At just 20 years old, Nottingham-based singer-songwriter Tori Sheard looks destined for success. After the release of her hotly-tipped debut Edge of the Earth in 2018, the folk-pop singer, whose sound falls somewhere between Of Monsters and Men and Maggie Rogers, is back this year to grace us with more music. KWAVA caught up with Sheard to discuss her musical development, a notable main stage slot at this year’s Splendour Festival, and embracing the self-isolation solitude.
For those who may not know of you and your music, what can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Tori and I’m a singer-songwriter from Nottingham. At one of my shows you can expect storytelling, a big smile and some questionable dance moves. My aim is to express emotion through my music, use it to connect people and spread a positive message.
So far in 2020, you have played to a packed Rock City for the Beat The Streets Festival and now, with a slot on the main stage at Nottingham’s Splendour Festival, joining the likes of Rick Astley, Supergrass, and Becky Hill, how do you feel about 2020 so far and that huge main stage slot?
I’m excited- I’ve worked hard for the opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing what the year brings. Splendour main stage is huge for me, so I’m planning on making the most of it and putting on a good show.
What would you say are your biggest musical inspirations?
I’ve always been surrounded by country music as my family are big fans, but I grew up on lots of pop music, before having a gigantic emo phase- so I have a varied taste to say the least! I’m hugely inspired by artists that have a message in their music like Nick Mulvey, Aurora, and Nahko and Medicine For The People but I’m also inspired by strong, female songwriters like Stevie Nicks and Florence Welch- they’re incredible.
How do you start writing new music?
With a lot of frustration! Writing is all I want to do but I often struggle to write as I’m such a perfectionist. My lyrics are important to me, so they usually come first. There’s no set method as I really can’t force it- I wait for a wave of inspiration and then write a whole song out of nowhere.
In 2018, you released your debut EP, Edge of The Earth. How do you feel the reception has been for your first release?
The reception has been so much better than I ever imagined! I was Caffe Nero’s Artist Of The Month in January last year, which lead to a UK coffee shop tour and I’ve also been lucky enough to play some amazing headline shows at Rough Trade and The Bodega (Nottingham), so I’m proud of the EP and how far it’s taken me. But I’ve grown since 2018, so I am excited to release new music.
Should we expect more Tori Sheard music this year, and if so, when should we expect a new release?
Yes, I’m very excited about it! My new sound is very ‘alt-pop’ and inspired by Maggie Rogers, Haim and Florence Welch. It’s fun, and will make you want to dance, whilst still being lyrically interesting and insightful. Obviously, Miss Corona has thrown a bit of a spanner in the works as I need to get to London to record a final vocal- but we’re aiming for a summer release, so finger crossed, July- aligning nicely with Splendour Festival. I feel the single is so ‘me’ and I’m so excited to release it!
What are you doing to keep busy during self-isolation?
I’ve finally bought some home recording equipment, so I’ll be getting my head around that! I’m making a big effort to practice gratitude, sitting still, being present and embracing solitude. This lockdown has been good for me so far - I’m learning a lot about myself.
After being recognised by BBC Introducing and with several sell-out shows under her belt, Tori Sheard looks to build upon the success of her critically acclaimed debut Edge of The Earth, to assert herself as one to watch in the alternative folk-pop scene. Under Cubit Recordings, new music from one of Nottingham’s rising stars looks imminent, and we are looking forward to watching her progression in the coming months and years.
Tori Sheard’s EP Edge of The Earth is out now on all platforms.