Tori Rose’s “Your Loss” Reminds Girls of Their Self-Worth
Grew up in a very small hometown on the Monongahela River in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Every Fourth of July, on your family boat, listening to “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” by Toby Keith, sparked a connection to country music. Dolly Parton and Hank Williams Jr., Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town. What would you say to fellow teenagers to encourage them to listen to the genre?
I would tell them that country music is a genre for any type of feeling you’re having, and for literally everyone. Country music is relatable in every way. We have sad songs, angry songs, drinking songs, and feel good songs. And there is so much history in country music. I still listen to songs even from the 50s and I would say they’re as good if not even better than some music out now. There is literally no limitation in country music and that’s one thing I will always say to anyone who doesn’t listen to it a lot.
At 6 years old, began piano, ukulele and guitar lessons. Performed at Pittsburgh’s Hard Rock Café at 12. Sang the National Anthem at the Monster Truck Jam (PPG Paints Arena). Your sound, a mix of Parton and Gretchen Wilson. Which Wilson song is your favorite to perform and why?
I would say I’m tied between “All Jacked Up” and “When I Think About Cheatin’” for my favorite Gretchen Wilson song. I love basically all of her music, but these two vocally just do something for me. And between them it’s really hard to pick my top favorite because they’re both just amazing in every way. There’s a certain rawness to both of them especially “When I Think About Cheatin’.” Even though “All Jacked Up” is a fun drinking song, I still believe there’s that rawness to that song too because it’s just so straight to the point. And I really do think that’s what I love about Gretchen.
Moved to Florida for high school to be in a music conservatory. Wrote original music that earned you slots at top festivals and writers rounds around the southeast. Won the Ole Red Orlando’s Battle of the Bands contest in 2021. Moved to Nashville. How have you captured the energy in Music City into your songwriting?
I honestly think my writing in general has just gotten better since moving to Nashville. There’s an energy in this city and in all of the people here that I don’t even know how to describe. It’s an amazing city filled with so many talented people, and I think knowing that gives me the confidence to constantly grow with my writing.
Coming of age, the self-written debut single, “17.” “When you’re 17, you’re at this in-between stage of almost being an adult but still being a teenager. There’s a huge mental battle at that age, or really at any age, especially because of social media.” How has social media impacted how you enjoy your teenage years, and the chance to live in the moment?
To be honest, I’m not like every girl my age with social media. It’s not my favorite thing, and, because of situations I’ve dealt with in the past, I try to take everything with a grain of salt on social media. At the same time, I am so grateful I get to share my music with people all around the world and connect with my fans directly on it. I’ve used social media as a helpful tool for my love of music, but I will say I enjoyed most of my teenage years off of it so I could just live in the moment.
Sophomore single, “Your Loss,” showcases your sassy side and reminds girls to know their self-worth. The filming of the music video was delayed by rain. You were encouraged when locals stayed for hours to be part of the shoot. How does meeting all these new people, who wanted to be part of your journey, encouraged you as an artist?
It really encouraged me just because it genuinely just made me feel so grateful. People wanted to be a part of my growing career and I can’t thank them enough. If they didn’t stay for the video who knows how it would’ve ended up. So I really do thank everyone who stuck it out for me, and it makes me feel even more confident in what I do. These people who I never met before believed in me and it’s just a great feeling. And I constantly remind myself that when things get tough.
“The best revenge is no revenge — healing and living your best life is as good as it gets — but writing a song about him is a close second.” Your Spotify Country Breakup Playlist is full of anthems, from sad to sassy and everything in between. Which song is your go-to, crank open the car windows, and sing as loudly as you can?
“Mama’s Broken Heart” by Miranda Lambert is definitely my go-to for that kinda car ride!
Bucket lists include writing with Kelsea Ballerini, performing on the Opry stage, and opening for Lainey Wilson. Upcoming shows include first ever in Kentucky, opening for Aaron Tippin at the Kentucky Opry on Oct. 26th and opening for Trace Adkins at the Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre in Indiana on Nov. 8th.
Will you be playing new music at these appearances, maybe even some new Christmas music?
I definitely will be playing new music at these shows. I have so many songs people haven’t heard yet and I play at least one new/unreleased song at every show I play.
“Everything happens for a reason.” Finding balance between your career and personal life. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of music?
I have recently gotten back into reading, that is definitely something I love to do when I need a little break. Another thing I love to do outside of music is go to the gym. And other than that I just love getting to do some low key hangouts with my friends I don’t get to see all the time.
What’s ahead in 2025?
There is so many exciting things happening in 2025! A lot more performances and so so much more music that I am so excited to get out!