Over the past two years, we’ve seen a bit of kiwi coastline transform into a massive party. But what exactly is Tora Bombora?

Louis mate straight off the bat, can ya describe Tora Bombora in five words?

Community, isolation, skanking, rugged & sustainability.

Do you have a STANDOUT biggest grin moment from the last two Tora’s?

I have a very fond memory of standing on the top of the hill, with my girlfriend watching Marlins’ Dreaming play. The sun was setting, it was a beautiful evening, everyone was so bloody happy and the event was running so well – it was a truly beautiful moment seeing so many happy faces prancing around. It’s what it’s all about.

Is Tora Bombora more than a festy to you? Are you Mr. Tora?

Absolutely mate. It’s a community. So many friendships are made. The epicness of the destination and the mission to get there bonds people. But yeah it’s all about pairing fantastic music with amazing people all in a crazy location.

Who else is behind the scenes for ya?

I have so many great mates who come in a few days before the event kicks off to help us turn my parents paddock into a festival site. They take to the paint brushes, to the fences, making it all look tidy and colourful! As well as that, the legendary Abo helps out handling all of the sound and tech stuff. He’s the chilliest guy and a wealth of tech know-how! The Tora Bombora whānau is just a great bunch of mates that help, suggest, charge, play and create with me!

For someone who has not been to Tora what truly separates you from other music events?

Tora Bombora is a real community celebration of emerging artists. Aotearoa has a real tight-knit music industry and Tora Bombora matches small time acts, with established big dogs and brings the young, talented and passionate together to an extremely unique and beautiful coastal landscape.

‘Having mates that believe in your event and spread the word really helps’

As a man who sold out a festy in TWO WEEKS, what tips can ya give others who are keen to try their hands at promo?

Having mates that believe in your event, and spread the word really helps. I’m super lucky to have great mates that support and promote Tora to the country. As well as having a stellar lineup is key!

What does Tora look like a few years down the line?

The famous question! For me it's all about just keeping the festival vibe and site as bullet proof, safe and enjoyable for everyone as possible! I want to keep it high quality and low quantity. Keep it under 1000 people, but the best 1000 people you'd want to have at a festy with epic local acts and a few big hitters too!

Can ya finish this lil Q&A off by giving us a rundown of this year's Tora from your perspective - from the first coffee in the morning to the final DJ!

Fri... The mahi crew and I woke up feeling great. We’d busted our nuts the previous two days getting the site ready and today was game day!

After getting the finishing touches and making sure that my legendary crew of mates had set up base camp, it was time to prepare Tora for the biggest traffic jam of the year! Welcoming everyone into the event is such a special time, everyone is frothing so hard and are just pumped to be there. After that, it was all about setting the tone for the punters, artists and the crew and the music and sunset did the rest! Yeow!

Sat morning.. Wake up grinning ear-to-ear because we pulled off the first night, meet with artists, check in with security, production, roam around saying g’day to everyone, prepare for darkness to fall and of course listen and boogie to some epic music. Normally when the last two bands are on I fully break from the organisation chain and just really enjoy myself and being with my mates. Then after the music finishes, I just trot around with security, make sure everyones safe and happy, do a bit of packdown, support production and then boom hit the hay just before the sun starts showing... absolutely stoked!

Cover image Dane Scott

Tora Bombora, A Chat with Louis Murphy-Harris by Ben Morgan

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