As one of the Top 10 finalists in the 2014 Toyota Star Maker, the upcoming Tamworth Country Music Festival is going to be massive for songstress Tori Darke. Following on from her sell-out show at the last festival, this coming year she is also bringing some new tracks to showcase to festival fans. After spending a considerable amount of 2013 penning tracks for her next album – and working with some of the world’s most well-respected songwriters – she’s ready to give audiences a sneak peek of some of the tracks destined for her new release. Its not just new tracks that will be featuring as part of her rockin’ show either, Tori will also be performing tracks from her debut EP and debut long-player, including all the hit singles.
Tori’s debut long-player Dreams & Chances has already spawned several high charting singles, including Great Mistake and the recent release No You No Me. The single peaked at #6 on the Australian Country Tracks Top 30 [also reaching #1 on Cool Country 2KA and #1 on Mildura’s HOT FM]. Now comes the tricky task of picking material for her forthcoming second album, due for release in 2014. Tori has penned around 30 songs and is now working out which ones make the final cut. In fact, her upcoming show at Tamworth might just be the perfect opportunity to seek some fan feedback on the new songs.
“Sharing new tracks with fans is always fun,” Tori says. “Their reaction to the track can tell you a lot about how the song may do if it is released on an album or to radio. It is always good to hear your fans thoughts on the new songs as they will be the ones listening and buying your records.”
The tracks from the new album have been a work in progress over the past two years. Tori says she has made a conserted effort to really focus on her songwriting and it shows. This incredible musician has grown a lot since the release of her debut album and its evident in the maturity of her new material. She collaborated on co-writes with some of Nashville’s finest songwriters as well, refining her skills and creating a selection of songs which will set her apart from her contemporaries.
Its certainly been a busy few years for this country starlet. She’s travelled to Nashville twice for songwriting trips and performed in Nashville at a selection of venues, showcasing her material to American audiences and industry professionals. Now she’s taking up the coveted spot in the Toyota Star Maker finals and can’t wait to be involved in the competition.
“Toyota Star Maker is an amazing opportunity within our country music industry,” she says. “I chose to be a part of Toyota Star Maker because of the incredible opportunities it can provide. I know I’ll use every tool to the best of my abilities. It is an absolute honour [to be part of the competition] as there are so many talents within the industry and it is a privilege to be in the running.”
Tori says its important that projects such as Star Marker continue to give young artists the opportunity to shine. “It is important because without oportunities like this, we may not have discovered some of the greats within our industry, such as Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, etc.Toyota Star Maker gives artists a start in country music and all of the opportunities and tools to sustain a successful career.”
This year marks the 35th year for the national music competition, which is one of the most well respected in the country. The finalists were chosen from a panel of six judges, who had the hard job of picking 10 finalists out of more than 50 entries. Over the three and a half decades that Toyota Star Maker has been launching the music careers of Australian performers, it has given a weath of experience to more than 600 musicians. Tori Darke will perform as part of the Toyota Star Maker final 10 at Tamworth Town Hall on Sunday 19th January. The Toyota Star Maker final four will then be decided and will perform at Bicentennial Park on Friday 24th January.
The 2013 Tamworth Country Music Festival was Tori’s first ever ticketed show and sold out – an impressive achievement indeed. The showroom was jam-packed and Tori put on a high energy, unforgettable show. Her concert at the 2014 festival promises to be bigger and better.
“I was completely blown away by the response and to see such a packed house,” she says of last year’s concert. “For my first ever ticketed show to be a total sell-out was absolutely amazing. I’m so proud my first show sold out. Tamworth is the home of country music, so to be able to return again each year and play for country music fans is a massive higlight. I look forward to starting my year with that every year.”
Don’t miss Tori Darke’s only Tamworth Country Music Festival show.