vegan, which I proudly am. I try to make a habit to get to Spiral Diner for their stellar burger meals.
I’m normally not particularly interested in crazy outings but give me a coffee shop and we’re good to go.

Whenever I do dare, it’s seldom that I’ll go to the DFW area to hang out with the The Dark Divide boys or friends that I haven’t seen in ages. I’d say more in the Fort Worth area lately than I use to when I was roaming throughout Deep Ellum many years ago.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a selective few.

The Dark Divide (Craig Sefcik, Rob Hofman, Eric Rader, and AJ Tate) for having every bit of faith and acceptance in me to do what I love to do.
My spouse, Consuelo Carramiñana, for being my greatest push.

And the memory of Corey Shane Steward, who left us 8 years ago and for the inspiration of my role and love of synthesizers and programming.

Website: thedarkdivideofficial@gmail.com

Instagram: instagram.com/torrin_a_king

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheDarkDivideOfficial

Youtube: https://youtu.be/3RS9D804B8U

Other: instagram.com/the_dark_divide_official

Image Credits
-Ethan Massey & Zalen Cigainero -Jade Alex -Kristina Anderson

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