March 25, 2019

Meet Tori Hall

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Hall.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’d say the project started around August of 2017. Under no title, I played a house show with just a three song set(I believe it was 2 originals and a Sylvan Esso cover). The idea of doing a solo project was something I’d thought about for some time, but after that gig I felt more confident in making it a reality. With a loop pedal and my guitar as a set up, I wasn’t sure if that was the route I wanted to go for every show. For small gigs, absolutely. There’s something so intimate about hearing a songs bare bones with just a guitar and vocal.. But larger scale gigs were up in the air.

Nevertheless, I continued to write and eventually decided to record an EP at Big Nice Studios. I wrote the songs with specific parts in mind so I asked my musically inclined friends if they would help me out (shoutout Rachel, Sydney, Riley, Evan, Brenna, and Matt). It had been years since we’d all played together prior to recording last December. The live tracking made me realize how much I missed playing with others. The songs also really came together with the full arrangements. That’s when I decided I’d want to play gigs full band, but with different friends from past and current musical endeavors.

An EP, live session, and tour later, here I am!

Please tell us about your art.
The best way I can explain it is as a solo project and a collective. From one view Dogs on Shady Lane is just my alias as a solo artist, and I have good friends that help me perform live in full. From another, everyone who performs contributes to what the project is and is considered apart of the evolving sound. The members of the live shows change and fluctuate in number depending on location, so sometimes its just me and others it’s some form of a full band.

As for the music itself, I’d say it’s an indie alternative sound with tints of folk and inspiration drawn from many genres. The sound is ever-changing but I try to write of experiences that everyones gone through. Themes of life, love, change, dreams, etc.

My goal with creating is really to evoke emotion. Some of my favorite songs have helped me get through my lowest points. I’ve also heard tracks that bring up specific moments in time, and for a second, it feels like I’m right there in it. When writing my own, I try to convey my real and raw sentiment as I see it to be an extension of myself. It’s corny, but in short I just want people to feel something.

What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
There are many obstacles that artists today are up against, but in communities like ours I feel theres an appreciation and support for the arts. Celebrating local artists through festivals and shows is the a great way to help them thrive. Cities can curate and promote these types of events, which provide artists a platform for recognition.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find my tunes on all the major streaming platforms; Spotify, Bandcamp, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube, etc. I’ve released a 4 track EP titled ‘For Myself’, and a 3 song live session from Big Nice Studios that can found on Youtube as well as Bandcamp. People can also hear and support my music in person at live shows! So if you’re from the area and listened to some songs, or took the time to read this, be sure to come through. I’d love to meet you.

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