We recently had the chance to connect with Toria Richings and have shared our conversation below.
Toria , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
As soon as my eyes are open, I put music on, it sets the tone for my day. Then comes coffee, always coffee! I like to start the morning quietly, checking emails from all over, the U.S., UK, and Europe since everyone’s in different time zones. No two mornings are ever the same, but music and coffee are the constants!!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Toria Richings, a UK-born Americana singer-songwriter. My music is built around storytelling, I love writing real, honest songs about life, loss, and the grit it takes to keep going. I grew up surrounded by British folk and American country influences, and over the years that’s evolved into my own blend of Americana that feels both timeless and modern.
I’ve been fortunate to perform all over the world from SXSW in Austin to Americanafest in Nashville, Folk Alliance in Kansas City, and tours across the UK and Europe, What makes my journey a little different is that everything I’ve built has been completely independent, self-funded, self-driven, and rooted in a belief that great songs can travel across borders.
My music is all about raw emotions, and the stories that connect us, wherever we are in the world.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I don’t think I could pick just one relationship, because I’ve been shaped by so many people throughout my life. My family as a whole have had the biggest influence on who I am, their love, support, and belief in me have been everything. We’ve faced a lot together, and that’s taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of staying grounded. They’ve been there through every high and low and are my biggest fans! that sense of togetherness is what keeps me balanced both as a person and as an artist.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. A couple of years into the music industry I had some terrible experiences. I was working with the wrong people who didn’t have my best interests at heart, and it left me disillusioned and heartbroken about the industry. Music is everything to me, so to feel that way was devastating, I genuinely considered walking away.
Around that time, I was lucky to be working with Bill Wence, who has been part of the Nashville music scene for many years and has become both a mentor and a true friend. He helped me through that dark time, redirected my path, and introduced me to some amazing musical friends. He’s still someone I can go to when I’m unsure about things, and his advice always brings me back to centre. With his support and the unwavering support of my family I dusted myself off and got back on the horse. That period taught me who I am as an artist, what I stand for, and the kind of people I want to work with.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, what you see is absolutely what you get! I don’t hide behind a persona or try to be something I’m not. The public version of me is just me, probably with a bit less sleep and a coffee in hand! I’m hugely sensitive, a real lover of meeting new people, I love music, I love life, and I absolutely love performing!
I think people connect with that honesty. I’m not trying to be polished or perfect, I just want to share stories that feel real. Whether I’m on stage in Nashville or chatting with someone after a show, I’m the same person. I wear my heart on my sleeve, sometimes to a fault, but it’s who I am and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. Nobody told me to be a musician, in fact, for years I had a completely different career and music was just something I loved quietly on the side. It wasn’t until some big life changes and losses that I truly realised music was the one thing that truly called to me. Writing and performing feels as natural as breathing; it’s the place where I’m most myself. So no, this isn’t something I was told to do. This is something I was born to do, something that found me, and something I can’t imagine my life without.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.toriarichings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toriarichings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toriarichings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@toriarichings
- Other: Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pBbVgUuyXd7AaEAVIEfWq?si=HwJJYCV9R562DdaP1xcp-Q
Image Credits
Mackenzie Brassfield
Ross Richings
