1. Hi Tori, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?

I grew up a military brat born on the Eglin Air Force base in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. I lived in 5 different states before moving to Texas at the age of 7.

Even though I’ve moved around so much, Texas has always felt like home. I have 10 siblings so my life has never been boring, and oddly I don’t come from a musical family. Growing up I was very athletic, (a major tomboy) and a track star in high school. It’s funny because now I’m super-girly even though I’m outdoorsy. At the age of 14, I began singing in our church choir, which led me to pursuing my dreams in music! 

2.Who are some of your musical icons?

First and foremost, Dolly Parton is my queen. I always tell everyone she can’t go to heaven until I sing with her at least one time! I’m a huge Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James fan. Stevie Nicks is definitely my second queen. 

3.What is the background story behind your latest song “Living the Dream?”

I wrote this song with my friend, Lyndsey Highlander right when I moved to Nashville 2 years ago. Prior to moving, I had been in the music industry since I was 16 years old. We wrote this song as an anthem for ourselves and for all dreamers. So many times you are told “no” and doors are shut, but then they are opened. It takes tenacity and determination to keep going. Through the years, I’ve missed out on a lot of happiness always living for “the future” and not loving where I am at. When we got together to write a song this poured out. We realized that we’re already “doing it,” we’re already “living the dream” and that’s so easy to lose sight of. 

4.Is there anything else new coming up with your music in 2019?

Yes! The music video for “Living the Dream” coming out very soon. I can’t wait to share it with y’all. I’m also in the studio gearing up for a new album!

5.What are some of your favorite venues or events to play at?

In Nashville, so far one of my favorite venues to play at is The Listening Room. It’s kind of refreshing because people from all over come there to hear original artists and songwriters. I love that! My favorite venue I’ve probably ever played (so far) is the Chevrolet Main Stage at the State Fair of Texas. It’s a massive stage where artists like Kid Rock, Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson have all played, in fact, the same year I did. The lights, the stage, and the crowd… it was nothing short of amazing! 

6.What do you like to do in your free time when you are not working on your music?

I have two golden retrievers (who just turned one) so they keep me SUPER busy. I love to cook/bake, enjoy the outdoors, and hang with the hubs! 

7.What is your recording process like when working on new material?

I really like bringing my songs to the table and to be involved in the creative process with my producer. Many times the songs are just acoustic/vocal demos and have tons of room for creativity. So, I love having a pre-production to dream and scheme. Then, hitting the studio after! 

8.What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Find what you love and let it kill you.” – Bukowski