Please remember
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Date: 18 October, 2007


 

'Fate has played a large part in my life and this was definitely one of the times it worked.'

Andy Jackson talks to singer Tori White, who only started professional vocal training last year, but whose single Please Remember has been chosen as this year's Poppy Appeal song.

She's also been helped by the producers of Simply Red and family group legend Jim Dooley. She will be performing at the Royal Albert Hall before The Queen next month.

What are you and your family's earliest memories of your singing?

My Mum always said I never stopped singing every time I was in the car from the age of four and they have video footage of me when I was four on Christmas Day, singing into my brother’s plastic microphone attached to his plastic guitar.

What did you expect when you auditioned for the vocal diploma course? How did you feel when they told you about the early entrance to the Master Diploma?

When I first auditioned at Vocal Tech I was very nervous as I knew they only took a select amount of pupils and I couldn’t believe my luck when I was told that Ian McKenzie had put me forward for the Master Diploma. I was so excited to show them what I could do.

When did you realise you had made it as a singer or has it yet to sink in?

I think it still needs to sink in to be honest. It’s a dream come true for me to be doing this and I can’t believe how far I have got already. I’m very lucky! I know I have got a long way to go but I am very determined and dedicated to my singing.

How did you feel the first time you worked in a recording studio? Did you have that 'kid in a toy store' feeling?

I was very nervous actually, as I had never heard a recording of my voice before so I was very critical of myself and was determined to do it perfectly (even if I had to stay for hours on end!). After the first few times they couldn’t get rid of me! I love recording and I’m really excited about going back to finish my album.

Explain how Jim Dooley got involved with your career.

Fate has played a large part in my life and this was definitely one of the times it worked. My Dad met Jim while staying in a hotel in London and they shared a drink together. My Dad told him that I was a singer and Jim asked him to send him my demo, which was recorded [four years ago] when I was 15.

How has his and his team's experience helped you?

Jim’s experience and guidance has been fantastic and working with producers Mark James and Danny Saxon, who produced Simply Red, has been brilliant. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to be working with.

What was it like to have 'Please Remember' chosen as the song for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2007?

It was a real honour to be chosen and I am privileged to be performing and to also be apart of a very important event which will hopefully help the Royal British Legion a great deal.

Are you looking forward to performing on the BBC and in front of The Queen?

I am very excited. I can’t explain my excitement and I’m also a little nervous but who wouldn’t be?! It’s a real honour.

Were you surprised that someone so young was chosen to help remember the World Wars?

No not really. I think it’s a brilliant idea. It will bring this issue to the minds of younger generations and will remind everyone what our troops do for our country.

Do you think younger generations should carry on acts of remembrance?

Yes, of course. We have troops fighting for our country abroad and families who have lost loved one who served. I think 'Please Remember' will really focus a lot of people’s thoughts about this.

Your Dad was a very proud man when you performed your songs recently - how has your family’s support helped?

Both my Mum and Dad have been amazing throughout the whole journey of my career. They have kept me focused and grounded and also been extremely supportive. Having my family behind me is the most important thing to me as they helped make me who I am today and couldn’t do it with out them.

Click here to order Please Remember from amazon.co.uk

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