With an EP just released, UT student Tory Taylor Tompkins has a few more items on her 'to do' list for 2011 - a full album, a couple of tours, and a feature film. Probably some studying and exams too. Indie Sounds caught up with her before the madness begins.
Photo by Leland Freeman
Indie Sounds: So you just released your debut, an EP called Somewhere Good. Tell us about making it.
Tory Taylor Tomkins: Yes, it was long overdue. I got so caught up in writing and performing that when people started asking where they could buy my music, I finally decided it was past time to get in the studio. I recorded at Satellite Studios in Houston and it was about a year in the making due to commutes from Austin. I layed down most of the tracks myself, except for my friend Ryan Korn doing some lead electric guitar on a few tracks and bass by producer/engineer JR Paredes. Love those guys!
The EP contains a smattering of songs I’ve written at different times over the past few years and I think the listener can probably feel my changing perspective. For example, the title track, Somewhere Good, I wrote last summer in California. The last track, Eye of a Hurricane, one of the first songs I wrote, was added due to the requests of some Youtubers.
Download Somewhere Good @ iTunes.
IS: How would you describe your music?
Tory: I’ve written everything from Americana to pop to full out rock so I’d say it’s evolving. Things are getting a lot more rhythmically oriented. I’d say the common elements are passion, soaring melodies, mostly guitar and vocal driven songs with lyrics tending toward the fiery or whimsical? I tend to write a lot of songs with strong, individualistic themes.
IS: Is there a full album on the way? When will that be released, and what can you say about it?
Tory: Yes! I’m currently working on the full album, which should be out this summer. I’m honestly very excited. I have a lot of songs to choose from, and I’m writing more all the time. Lately, I’m been testing out new songs at live shows to see what resonates.
IS: Backtracking, what's your life and musical story. Why and when did you come to Austin?
Tory: I grew up in Houston, TX with my father’s love for classic rock. Led Zeppelin, The Who, Queen, and Heart were gods. However, most of my life I was the sports kid. Everyone thought I was going that direction, but then I suffered a severe injury during my sophomore year in high school and was unable to play sports for a year.I was honestly kind of dazed and confused (had to throw in the Zeppelin reference), but then one day I was cleaning out a closet and found my mom’s old guitar. From then on my whole life trajectory changed.
I started taking lessons and pretty soon I was in my first band, a cover band named Quid Pro Quo. We were pretty awful, but it was an experience and I loved it. Also, at the time, I got heavily involved in musical theater and in my senior year in high school was nominated for a Tommy Tune Award (the Tonys for high school theater). I caught the Broadway bug and wanted to go New York City to pursuing musical theater after high school, but my parents gave me an ultimatum, so I held it off.
I moved to Austin to attend UT, where I still am today. I fell in love with Austin, which I think really inspired me to write more and develop myself as a musician and an artist. And that’s where things stand today.
IS: And where are you playing out around town?
Tory: Momo’s is kind of like my home venue, but I have played all around town with the band, at Tap Room, Hole in the Wall, Ruta Maya, etc. I also do solo shows for private parties and wineries. My very favorite thing about being a musician is performing, so keep on the lookout for my shows. They get bigger and better all the time, and I love surprising fans!
IS: And as well as music, you also do some acting?
Tory: Indeed, I still love theater and lately I’ve been doing film. I recently wrapped a feature film by the same guy that produced Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I’m not allowed to share details until closer to the film release, but it’s pretty awesome. We filmed at the Texas County lockup and some scary locations. I got a few songs out of those sets.
IS: What's the plan for making it big in 2011?
Tory: Finish the album and have it received with rapturous applause and worldwide millions of sales. Had to say that. Well, along with that, touring is one of the major things. Currently, I am putting together the Texas tour, which hopefully will be followed by a college tour. Getting my music placed in films and commercials (hint, hint). And, of course, taking over the world!
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