Vocalist Tori Lattore eyes solo career

For years, Tori Lattore has been a familiar voice behind some of reggae’s most recognisable performances, lending her talents as a background vocalist to artistes including Romain Virgo, among others. Now, the singer, dancer and self-described “vibes master” is ready to take centre stage as a solo artiste. With the support of Virgo, his management team and the musical community around her, Lattore believes the time has finally come to reintroduce audiences to the artiste she has always known herself to be.

“I’m a vibes master, a music lover, a reggae princess, an energiser bunny, the reggae doll plus so much more,” she told The Gleaner with a laugh.

Behind those descriptions is an artiste with a deeply personal relationship with music, one that began during her childhood in August Town. Lattore remembers singing while doing her schoolwork at August Town Primary. A teacher, Miss Belnavis, recognised her potential and encouraged her mother to sign her up for the school choir. From there, singing became a constant in her life.

She later joined The ASHE Company and performed and worked with numerous artistes before becoming part of Virgo’s team.

FINDING HER VOICE

For Tori Lattore, whose birth name is Tori-Ann Ivy, however, music was not just a talent; it was an outlet.

“When I’m on stage, I feel free,” she explained. “I feel like I can do whatever; I can be myself fully. I don’t have to act, I don’t have to pretend, and that’s how I come alive.”

That connection became particularly important during a difficult period of Lattore’s childhood. At 11 or 12 years old, while navigating pressures at home, at school and within her community, she experienced a period of severe emotional distress that led to her nearly taking her own life. She later attended counselling but struggled to open up during the sessions.

It was through the arts that she found another form of expression. Dancing, performing at Grand Gala and eventually singing gave Lattore different ways to express herself. Her time with ASHE, particularly its use of ‘edutainment’ to educate and empower communities, also showed her how music and performance could be used to connect with people.

“I want to empower people, I want to uplift them, I want to put something out in the world that is empowering, it’s high vibration,” she said.

Though she no longer lives in August Town, Lattore’s mother and sisters remain there, and she continues to feel deeply connected to the community.

Through music, she has travelled, met new people, and gained experiences that broadened her perspective.

Lattore first attempted to launch her solo career in 2019, releasing music before the COVID-19 pandemic and the demands of working as a professional musician shifted her focus.

Since then, she has spent years performing, touring, working in studios, networking and building relationships within the industry. Now, she believes those experiences have given her the foundation she needs.

“Hopefully they (audiences) can shed the background vocalist life and now see me as an artiste,” she said.

DEVELOPING HER SOUND

Her approach is deliberate. Rather than rushing music to market, Lattore and her manager have been carefully developing her sound and direction.

“I think it’s good to take your time and figure out the direction that you want to go and just be intentional about it,” she said.

While her energetic personality might lead some to expect a more dancehall vibe, Lattore is firmly choosing reggae.

“Honestly, reggae speaks to my soul,” she explained. Her vision is rooted in longevity. She wants to create music that she can still perform decades from now, and that can connect across generations.

Her musical influences span several genres. Growing up, she was introduced to “soul” music from an early age, including artistes such as Céline Dion and Whitney Houston. As her musical tastes developed, she found influence in artistes including Tanya Stephens, Marcia Griffiths, Beyoncé and Rihanna.

“I listen to a wide range of music, and you’ll hear it in my music,” she added.

Sonically, she plans to remain authentic to reggae while incorporating influences from the different genres that shaped her as a self-described Disney and theatre kid.

“I’m just trying to bring a new sound,” she said. “It’s still reggae and authentic reggae, but I feel like every genre has evolved.”

Her first major step into this new chapter will come with the release of a solo track, Nuh Short a Love, which is set for release soon.

Lattore has been developing the track closely with her manager, and said it reflects her own thoughts and creative vision.

NO RUSH

Rather than rushing towards an EP, Lattore is choosing to introduce herself gradually through singles, allowing each song to connect with listeners and helping her build a genuine musical community.

“There’s power in singles and just gradually introducing people to you,” she shared.

Lattore also plans to continue working with Virgo as she develops her solo career.

“I’ll still be working with Romain as I work and develop my solo career and, when the time comes to branch off, we will all be ready for that moment,” she added.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ mental health and suicide prevention helpline at 888-NEW-LIFE (639-5433). o’brian.wynter@gleanerjm.com