Two-time GRAMMY winner singer-songwriter Tori Kelly first came into the public consciousness back in 2010 as a contestant on the ninth season of reality T.V. juggernaut, American Idol.
Following the independent release of her self-produced EP Handmade Songs two years later, Kelly caught the attention of record executive Scooter Braun and was signed by Capitol Records – home to the likes of Katy Perry, Lewis Capaldi and Sam Smith – before launching her debut album, Unbreakable Smile in the summer of 2015.
Entering the Billboard 200 at No. 2 and featuring the Gold-certified singles Nobody Loves, Should’ve Been Us and Hollow, the record earned Kelly a 2016 GRAMMY nomination for ‘Best New Artist’ and recognition as a ‘Breakthrough Artist’ at Billboards’s 2015 Women In Music ceremony. To date the record has earned more than one billion cumulative streams worldwide, and has adjusted album sales of 1.3 million.
Kelly’s sophomore record, 2018’s Hiding Place (produced by the legendary Kirk Franklin), introduced the Never Alone singer to a whole new audience, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, earning more first-week streams than any other gospel album in history! The record would go on to win the GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Album in 2019.
An accomplished record producer, writer and actress, Tori Kelly makes her highly anticipated return to the U.K. this month to play a string of shows in support of her third studio album, Inspired By True Events, including one night at The Roundhouse in Camden on March 16th.
We caught up with Tori for the latest in our ‘My London’ series.
Favourite Neighbourhood:
Whenever I’m in London, I find myself wanting to hang out in Shoreditch. I just like the vibe there and there’s always a lot of fun things to do!
Favourite Place For Brunch:
I love The Breakfast Club – the atmosphere is so cute and retro, and there’s tons of food options too!
Best Coffee In London:
I like coffee, but when I’m in London it’s all about the tea! I love a traditional afternoon tea at Claridge’s.
Favourite Gallery or Museum:
I’m getting more and more into art galleries lately, especially when I travel. The National Gallery houses one of the greatest collections of paintings in the world!
Tell Us A Secret:
It’s not a secret if you know me, but I sadly cannot whistle and I’ve always been bummed about it lol.
Favourite Place To Shop:
London is so amazing for shopping! I love the charm of Carnaby Street, even just walking around there is cool.
Favourite Place To Find Inspiration:
London has so much history and character, I feel like I could walk down any street and immediately get inspired!
Best London Destination For A Date:
A picnic on Primrose Hill or, if you’re a Harry Potter fan like me, do the Warner Brothers studio tour!
Favourite Park:
I really love Hyde Park.
Favourite Food Market:
The iconic Borough Market – it’s definitely a must visit when I’m in London!
Your Sanctuary In The City:
When I think of a peaceful getaway I think of being in nature – so I’d say, Key Gardens! It’s just so beautiful! I understand why it’s one of the most loved gardens in the world!
What Inspires You?
Honestly, I’m most inspired by life! Whether that’s my own life or the lives of others around me – life experiences and other peoples stories is what inspires me the most!
This Season I’m Loving:
Travelling! I love seeing new places and learning about different cultures, which is what I’ll be doing a lot more of while I’m on tour this season.
Tori Kelly plays The Roundhouse in London on Monday, March 16th 2020. Tickets are available from gigsandtours.com now.
