Tori Kelly Exclusive Interview With CEEK VR!

A little over three years ago, a new singer-songwriter burst onto the scene and was immediately greeted with open arms. That musician, Tori Kelly, instantly became a beloved figure thanks to her incredible voice, the positive message she sang about in her songs, the fact that she had her hand in every part of her own music (she wrote it, co-produced, played the guitar, and sang it), and she has a wholesome look and attitude that separates her from so many other pop stars.

Her debut album Unbreakable Smile (there’s that positivity again) went all the way to No. 2, she scored a handful of Hot 100 hits off of it, and she even ended up being nominated for the Best New Artist Grammy. All of that means she was successful from the get-go...but it also means expectations are high for the next project.

After a few years of touring, Tori Kelly has returned, but she doesn’t sound quite the same. The singer’s sophomore album Hiding Place took her straight into the gospel world, where her voice has always belonged. Upon arrival, the collection debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s gospel chart, and a number of the tracks featured made it onto the gospel-only songs chart, quickly certifying it as a success.

So, what does it feel like to swap pop for singing about God?  Tori Kelly talks about her latest project and what she’s going to do next time around (hint: it’s not what you’re expecting).

CEEK VR: Are there any plans now that your gospel/Christian album is out to push it not just to the gospel world, which clearly loves it, but push it to a Top 40/adult contemporary/pop audience who might not have heard it yet?

Tori Kelly: Yeah, I think for me my focus right now is just getting on the road and performing these songs for anyone who wants to come to a show, but the more people who hear these songs, the better, so I'm definitely down for that as well.

CEEK VR: When you're promoting this out in the world, how does it feel different compared to your first album, a poppier album which was your debut and which introduced you? How does it feel different this time around?

Tori Kelly: I feel like I've matured quite a bit in the last couple years, so it seems not that I'm used to putting music out by any means, but it does feel like there's a settling now by putting out this next project, because the first one, it was just such a whirlwind, and a lot of artists will tell you that that first album, it's hard to even get sleep and take a second and really process what's going on. But that was the first album. I was just kind of deer in headlights, like, "Wow, this is so amazing," and going with the flow. But with the second one, it feels like I can really process things more as they're happening and really dig in.

And I think these songs too, they're a lot deeper. I think I'm being a lot more vulnerable on this album, and I'm going to continue to be as well with the next music that comes out. It seems like it's a new chapter in the best way possible.

CEEK VR: I hate to already be this guy, but the album is out for a short while, but you've done a pop and a gospel record—do you have any sense of where you'd want to go next?

Tori Kelly: Yeah, I'm trying to think of a funny next genre to throw at you...

CEEK VR: Tori Kelly, the metal star.

Tori Kelly: Yeah, exactly. Hey, you never know! I'd like to say I just write songs about life, and even the word pop is so funny to me because it really just means popular, right? I guess with the next music, it all just depends on where I'm at in life. And I will say, it's definitely going to be more raw and more vulnerable and more honest, and when it comes to gospel stuff, I think that style and that heart will always find its way into my music, because it's just my life. That's who I am, and I think no matter what genre I'm doing, I'm always going to put myself into it, and try not to think of the titles as much.

CEEK VR: The album's out now, and the year is wrapping up. What's the rest of 2018 look like for you?

Tori Kelly: The thing right in front of me now is the tour, which I'm so excited about, because that's really where I think the album comes to life the most. And it will feel like I've really gotten to sing it out there and see people's faces when I sing the songs. That's the best part. Yeah, tour is the next thing, and then that's all I can really say, actually. There's been more things, but that's all I can give you right now.