Tori Darke Interview

Tori Darke Interview

Tori Darke is Australia's most promising young country music singer/songwriter.

Tori's 2010 win in the Golden Saddles 'People's Choice Award' and the Channel C Blue Shoe Sapphire Award for 'Best New Talent' crowned an amazing year. These awards followed the release of Tori's third single Not My Time To Fly. This heartfelt ballad soared to number 6 on the Country Tracks Top 30, and received a great response from critics and fans. Ronald McDonald House Charity chose the single as the theme song on the Ronald McDonald House Charity Testimonial DVD.

Her single Crawl, recorded on her 2009 self titled debut EP, won the award for Best International Country Song 2010 in the Toronto Music Awards and received a nomination as Canada's 2010 overall artist of the year.

Adding to her impressive list of successes in 2010, Tori was winner of the 'Best New Talent' Gold Medallion Award, a Toyota 'Star Maker' Top 5 Grand Finalist, Telstra 'Road to Tamworth' songwriting runner-up and a finalist in the Australian Independent Country Music Southern Stars 'Rising Star' Awards. The accolades continue with a 2011 nomination in the prestigious CMC 'Oz Artist Of The Year' Award and CMC 'New Oz Artist Of The Year' Award. Winners in both categories are yet to be decided.

The highlight of 2010 was a repeat visit to Nashville, the country music capital of the world, where Tori spent time co-writing and in pre-production for her soon to be released debut album. Tori had the privilege of writing with esteemed songwriters, John Bettis (Madonna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston), Phil Barton, Emily Shackelton, Robin Bruce (LeAnne Rimes, Jo Dee Messina) and producer Michael Davey (Martina McBride).

Tori recorded her 2009 self titled debut EP with renowned musician and producer, Simon Johnson, which features some of Australia's leading musicians. The album opens with her sassy Country Pop single Crawl, written by Nashville producer Michael Davey. Crawl and You Better Run-another single from her debut EP-both charted in the Country Charts Top 30 and received considerable accolades from the country music industry and fans alike. Tori's forthcoming debut album, produced by Michael Davey of Nashville, is close to production.

Tori's win in the 2008 Toyota Gympie Muster 'Maton Talent Search' took her to Canada to perform as an opening act for Kenny Chesney, as well as performing alongside Doc Walker, Jo Dee Messina, Johnny Reid, Paul Brandt and The Steve Miller Band. Back in Australia, she has opened for international artists Corb Lund, and local artists Lee Kernaghan and James Rayne. Also supporting The McClymonts, Jetty Road and Amber Lawrence. To sing and share her music is Tori's passion and she aspires to be one of country music's acclaimed singer/songwriters, both in Australia and worldwide.

For further details about Tori's impressive list of awards and performances, visit her at: www.toridarke.com

Interview with Tori Darke

Question: How did it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?

Tori Darke: It is one of the coolest feelings to hear my music being played on the radio and to see my video clips on TV. I can listen to my album at any time, but to hear and see it on the airwaves is so exciting no matter how many times I hear it, I still get excited to know that my music continues to be played .


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Tori Darke: I didn't really have any pre-conceived ideas, though going into the music industry I knew it wouldn't be an easy road, it is tough and there are many challenges.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Tori Darke: I do write my own songs. Inspiration can really come from anywhere, sometimes I get inspiration from personal experiences or other things in life that people close to me go through. A song can sometime come out of a title it may be the name of a shop or a saying you see on a billboard.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Tori Darke: Being a country singer I do listen to a lot of country music artists such as Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban. Aside from country some of my favourite artists are Katy Perry and Rhianna.


Question: What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Tori Darke: I have a brand new album being released on the 24th March, which I am so excited about. My Brand new single "Someone Else's Baby" was released only a few weeks ago, it's been so great to get some of my new music out there and to know that people are enjoying it.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Tori Darke: I don't think I have ever felt like throwing in the towel, though there are moments when things do get a bit hard, but music is a very big part of my life and I don't think I could ever give it up.

Challenges and obstacles can sometime test me but music will always be a part of my life.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Tori Darke: Recording in the studio is so exciting as it allows me to really be myself and give it all I've got while no one else is watching, and to be able to listen and make changes so quickly is exciting.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Tori Darke: I sang as a little girl, a lot of rock n roll, as my parents loved it and I grew up with it. . I sang in the bedroom, the bathroom, the car, I was always singing, with my first public performance at the age of 3

I think the love of music just grew with me. I entered many talent quests and I think the love I had for music alone and the many amazing artist which I aspired to, helped inspire me to follow a career in the music industry.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Tori Darke: While I was in Nashville recording my new album my Nan passed away. She was the most amazing lady, she was always there for me and was one of my biggest supporters, so I took it pretty hard as

I still had a bit to finish in the studio but I knew she was there right by my side holding my hand helping me through the rest of the album.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Tori Darke: A typical day for me consists of either playing guitar, writing, practicing my music or teaching singing and guitar to my students. I try to plan my week as to my performances, I love going to the Gym and spending time with my family. Most of my weekend is taken up with performances and enjoying time with my fans.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Tori Darke: I think giving other people enjoyment and performing live and spending time with my fans.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Tori Darke: If I could collaborate with another artist I would have to definitely say Miranda Lambert for female and Keith Urban for male.


Question: Are you single? What do you look for in a partner?

Tori Darke: Yes, I am currently single. In a partner I look for honesty, respect and someone who would love me for me and support me in my music.


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Tori Darke: My Website is www.toridarke.com. I am also on Facebook and MySpace.


Question: Can you tell us 5 things required for a happy healthy & enjoyable life?

Tori Darke: Firstly having love in your life
Amazing family and friends
My Music
The Gym
Healthy Food


Question: What message would you like to say to your fans?

Tori Darke: Thank you so much for your continual support in my music because without you I wouldn't have to opportunity to do what I love.


Interview by Brooke Hunter



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