Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Music has always been embedded in my heart and a part of who I am. I remember as early as 2nd grade I knew I wanted to be a rock star! KISS was actually my first favorite band (before I heard Prince) but I grew up listening to a wide variety of music—from funk and soul to rock, pop, jazz, and R&B—and I never felt like I had to choose just one lane. Those influences naturally found their way into my songwriting. My childhood was not great. I switched schools 21 times. It was full of abuse at home. I even spent a little time in foster care. I always say “music saved my life” because it did. My parents hated that I wanted to do music. They would throw away my guitars! Side note: my mother is now a big fan and has bought me a few instruments. Music kept me focused and out of trouble. I used to carry books in a guitar case. As I got older, I realized I wasn’t interested in fitting into one genre. I wanted to create music that feels authentic and emotionally honest. Some of my songs make people dance, some make them reflect, and others simply remind them they’re not alone. Every experience I’ve had—both the joyful moments and the difficult ones—has shaped the artist I am today.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Tori Jexton Knight”?
A: As an independent artist, I’m focused on building real connections rather than simply chasing numbers. I’m sharing my music through radio, interviews, playlists, live performances, and by reaching out to listeners one conversation at a time. I also believe music should be an experience, so I’m creating unique ways for people to connect with my songs beyond streaming.
To anyone who’s about to discover Tori Jexton Knight, welcome. I hope you come with an open heart and an open mind. My music isn’t stuck in one genre because life isn’t confined to one emotion. Whether it’s a soulful love song, a feel-good groove, or something that makes you stop and reflect, my goal is to create music that stays with you long after the last note. If one of my songs makes you smile, brings back a memory, or helps you through a moment, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I’ve always admired artists who weren’t afraid to be themselves. Prince is someone I continue to admire because he constantly pushed creative boundaries while remaining true to his vision. I still remember seeing the video “Why U Wanna Treat Me So Bad” on the early BET station for the first time! I don’t think I blinked once! I thought Prince was the name of the band! He seemed fearless!
Inspiration comes from everywhere—real conversations, relationships, nature, personal experiences, and even watching people interact. Sometimes a single sentence, a chord progression, a bass line or an emotion can become an entire song. I try to stay open and “feel” for it because I expect inspiration to show up daily.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Rhythm of My Heart.”?
A: “Rhythm of My Heart” is about that feeling when love is effortless—when two people mystically move together through life and love. Their spirits are one. It’s a celebration of connection, joy, and the excitement of finding someone whose heartbeat is in rhythm to your own.
Musically, I wanted it to capture the warmth and groove of the ’90s R&B era while still feeling fresh. It’s a feel-good, chill, summertime-sunset beach drive, inspired song that blends soulful grooves and I hope listeners smile, dance a little, and maybe think about someone special while they’re listening.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Eclectic.
I’ve never wanted to fit neatly into any one genre. I write to the song, to the feeling it (the song) wants to convey. Not a genre. My music blends elements of rock, R&B, pop, funk, jazz, soul, and whatever else helps tell the story. Every song could start with an emotion, and then the sound follows naturally.Or visa versa.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Rhythm of My Heart”?
A: Like most independent artists, I wear a lot of hats. I do the writing, playing, arranging, producing, and all of the business that comes after the music is finished. Balancing it all can definitely be challenging. It’s still a learning curve but I’m getting better at it.
But with “Rhythm of My Heart,” I wanted to make sure every detail felt right. There were a few rewrites. Sometimes the biggest challenge is knowing when to stop tweaking and trust that the song is ready to be shared.I actually played a melodica for the first time on here just because I thought it would add textures. I almost removed it but it fit great! I actually wanted to add a handpan drum but the song said “no”. (Lol)
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: At its core, my music is about connection. Whether I’m singing about love, hope, reflection, or resilience, I want people to feel something real.
My goal isn’t just to release songs—it’s to create experiences that people remember. Back in time, people experienced music. It was a journey you took with the musicians. Nowadays, life seems so fast paced. I want listeners to slow down, truly connect with the music, and hopefully find a little piece of themselves in it. I want to have songs people get married to, think about “life” with, can’t stop singing, or even nurse a heartbreak too. If my songs can encourage, comfort, or simply brighten someone’s day, then I’ve accomplished something meaningful.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Without hesitation—Prince! I’d love to do a song with him.
He wasn’t afraid to break rules or challenge expectations. He played multiple instruments, wrote incredible songs, produced his own music, and stayed true to his artistic vision. I think creating something with an artist like that would have been both inspiring and unforgettable. But also Lenny Kravitz. He is the last of his kind and amazing in his own right. A visionary like Prince. Tony Thompson (drummer). And a surprise one would be Christiana Aguilera. That girl can sing!
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: First figure out “why” you want to do it. Is it for money? Fame? If so there are easier ways of achieving that.
Don’t wait for permission. Keep learning your craft, but also learn the business. Talent alone isn’t enough anymore. Understand publishing, royalties, marketing, copyrights, and how to build genuine relationships.
Most importantly, don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Be true to you. Success doesn’t always happen overnight, and everyone’s path looks different. Stay consistent, stay curious, and keep creating. Most importantly-believe in yourself.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: I’d tell my younger self to trust your instincts, Don’t let others fears and worries decide your life moves, and don’t waste your time being afraid. The things that make you different are the very things that will eventually make people remember you.
I’d also say: don’t be afraid to take up space. Believe in your voice, protect your creativity, and understand that every setback is preparing you for something bigger. Keep going—you’ll be stronger than you ever imagined.
