Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trish Torline. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Trish, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The “Sisters in Song” CD/Project was meaningful to me because it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and creativity. In early 2024, I came up with the idea of creating an album where I would invite some of my friends—amazing women who do what I do—to record an album of duets. The twist was that I would co-write the songs with each of my duet partners, ensuring that every track reflected our unique voices, experiences, and perspectives.
Each song has a relatable and encouraging message, which makes the project even more special. These songs were not only meant to resonate with listeners but also to uplift and inspire them. The messages are so meaningful to me that in 2025, I will be publishing a book of devotionals that pair with the album, offering deeper reflections on the themes of the songs and the stories behind them.
What made the process so extraordinary was the opportunity to connect deeply with my duet partners, learning from and inspiring one another as we brought these songs to life. The project wasn’t just about creating music—it was about building relationships, sharing our passions, and lifting each other up. It embodied everything “Sisters in Song” represents: community, encouragement, and the beauty of working together toward something bigger than ourselves.
It also gave me a chance to grow as an artist and to witness firsthand the power of collaboration. I’ll always cherish the memories we created, the music we made, and the bond we share.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up in Alexandria, Kentucky, where music has always been a significant part of my life. My mom played piano, and I loved sitting beside her on the piano bench, listening to her play. My musical journey began when I was just six years old and in the first grade. One day, while my mom was in the kitchen, she heard Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” coming from the living room. What startled her was that it was coming from me. I had figured out the right hand of the first two measures, and by the time she walked in, I had added the left hand as well. She immediately called my grandmother to share what had happened, and Grandma’s advice was simple: “Get her into lessons so she learns to read music and not just play by ear.”
And that’s how it all began.
As I got older, I spent hours in front of my Grandma Storn’s big living room mirror, singing along with my aunt’s records and pretending to perform, with a percolator cord as my microphone. Already in piano lessons I later joined the school band in sixth grade, playing trumpet. By seventh grade, I picked up the guitar, which became my primary instrument for performing. In high school, I played bass for the first time and even played around on the drums. My love for creating music started early, too—I wrote my first song, “Beautiful Day,” in middle school.
My first real taste of performing came in high school when I decided to sing a song I had written for the school talent show. That experience sparked a passion for sharing my music with others, and I’ve been writing and performing ever since.
What many people don’t know is that I spent 27 years as a band director. Teaching became a deep passion of mine, and I loved inspiring young musicians. I initially thought teaching would be temporary while I pursued my music career, but life had a different plan. God called me to make teaching my first focus and my music second. However, three years before I was eligible to retire, I felt God nudging me again: “It’s time. Retire in three years and make your music the priority.” I retired in 2019 and shifted my focus to writing, performing, and recording full-time.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to pursue music more fully. I founded the Heartstrings Songwriters Circle, where I host showcases to provide local and regional artists a platform to share their original songs and the stories behind them. I also became the curator for the Kentucky Chapter of The Acoustic Guitar Project, a global initiative that inspires musicians to write an original song and record it live in just one week.
In addition to my music, I enjoy mentoring young aspiring singer-songwriters. Helping guide them in the right direction and being a resource for their questions and concerns is something I wish I had access to when I was younger. It’s incredibly fulfilling to share my experience and help them navigate the industry, offering insight into what they need to do and how to do it.
Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to release new music and receive recognition for my work. Some of my nominations include:
2023
Josie Music Awards: Holiday Song of the Year
2024
Lexington Music Awards: Song of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Singer-Songwriter, and the Jay Flippin Music Educator Award
Josie Music Awards: Country Song of the Year (Female) and Songwriter Achievement (Hands of a Warrior).
Music has always been the heartbeat of my life. Whether I’m writing, performing, or collaborating with others, I’m reminded of the incredible connection music creates, and I feel so blessed to share my journey with others.
What I’m most proud of is that, throughout my life, I’ve been able to help and encourage others, with music as the medium to make those connections. Whether it was teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th graders how to play their instruments and celebrating their sense of accomplishment in their musical achievements, or simply being there for a conversation after class when they needed someone to talk to, I’ve always strived to use music as a tool for encouragement.
Now, that same sense of purpose carries over into mentoring aspiring singers, songwriters, and musicians. Whether I’m sharing knowledge about the industry, offering songwriting tips, or even providing a space for them to record their songs without needing to take out a second mortgage, my goal is to uplift and support them on their journey. Sometimes, it’s as simple as offering an encouraging word at just the right time.
And then there are moments when it’s a song I’ve written that tugs on someone’s heartstrings and resonates in a deeply personal way. Knowing that something I’ve created can bring comfort, inspiration, or hope to someone else is an incredible feeling. That’s what I’m most proud of—the ability to make a difference in people’s lives through music.
What I would hope fans know about me:
1. I Am Passionate About Music and Storytelling
Music has been at the core of my life since childhood. As a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, performer, and recording artist, I pour my heart into every song, using my storytelling to connect with listeners on a personal level.
2. I Am Dedicated to Encouraging and Uplifting Others
Whether through mentoring aspiring artists, teaching young musicians, or writing songs that tug at the heartstrings, my focus is always on helping others grow, heal, and feel seen. I believe in using music as a way to inspire and encourage people at every stage of life.
3. I Value Community and Collaboration
Through initiatives like the “Heartstrings Songwriters Circle,” the “Sisters in Song” album, and my involvement with The Acoustic Guitar Project, I have a passion for creating opportunities for artists to share their music, tell their stories, and connect with audiences. I am also passionate about fostering a sense of belonging and support within the music community.
4. I Live Boldly and Follow My Calling
From retiring early to pursue music full-time to taking risks in my songwriting, performing, and recording, I embrace life with courage and determination. My goal is to follow my heart and make the most of every moment.
5. I’m Authentic and Grounded
Whether it’s through my songs, performances, or conversations with fans, I strive to stay true to who I am. My music reflects real-life experiences, and my genuine approach resonates with those who hear it.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to connect with people on a deep, emotional level. There’s something profoundly fulfilling about taking a piece of yourself—your thoughts, feelings, experiences—and translating it into art that resonates with others.
1. Touching Lives and Creating Impact
Knowing that your work—whether it’s a song, painting, story, or performance—can resonate with someone, evoke emotions, or even change their perspective is profoundly fulfilling. It’s a reminder of the universal power of art to heal, inspire, and unite.
2. Expressing Authenticity
Being able to express your inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences authentically through your craft is both liberating and empowering. It allows you to turn intangible ideas into something tangible that others can experience and interpret in their own way.
3. Building Connections and Community
Art has the unique ability to foster connections. Whether it’s collaborating with other creatives, engaging with an audience, or being part of a broader cultural movement, the sense of community and shared purpose is incredibly rewarding.
4. Inspiring Others
When your art motivates someone to pursue their own dreams or see the world differently, it creates a ripple effect of inspiration. It’s a reminder that creativity has the power to ignite change on both personal and societal levels.
5. The Journey of Creation
The process of creating itself—transforming a blank canvas, an empty page, or a melody into something full of life—is a rewarding journey. It’s an exploration of your own potential and a reminder of the beauty of growth and discovery.
6. Leaving a Legacy
Knowing that your work can outlive you, continuing to speak to future generations, is a powerful motivator. It’s a way of contributing to the collective human story.
Ultimately, being an artist or creative means having the privilege of turning imagination into reality, connecting with others in profound ways, and leaving a meaningful mark on the world. That’s a reward like no other.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Some aspects of the creative journey can be difficult for non-creatives to fully grasp, but shedding light on them can foster understanding and appreciation. Here are a few key insights:
1. The Emotional Vulnerability
What It Feels Like: Creating art, whether it’s a song, painting, or story, often means exposing deeply personal emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Sharing that with the world can feel like standing on stage, completely bare.
What Others Might Not See: Non-creatives might view the finished product but miss the courage it takes to reveal something so intimate.
The Insight: When you see art, know it’s more than a product—it’s a piece of the artist’s soul. Celebrate their bravery.
2. The Unpredictable Nature of Inspiration
What It Feels Like: Ideas don’t always come on demand. Sometimes inspiration strikes at inconvenient times or not at all when it’s needed most.
What Others Might Not See: Non-creatives might assume creativity is like a tap you can turn on and off, but it’s often more like a river that ebbs and flows.
The Insight: Patience and space for exploration are key to creativity—trust that the process can’t always be rushed.
3. The Time and Effort Behind the Work
What It Feels Like: Hours of practice, failed attempts, revisions, and rejections often go into creating something that might only take someone a few minutes to experience.
What Others Might Not See: Non-creatives may focus on the final piece and not realize the relentless dedication it took to get there.
The Insight: Every masterpiece is built on a foundation of unseen effort, learning, and growth.
4. The Balance Between Passion and Practicality
What It Feels Like: Many creatives face the challenge of balancing their passion for art with the need to make a living, often navigating a world that undervalues creative work.
What Others Might Not See: Non-creatives might struggle to understand why artists persist despite financial uncertainty or why exposure doesn’t pay the bills.
The Insight: Support artists by valuing their work monetarily, just as you would any other profession. Art is essential, even if its value isn’t always tangible.
5. The Intangible Rewards
What It Feels Like: The greatest rewards for creatives are often not material but emotional—a connection with someone who says, “Your work moved me,” or the fulfillment of bringing an idea to life.
What Others Might Not See: Non-creatives may assume success is about fame or fortune, but for most artists, it’s about connection, expression, and purpose.
The Insight: When you acknowledge or resonate with an artist’s work, tell them—it’s one of the most meaningful forms of appreciation they can receive.
6. The Constant Battle with Self-Doubt
What It Feels Like: Even successful creatives often wrestle with imposter syndrome, questioning their abilities and the worth of their work.
What Others Might Not See: Non-creatives might think confidence comes with talent, but in reality, many artists continually face inner doubts.
The Insight: Encourage the artists around you. Sometimes, a simple, “Your work is amazing,” can lift them out of the self-doubt spiral.
7. The Importance of Freedom
What It Feels Like: Creativity thrives on freedom—the ability to explore ideas, take risks, and fail without judgment.
What Others Might Not See: Non-creatives might view structure and predictability as ideal, but for artists, too many restrictions can stifle imagination.
The Insight: Allow artists the space to be unconventional. That’s where innovation is born.
Closing Thought:
For non-creatives, understanding a creative’s journey is less about fully relating and more about appreciating the depth of effort, emotion, and love that goes into their work. Supporting and celebrating creativity makes the world richer for everyone. So whether it’s by offering encouragement, paying for their work, or simply listening, your support matters more than you know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trishtorline.com
- Instagram: @trishtorline
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrishTorline
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TrishTorline
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tat129
Image Credits
Courtnie Coulson Photography
Simpsonography (Elizabeth Simpson)
Whiskey and Wiles Photography (JP Martin)