Tori Martin: Live on Local Music Somewhere
Country singer Tori Martin is making waves in the independent country music scene with high-quality, engaging content. Her songs are climbing the indie country charts, but she doesn’t walk this road alone – she’s built a powerhouse team behind her success. In this episode, Tori joins host Terry Hudson to discuss the key qualities to look for when building your own dream team.
About Me – Tori Martin
LuckySky Music recording artist Tori Martin brings an authenticity of a real country music lover to her songwriting and live performances. Tori’s modern traditional Country sound comes from her roots as a true-blue Texas singer.
Born in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida this military brat living in several states before landing in Azle, Texas at the age of seven. She spent most of her life just outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth area where she began singing in the local church choir. She cut her teeth on classics from Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette, courtesy of her grandfather “Paw-Paw,” and by the age of 14 she was performing at Opry houses all over Texas. In 2014, Renegade Radio Nashville named her one of the “New Faces of Country.” Martin competed on Season 14 of ABC TV’s American Idol but departed the show in the Hollywood round. Taking all her experiences and a big dose of courage, Tori moved to Nashville in 2017. It didn’t take long before the talented singer/songwriter found herself co-writing with some of the city’s most
famous tunesmiths, and it’s a path that has felt blessed from the start. A chance meeting at a mixer led to her working with producer Bill Warner and she signed to Nashville’s indie label, LuckySky Music, shortly thereafter. Now the two creatives are carving a path that is uniquely her own.
From Texas to Nashville: The Inspiring Country Music Journey of Tori Martin
This week on Local Music Somewhere, host Terry Hudson sits down with rising country artist Tori Martin, a talented singer-songwriter splitting her time between Fort Worth, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee. With a rich voice and heartfelt storytelling, Tori shares how her roots in the small town of Azle, Texas, continue to shape her sound and career.
“I grew up in a place that didn’t even get a Walmart until I was about to graduate high school,” she laughs. “I used to dream of leaving, but now those days inspire so much of what I do.”
The Value of Independence and Building a Career Across Music Hubs
Tori’s journey began with the influence of her grandfather, who introduced her to country legends like Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash. He gifted her first guitar at age eight and saw her musical potential early on. That early connection laid the foundation for her love of classic country and live performance.
Today, Tori is carving out her path as an independent artist, balancing the vibrant scenes of Texas and Nashville. She’s toured opening for Drew Baldridge and Easton Corbin and shared insights on how the music industry is evolving. “There are so many tools now for independent artists to reach fans directly,” she explains. “It’s the best time ever to be an independent artist if you have that entrepreneurial spirit.”
Chart-Topping Success with “Lost in Country”
One of her proudest achievements is her single Lost in Country, which hit #1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report. The song blends her love for unplugging from modern life with nods to country music greats, capturing both a literal and emotional sense of “getting lost.”
“It was amazing to announce it live on the road when it hit number one,” she recalls. “It felt like a dream come true after all the hard work.”
The Story Behind “Abilene”
Her latest single, Abilene, was born during a windy car ride through Texas. What started as a casual comment quickly evolved into a story-driven song recorded at Nashville’s legendary Blackbird Studio with top musicians. The track channels a traditional country vibe with a modern twist and has already climbed to #18 on the Texas Regional Radio charts within five weeks.
“It’s a heartfelt song about heartbreak and place, and it really connects with people,” says Tori. “I can’t wait to share the video and perform it live.”
Touring, Festivals, and Building a Fanbase
Tori is hitting the road this summer with shows planned across Texas, New Mexico, and beyond. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots promotion and building genuine connections with fans, whether through meet-and-greets or social media engagement.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
In her conversation with Terry, Tori stresses the need to build a solid team and stay persistent. “You start small — playing bars, learning your craft — and grow your team as your career grows,” she says. “It’s a journey, and every step counts.”
Tori’s story is a testament to hard work, authenticity, and the exciting possibilities independent artists have today. For those chasing their country music dreams, she’s proof that with passion and perseverance, the sky’s the limit.
