Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Management, they are always out here grinding, looking for new ways to network, promote and get out there.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up between Detroit and Lansing MI. But I “really” grew up when I moved to Atlanta. I found that “not giving a damn”: attitude and going for your dreams type of growth out here. In Michigan there are entrepreneurs, risk takers, and goal chasers but we play it safe…like I went to college, I planned on getting really good job in radio, but in Atlanta its like you hustle and you make it happen and it will. That’s when I really decided to become in artist.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Tori is my name and everybody was against me using my last name so I had to come up with names that captured everything about me. Blue (at the time) was my favorite color, and when I said Tori Blue, it felt new, it had that ring…then I changed the spelling just to be different.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I get annoyed when people share music that is for sale for free, only because I feel like some of us have talent that God gave us to use to make money and survive, the same way some of us are given the talent to be able to arrive to work on time, punch the clock, do the job, and feel satisfied…we are not able to make you work for free so why should we? But I do give music away for free because making music it’s fun for me and I want to share my joy..lol..I want feedback, to gain more of a following, network, etc. but when it is for sale, I feel you should buy it! Not steal my joy…
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips? Your network is your net worth, it’s really about who you know and be prepared to invest in yourself.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Well, I keep a pad and pen with me at ALL TIMES, i’m still old school, I don’t write in old blackberries or Iphones, I have to see the paper…so I draw inspiration from everywhere, sometimes even a word that pops in my head, situations and people inspire me. I like to write at random times, I don’t really need to be in the studio with candles lit, lights low, a blunt etc…I just write cause I feel like it.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Yes, I use every social network that there is, my .com is coming soon but if you search out Tori Bleu you will see everything, im on reverbnation, soundcloud, instagram, facebook, etc.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Im not embarrassed by any of my musical choices, cause I love music so I listen to everything BUT people are surprised when they see Dustin Lynch, where its at..that’s my jam! I listen to a lot of 90’s music too so you will see a bunch of old shit like Cheri Dennis I love you, Tyrese Sweet lady, Lil’ Kim aunt Dot and a lot of new artists who put music on itunes, When I see up and coming artist that I follow say get their song on itunes, I usually do!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
I would make music and tour NON STOP! And i’m working towards that right NOW!
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
I have a home studio but I haven’t used it in a while….I definitely need to upgrade, I have pro tools 9
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I’m trying new ways to promote now but the internet is the most convenient, there are hecka websites, promotional teams if you want to go that route,etc but i’m about to start touring to promote to get that face to face action.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
At this very moment, and this is just this moment I would like to perform with Aaliyah in Detroit, MI. I love Aaliyah and that’s home for us so it just feels right, im a little homesick at the moment
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Yea I have an EP and a Mixtape i’m dropping in the Spring. Also a short film lined up in conjunction with the projects..Winter is when you really get in the lab and work, like the cocoon, and spring there is that butterfly…so i’m gearing up to come out right..
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Radio, I still do radio now, an online show called haveaseatradio with vh1info and jazzy F, It’s mondays at 9 on blogtalk. Its a dope show lots of fun and lots of celebrity guests.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
I cant remember what the first album I purchased was,I know the first tape my mom gave me was this Barbie tape and I played that tape out, seems like I have been buying cds sense I was like 7…I have always been a music lover, so I would buy a cd before candy, gum, lip gloss, I would buy singles for 3.99.. or however much they use to cost.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I have a planner and I think if I were to lose that planner I would lose my mind..I also put music first but i’m a realest, you always make time for what is important.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015? The Tori Bleu takeover, look out for my website, we are flooding the streets, internet, everywhere so network with me…hit me on everything @toribleu
