05 October 2007 (released)
05 October 2007
Tori White is the hottest new British pop act of the year. She is set to debut with the release of this year's Poppy Appeal record, 'Please Remember'. She will get a spectacular launch - in front of the Queen, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and other dignitaries at the Royal Albert Hall live on the BBC on the 10th November.
Music-News.com caught up with the bright new star for an exclusive chat...
MN: Tori you are on the cusp of one of the most spectacular launches a new act has ever had – live on BBC 1 from the Royal Albert Hall - singing to The Queen! Are you prepared to suddenly become a 'celebrity'?
Tori: I have been preparing for it all for months now, shooting the video, learning choreography, recording my album, going through styling, I am getting used to the hard work and the chaos of the music industry. Becoming a star is a strange thing but I am just taking things as they come, I have wonderful support from my family and they keep me grounded, I know ultimately everything will be fine because they are there for me.
MN: How have you reached this incredible point? For a new act singing the Poppy Appeal record and debuting on national television it must be like a dream come true?
Tori: It is amazing, I am honoured the Royal British Legion were impressed enough by me that I am doing their Poppy Appeal record, I realise it is a very important event, the significance of the charity is incredible. There are so many exciting things happening at the moment it is hard to keep up.
MN: It is true you were discovered by pop legend Jim Dooley from 70's super-group The Dooleys?
Tori: Yeah, he has been amazing. My dad met him randomly in the Goring Hotel and gave him my demo, Jim soon got back in touch and said he was blown away, since then he has made so many things happen. He got me working with Danny Saxon and Mark Jaimes who are famous for their work with big acts like Simply Red, Jim has been writing with us and directing the project. He also got me signed to Mbop Records. He is like my mentor; he has been a huge pop star himself and toured all over the world so he knows the pitfalls and what I can expect from the business. He is a fabulous man.
MN: You have been tipped as a 'British Kelly Clarkson' and 'the next Joss Stone', do you feel under a lot of pressure with such high expectations?
Tori: Not really, I can only be me, I do my very best and I am confident that I will define myself on my own merits. I love Joss Stone, she is an amazing talent, but I know my own ability and I am confident I can make my own mark. There is plenty of room for us all!
MN: How old were you when you first realised you had such a unique voice?
Tori: I'm not really sure; I recorded a CD in primary school when I was about ten so possibly around then. I've always loved singing so it is great to be able to do it professionally and be recognised, I know I can keep improving though.
MN: You were the star pick at the prestigious VocalTech academy, following on from Victoria Hart whom George Clooney helped secure a huge record deal, was her story a good inspiration for you?
Tori: Yeah Victoria has done really well and I have been impressed by her achievements, it was great to see her getting such good press all over the world.
MN: So if not George Clooney, are there any hot famous guys you might now fancy getting to know better?
Tori: Ha ha no I don't know about that, I don't think a famous boyfriend would be anything special, I'm sure I'll get to meet some interesting characters over the next few months though.
MN: So finally Tori, have you thought of what you are going to say to The Queen yet?
Tori: Ha ha oh dear I've no idea! I am not sure if she will want to chit chat, I have so much to prepare towards the event, I'll work that out closer to the time! I just really hope she enjoys my performance.
http://www.myspace.com/toriwhitemusic
