Singer-songwriter Tori Rose recently released her latest single, “Hometown Christmas (Acoustic),” a song about the feelings and people who make Christmas special.
Rose shares, “I’m so happy to be releasing an acoustic version of ‘Hometown Christmas!’ This song is really just about the reminiscent feeling of being home with your friends and family for the holidays! This stripped-down version, I believe, adds to that warm, holiday feeling even more!”
Rose’s sound is a delicious blend of traditional and modern country music, at once alluring and striking. Only 21, Rose is already making a national impact with her fresh country sound. She has shared the stage with Trace Adkins, Aaron Tippin, and Black Hawk.
Guitar Girl Magazine caught up with Tori Rose to discuss “Hometown Christmas (Acoustic),” her definition of tone, and how she got started in music.
What three things can’t you live without?
Three things I can’t live without are definitely my guitar, my Kindle, and my two dogs!
What inspired your new acoustic version of “Hometown Christmas?”
Well, I wrote the song with Jimmy Ritchey, who also produced the original version and the acoustic version. We wrote it last year, and I really just wanted to write about what I feel during Christmas time. Jimmy came up with the title ‘Hometown Christmas,’ and that really just made me start to think. Whether you are in your true hometown or not, there’s nothing better than being with family and friends who make Christmas time feel that way.
What’s your songwriting process? Melody first, or lyrics?
For me, my songwriting process really depends on the song. I have written some where I have the majority of the lyrics done without a melody. A lot of the time, though, they go hand-in-hand. Sometimes the vibe of the song means I want it in a certain key, and then that helps me write the lyrics.
What do you hope your listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?
I just hope my listeners feel something, whether it’s angry, happy, sad, etc. I’ve loved music my whole life because it’s been kind of an escape for me. All of my favorite artists always get me to feel something, whether I relate to the actual story or not, and that’s what I hope my listeners get from my music!
What kind of guitar do you play?
I have a Taylor guitar! You see this guitar in the majority of my videos, and it was my first guitar when I was 12!
What is your definition of tone? Has your tone changed over time?
My definition of tone would be the quality or the color/vibe of someone’s vocals. My tone has definitely changed over time. Even from the songs I released last year to the new ones I’ve been recording this year, my tone has definitely matured and changed.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
My family has always been pretty musical. Both of my parents played instruments growing up, and they both can sing. I like to say that I got my good taste in music from both of them, too! When I was very little, though, my mom and I used to do karaoke on the Wii, and my mom said even at 3 years old, I was on pitch. So, from there, she knew I at least had an ear for it, and then I started playing piano at 6 and would constantly annoy my whole family by waking up super early to practice! I just have always loved music. And I don’t know a better way to explain it! So, I started participating in choirs and musicals in school. I then started taking ukulele and guitar, and when I moved down to Florida, I went to a music conservatory high school for a little bit. My whole life has just revolved around it because I really don’t know what else I would do!
Which musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?
There are so many that have influenced me! On the country side, definitely Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton. Some who are not country are Adele, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, and Tori Kelly.
Which artists are you listening to right now?
I’ve been nonstop listening to Emily Ann Roberts, Zach Top, Ella Langley, and The Red Clay Strays!
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Theater/musicals are my guilty pleasure! I loved the little bit of theater I did when I was younger, and I absolutely love listening to that genre of music and going to see musicals!
Any advice for young female artists just getting started?
My one piece of advice is to not compare yourself to other female artists. Everybody has their own quality that makes their music them. I used to get caught up in comparing myself, and it doesn’t do anything but hold you back. It’s easier said than done but do your best to know that you have something and be confident in that. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
What’s your definition of success?
My definition of success is fulfilling my dream I’ve had since I was little. I just want to be able to play my music all around the world and know that my music is helping somebody.
Why do you make music?
I really started making music for myself. It came naturally to me, and it helped me in times when I wasn’t in a good headspace. But I’ve seen over the past few years how people can relate to my music and feel what I’m feeling, and now I really make it for them. I want people to be able to go to my music when they need an escape, too.
What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? New music? Videos?
My fans can definitely look forward to lots of new music! I was in the studio very recently recording songs I am very excited for! And hopefully, some music videos will come along with them.
Follow Tori Rose Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Spotify
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