FACE-TO-FACE WITH TORO Y MOI
Playboy Australia|December 2019
The multitalented musician rode the crest of chillwave, then dove headfirst into exploring creativity and the joy of connection
Andrea Domanick
FACE-TO-FACE WITH TORO Y MOI

“Wanna go up on the roof?” Chaz Bear asks me with a puckish grin.

His gusto catches me off guard. It has been a long day here at Company, the art studio and record label that Bear, otherwise known as experimental music act Toro y Moi, founded in Oakland, California. Last night he was here producing new music till five A.M., only to return hours later for a packed itinerary that includes being photographed, filmed and interviewed by PLAYBOY. As he heads into the last portion (it’s now near sunset), Bear’s energy hasn’t wavered, and he’s eager for me to see more of his world.

Reaching up, he pops a heavy circular access door installed above industrial pipes. A column of light pours in and bathes the rear of Company’s second-floor recording studio. The opening, barely wider than his shoulders, resembles a submarine escape hatch. Passing through it requires some skilled scrambling between a ladder and a metal power box on the wall. Bear ascends, his legs dangling comically before he hoists himself up.

“You coming?” he asks, flashing that same grin. There’s no knowing what lies above. But because Bear is a virtuoso — his creative exploits have positioned him as one of today’s most daring and inspired cross-platform artists — chasing him into the sunset is a welcome pursuit.

This story is from the December 2019 edition of Playboy Australia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2019 edition of Playboy Australia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.