When it comes to years that will live long in the memory, 2018 will certainly loom large in Tori Forsyth’s mind for some time.
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The Kurri Kurri based singer-songwriter released her debut long player Dawn of The Dark, back in May to a rapturous reception – the ripples of which are still being felt in December.
After picking up three Golden Guitar nominations – for best alt-country album, female artist of the year, and best new talent, Tori was, last week, shortlisted for the prestigious Australian Music Prize. The prize includes a $30,000 purse and past winners include the likes of The Drones, The Jezabels and Courtney Barnett.
Tori is also in some pretty good company in this year’s ‘longlist’ of 86 albums, with the likes of current chart darlings Amy Shark and Troye Sivan as well as fellow Hunter Valley based artists William Crighton and Catherine Britt. “It’s pretty incredible to see your name against a bunch of people that have been doing this for a very long time and that you admire – it’s something that I can’t really explain,” Tori said of her inclusion.
“Obviously anyone would be pretty stoked with $30,000 but music is in an interesting place at the moment and every little bit counts as far as funding, getting on tour and trying to get overseas.
“It all needs money and I think something like this would put me in a very nice place in terms of getting out there without too much of a worry.”
While Tori said she was blown away by the announcement, she should be getting used to “pinch me” moments now after bagging three Golden Guitar nominations. Tori’s ethereal and lilting record was a definite labour of love with the recording and writing process taking a little over two years from first putting pen to paper to hitting the studio with producer Shane Nicholson.
“I wanted to make the right moves and make sure that I was happy with and proud of what I was putting out into the world and I definitely am,” she said.
The album is replete with personal lyrics that come from the heart-on-sleeve school of songwriting and Tori said that, for her, the process as a cathartic one. “Writing is the one thing that I feel really passionate about,” she said.
“I feel very close to that process and I am also very particular about my songs and the way that they are put across.” After a mammoth 2018, though, don’t expect Tori to be resting on her laurels in the new year.
“I’m just really keen to get out there and start it all over again,” she said.
An Australian Music Prize shortlist of nine releases will be unveiled early in the new year before the 2019 winner is crowned in March.
