Tori Forsyth Blackbird Interview

Tori Forsyth Blackbird Interview

The first single 'Blackbird" from Tori Forsyth's debut EP of the same name holds the number 1 spot on the Official Australian Airplay Country Top 20 and enjoys its 3rd week in a row at number 1 on the KIX Top 10.

Tori's songwriting gift is evident across the entire the EP which takes an Alt-Folk stroll through sweet melodies and cleverly woven lyrics and proclaims an appeal beyond her country roots.

Rhythms Magazine describes Blackbird and Tori's prodigious songwriting talent as '… a stunning collection of self-penned songs that illustrates a strength in songwriting that most would refer to as extremely rare for one so young."

Tori hails from a small town in NSW's Hunter Valley and has benefited from her gritty hard work ethic to have independently released 'Blackbird" and 2 videos, the title track and 'Johnny and June" which also enjoyed chart success on radio and the Country Music Channel.

Tori is currently travelling the East Coast playing shows and winning hearts one at a time. She is preparing for her first overseas visit to the US at the end of this month taking in songwriting opportunities and the Americana Music Festival in Nashville.

Interview with Tori Forsyth

Question: How would you describe your EP, Blackbird?

Tori Forsyth: My EP BlackBird is basically stories about real experiences in my life put together with a swampy alt country feel.


Question: What inspired the single, Blackbird?

Tori Forsyth: BlackBird was written pretty quickly actually. I wrote it about coming out of a breakup more empowered rather than sad and resentful. I intentionally didn't want any breakup songs on the EP.


Question: Can you tell us about filming the video clip, for Blackbird?

Tori Forsyth: It was the most fun i think i've ever had! The creative process behind it was great, i had the concept ready to go. I made the clip with Josh Favaloro from Filmery and he made my little idea more amazing than i could have thought possible.


Question: How does it feel to hold the number 1 spot on the Official Australian Airplay Country Top 20?

Tori Forsyth: Unreal! Like quite literally. I was so surprised when i found out. I had my manager Aleyce call me whilst i was driving to Tamworth and i had to pull over and have a happy dance, it's the greatest feeling to know my little two minute story is getting loved by Australia.


Question: Can you tell us about your trip to the US?

Tori Forsyth: It's been amazing! I'm currently on a plane from Austin to New Orleans and right now. It's been such an incredible whirlwind and so much crazy has happened in the last two weeks. Let's just say i have plenty to write about for the album.


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

Tori Forsyth: So amazing. I have friends message me little videos of my song on the radio around the country and it's the greatest feeling.


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

Tori Forsyth: No actually, not really. I was pretty naive when i made my EP. A wonderful musician and my now good friend Trent Crawford who also co-produced my EP basically just said to me, you gotta do it just go for it, so i did and here we are!

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

Tori Forsyth: Yes, i write all my own songs. I have co-written a couple times but mostly I'm too opinionated. Haha! My inspiration comes from my life. I sometimes do character songs that are slightly darker or more interesting but you'll find I have an interesting story behind all of them, i keep all my songs pretty close to me.


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

Tori Forsyth: Honestly it changes everyday. My biggest inspirations though are, Fleetwood Mac, Melanie Saftka the Civil Wars (Even though they don't make records anymore) and Johnny Cash.


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

Tori Forsyth: Album! I'm super excited for it. I'm currently writing for it and will hopefully be heading into the studio in December.


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

Tori Forsyth: I'd be lying if i said i didn't have doubts and bad days but I've never once considered stopping what i'm doing. I'm in now so it's kind of a wouldn't have it any other way situation.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?
Tori Forsyth: They both have their positives that's for sure. I love both but recording an the creative process behind it get's me a bit excited.


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

Tori Forsyth: If we are talking artist, I think Stevie Nicks. I watched the 1994 Fleetwood Mac concert a million times growing up and i just wanted to run around the stage with a tambourine just like she did. Otherwise my dad has been supper supportive and has been the largest part of my music career so far, helping me and encouraging me and giving me a little tough love to get even this far.


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

Tori Forsyth: I haven't faced any challenges per say, but like anything the biggest thing is keep good people around you who want to lift you up and see you do well and not have any negativity around you, that can be a little bit of a challenge.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Tori Forsyth: I wake up, have a coffee, and spend the morning on my computer doing all the annoying things. Then depending on where I am I suppose, if I'm home I'll play guitar and go to the gym if I'm on the road I'll be a busy little bee.


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

Tori Forsyth: Probably just having people hear my song and like it. Nothing excites me more than going to a gig and someone I've never met is sitting in the audience singing my song.


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

Tori Forsyth: I think I've mentioned Stevie Nicks a few times here so, Stevie Nicks!


Question: Do you have a website fans can visit?

Tori Forsyth: www.toriforsythmusic.com

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Victoria Tessie Forsyth
Nickname(s): Tori, Tor
Star Sign: Gemini
Favourite Food: Thai and Mexican
Favourite Film: Girl Interrupted and Shutter Island
Favourite Actor: Angelina Jolie
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Stevie Nicks
Hobbies/Interests: Writing and being a little social butterfly, if i didn't say Netflix I'd be lying.
First Job: Boost Juice
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Pub
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: I'm not really attached to things but i'll most likely always have my phone.
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: Coffee.

Interview by Brooke Hunter