Interview: Tori Harper
Tennessee based singer/songwriter Tori Harper released her latest single 'Revival' last month. LTTM spoke with Tori to find out more about her, and discussed vulnerability in music.
For people who don't know, tell us about yourself?
My name is Tori and I live in Nashville, TN! I started writing songs when I was 11- years-old. I’ve always loved music but ever since I was 11 I knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I grew up in a Christian family and went to church every Sunday but fell away from God when I was 17. Later on in my 17th year, I had a radical encounter with the Holy Spirit and my life was forever changed! Since then I have dedicated myself to helping people find the freedom and joy that God has given me!
Tell us about your latest track “Revival”?
I wrote my new song Revival when I had the personal revelation that revival starts inside of us! I have seen so many people in my city moved by the Holy Spirit to pray, inspired by the dream of revival that God has put in our hearts! I knew when I saw these things happening that this was the time God wanted me to release my song Revival! I am so excited for what God is doing, both with the song, and with His church all across this country!
How is the tour with JJ Weeks going?
The Revive tour with JJ Weeks is going amazing! I am so honored to be a part of it! God has truly blessed me with these amazing people! JJ is incredibly anointed and everyone on tour has become like a brother to me! These shows are something you don’t want to miss. God is doing powerful things on this tour.
Do you enjoy playing live or being in the studio the most?
It’s a real toss up for me! People always ask me what my favorite part of being an artist is and I can never pick just one thing! Being in the studio is always very exciting for me, and being on stage is also something that I love too! I also love the creative side of writing songs! I don’t think I could ever pick one over the other!
Do you think artists should be more honest in their music?
Yes! I think vulnerability can be very difficult and scary, but honesty is the thing people can connect with the most. It’s my top priority to be 100% honest with my music!
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Seth Mosley! I’ve worked with him before, but I really love how he prioritizes prayer in the writing room. The most important thing to me in song writing is asking the Lord what He wants to say, and I can see that is important to Seth as well.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style doesn’t fit in a box- some of it leans pop, while some of it leans worship, and it also leans singer-songwriter. I’ve always believed my voice and lyrics are what ties it together! My influences are Brooke Fraser’s Albertine album, Joy Williams Genesis album, and Sarah Groves Add to the Beauty album.
How would you define success in your career?
Success for me would be people at my shows radically encountering Jesus and getting healed and set free! And people listening to my songs and understanding that God loves them.
What is your favourite album of all time?
Brooke Fraser’s Albertine will always be my favorite!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
The hold music for emergency services!!! Haha just kidding! Probably “Ocean Wide” by the Afters! That song always gives me peace!
What does the next year hold for Tori Harper?
We've got lot’s more shows planned, and we’re releasing an album! As for the rest, it’s in God’s hands and He’s done an amazing job so far so I’m not worried!
