The DIG 25: Tori Forsyth

There's something refreshingly honest about Tori Forsyth. Whether it's the raw emotion in her songwriting, the grit in her voice or her willingness to follow her own musical instincts.

She's never seemed particularly interested in fitting neatly into anyone else's idea of what an artist should be. Her music moves between country, rock and Americana, drawing on a wide range of influences while maintaining a sound that's unmistakably her own.

For "The Denim Is Good 25", we caught up with Tori to talk about the records that shaped her, the artists she admires, life on the road and a few of the simple things that make life good. From Fleetwood Mac and Nirvana to collecting CDs, Kentucky hospitality and the enduring appeal of double denim, here's a little more about Tori Forsyth.

1. Where are you right now, and what can you see from where you're sitting?
I'm sitting in my office looking out the window at lots of trees, watching a storm roll through.

2. What's the first record you remember falling in love with?
Probably Fleetwood Mac's 1997 live album "The Dance". I think it's a perfect album, and I remember watching it over and over as a kid.

3. What's the best lyric you've ever heard?
Lots to choose from, but ‘I wish I could eat your cancer when you turn black’ is pretty incredible. ‘Heart-Shaped Box’ by Nirvana.

4. Who's the greatest storyteller in music?
Oh man, tough questions. I think Loretta Lynn can tell a great story. I also think Courtney Love tells a great, emotive story.

5. What's an artist people would be surprised to find in your record collection?
Eminem? HA!

6. Vinyl, CD, cassette or streaming and why?
CD! I love my CD player. I collect CDs — it's my hobby. I love it because it makes me feel like a kid, and listening to a full album is just so much fun for me.

7. What's the first concert you ever went to?
I believe it was Hilary Duff, haha.

8. What's the best live show you've ever seen?
Ohhhh. Probably Fleetwood Mac, but I also saw Yungblud recently, and that was phenomenal.

9. Who's the best live performer you've ever shared a stage with? Who would you want to share stage with?
Jackson Dean is an incredible performer I've been lucky enough to open for. I'd love to be on a bill with Morgan Wade.

10. What's your favourite song to play live right now?
Probably ‘Guns and Little Girls’ from the new record "Self Preservation".

11. Is there one of your songs you wish more people knew?
Anything off the new album, hehe.

12. What usually comes first for you — words, melody, riff or something else?
I think words are most common for me.

13. Do you know when you've written a good song, or does it take time?
Takes time!

14. What's the best road-trip album ever made?
Led Zeppelin.

15. What's the best town you've discovered because music took you there?
Kentucky!! We couldn't believe how warm and welcoming the folks are over there and how much they just LOVE live music.

16. What's the best venue you've ever played?
Probably the Palais.

17. What's your favourite Australian pub?
Stag and Hunter in Newcastle, but also my local (not tellin').

18. What's the best meal you've ever had on the road?
I'm happy if I can get a chicken breast added to my meals. Weird? Probs.

19. Beer, wine, whiskey, coffee or something else?
Wine.

20. What does your perfect Sunday look like?
Having no plans and filling it up with fun little hobbies.

21. City, coast, country or bush?
Country.

22. Sunrise or sunset?
Sunrise.

23. Boots or sneakers?
Boots.

24. Double denim — yes, or no?
Always.

25. Finish this sentence: Denim is good because...
It's forever.