Tori’s music career took off at the age of 12, when she was offered the opportunity to play at Pittsburgh’s Hard Rock Cafe, followed by a National Anthem performance at the Monster Truck Jam (PPG Paints Arena).
Since then, she has been invited to perform original sets at other music festivals and venues, including Bloomfest 2020, Virtual Festival 2020, Tin Roof Orlando, Disney Springs’ AMC Theatre, Live Oak Nashville, and Ole Red Orlando. In 2021, she won the Ole Red Orlando Battle of the Bands competition.
While Tori is most certainly characterized by her songwriting ability, sassy lyrics and crisp twangy vocals, what lies beneath is the tenacity and determination that will put her on the path of success. She expertly balances young-hearted romanticism with sophistication to offer a relatable quality that country music fans, alike, can latch onto.
Was there a particular song/performance that made you say “Woah! I know that music is for me and this is what I have to pursue”?
I would 100% say the song “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. I grew up listening to so many different country artists, but I specifically remember when I first heard “Before He Cheats” and I fell in love with it. I still cover that song all the time.
Tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind “17” and what the song means to you?
I wrote “17” a few years ago when I was in a very rough spot mentally right before I turned 17. I was having a very hard time in general with everything going on in my life, but I also had a lot of good things happening at the same time. Like I always do, I just sat down and wrote about it. Being 17 comes with a lot of ups and downs. Everything could be going great, and you could be having so much fun, but at the same time you’re almost technically an adult and things are starting to get more complicated and hard. I even learned while writing the song, though, that when you’re 17 you should just let things happen. Enjoy the little things, and just be 17.
Any fun stories from the writing/recording process on “17″?
I think this song is the quickest I have ever written. I wrote “17” in about 15 minutes, and since the day I wrote it a few years ago, nothing drastically has changed about it. Every time I play this song for people, they jokingly get mad that they can’t get the melody out of their head for days.
We hear that you also have a music video for the song. What can viewers expect from the video?
Viewers can expect a very raw and organic video. That’s one huge thing I love about “17,” is that it’s a very honest and raw song. And that’s what you will experience from the video too.
Stream 17 here https://orcd.co/toriroseseventeen
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career thus far?
“Practice makes better” That has stuck with me for a while because I used to always worry about being perfect, but no one can ever be perfect. Practice will never make you perfect, no matter how much you drive yourself insane. Practice, though, will make you better and better your work ethic.
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, Zac Brown Band, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Toby Keith, Gretchen Wilson, Reba McEntire
What’s next for you? Can we expect more new music in the future?
Absolutely! I have been working my butt off in the studio and on writing new music. There are so many songs I can’t wait to share with everyone, and you can expect another single very soon!
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
“Type A Redneck”
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be and why?
Ocean blue because it’s my favorite color and the color of my eyes.
What makes you nostalgic?
Webkinz (early 2000s kids will relate to this one)
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Are you still as pale as Casper the ghost?
If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?
German