TORO Y MOI releases Goes By So Fast Film

Toro y Moi, a.k.a Chaz Bear, officially releases Goes By So Fast: A MAHAL film, a short film starring Eric André and Chaz that brings the world of Toro y Moi’s seventh studio album, MAHAL, to life. Made possible in partnership with Dropbox and Directed by long-time Toro y Moi collaborator Harry Israelson (Live From Trona, “Freelance,” “You and I”), written by Sidney Schleiff and Israelson and produced by Ways & Means, Goes By So Fast weaves together a variety of formats including narrative, documentary, animation and a live performance to create a film that further realizes the world of MAHAL available to watch in full on YouTube now.

Speaking on creating Goes By So Fast, director and writer Israelson says, “Having worked with Chaz for over a decade, there’s been this natural evolution of our storytelling; with MAHAL, from day 1 we discussed a companion film. To me, the idea was to create a world around the record, so listeners could stick their head inside the album cover itself and have a look around. Our challenge was to make a film that felt evocative of the album’s themes and lyrics and together I think we made something truly weird and unique.”

Detailing the genesis of the film Chaz adds, “Shortly after finding the Jeepney, ideas for films and videos immediately came to mind. Given the more serious themes of the record, Harry and I both felt it fitting to come up with something humorous and fun. I wanted to make something that humanized the music and hopefully myself in ways. Knowing that I’m not much of an actor and somewhat reserved, we felt it was best to find a supporting actor who would bring some context to the ‘man behind the curtain.’ We felt Eric Andre’s character, Panther, was the perfect high-sporadic energy to match my persona, giving context to my introverted tendencies. I loved the entire process and I think fans will be able to see the fun we had making it.”

Chaz continues to make music from the soul with this 13-track project showcasing inspiration from 1960s and 70s psychedelic rock to 1990s post-rock taking listeners on an auditory expedition as if they’re riding in the back of Bear’s Filipino jeepney that adorns the album’s cover. MAHAL features the previously released singles “Déjà Vu,” which arrived with a video directed by Justin Morris, “The Loop” and “Postman,” both of which arrived with videos directed by Kid. Studio, and the Arlington Lowell-directed video for “Magazine” featuring Salami Rose Joe Louis.

MAHAL follows Toro’s highly celebrated 2019 album Outer Peace, which Pitchfork described as “one of his best albums in years” along with his Grammy-nominated 2020 collaboration with Flume, “The Difference,” which was also featured in a global campaign for Apple’s Airpods.

Toro y Moi is the 12+ year project of South Carolina-reared, Bay Area-based Chaz Bear. In the wake 2008’s global economic collapse, Toro y Moi emerged as a figurehead of the beloved sub-genre widely known as chillwave, the sparkling fumes of which still heavily influence musicians all over today. Over the subsequent decade, his music and graphic design has far, far surpassed that particular designation. Across 9 albums (6 studio as Toro y Moi along with a live album, compilation and mixtape) with the great Carpark label, he has explored psych-rock, deep house, UK hip-hop; R&B and well-beyond without losing that rather iconic, bright and shimmering Toro y Moi fingerprint. As a graphic designer, Bear has collaborated with brands like Nike, Dublab and Vans. And as a songwriter and producer, he’s collaborated with other artists like Tyler, The Creator, Flume, Travis Scott, HAIM, and Caroline Polachek.

Check out Goes By So Fast: A MAHAL Film and listen to MAHAL above, check out full tracklisting and live dates below and stay tuned for more from Toro y Moi coming soon.