Tori Kellyis looking back in time for her next era.
Her first new solo single in nearly three years, “missin u” marks new territory for the singer-songwriter, known for belting sweet melodies and strumming the guitar. The track also arrives alongside a brand-new look for the 30-year-old musician, who’sswapped her signature blonde locks for a sleek brunette ‘doand adopted a more vibrant style.
Earlier this month, she teased “missin u” with aY2K-themed retrospective videowith clips from throughout her decade-long career, giving listeners the space to reminisce before following her into a bold new sound. As she launches into this new chapter, Kelly recently sat down with PEOPLE to discuss the inspiration behind “missin u,” what she loves about the 2000s and when fans can expect to see her on tour.
Tori Kelly.Emilynn Rose
This new single “missin u,” crafted with Jon Bellion, is super high-energy with emotional lyrics. It seems to be about a breakup, but you’re happily married to André Murillo. Can you tell me about this song and how it came together?
I’ve played it for some people who just cry when they hear this song because maybe they’re thinking about a specific person, and there’s other people who are just dancing in the club and not sad at all when they hear it. I love that about this song because I think everyone can relate to it in their own way. For me, I just want to blast it in my car and belt it out.
I’m obsessed with the lyric “I miss the way that you would make my Sidekick bling.” What was it about the 2000s that inspires you? Also, did you ever have a Sidekick?
There’s a little bit of dancing in this video, which we haven’t really seen much of from you before. Did you enjoy incorporating movement into this visual, and can we expect more dancing to come in this new era?
Yeah, for sure. With this new sound, it felt so natural to move around. Whatever the music was making me feel, I was like, “I’m just going to do that.” I grew up dancing. People might not know that, but I grew up taking hip-hop classes and stuff, so I really was just like, “I’m taking it back.” It was fun just to tap into that side. I think you might see a little more of that in the future.
You teased “missin u” earlier this month with a video of you playing a VHS tape called,do u evr think of me. Is that the title of a new project?
I’m very into Easter eggs this era, and the fans know. I’m on Twitter, sending cryptic messages. I think I’m in a place in my career where I’ve done so many cool things, and it’s fun to point back. I love dropping little hints, so people might have to wait to figure that one out, but it’ll make sense at some point.
The teaser featured clips from throughout your career, starting with your YouTube days throughUnbreakable Smileand winning two Grammys. How do you look back on your career now that you’ve been in the game for more than a decade? And how does that inspire you going forward?
It’s really trippy looking back. I feel so grateful that I’ve been able to have this amazing career and quite honestly, live my dream. At the same time, I’m gearing up for this new project, and it almost feels like I’m a new artist again. I have that excitement, drive and hunger. A pretty big artist told me a long time ago, “I always want to feel like a new artist. I don’t want to ever feel jaded. I want to always feel a little nervous and excited and ready to put out the next thing.” I want to feel like that too. I’ve been able to do so many things, but at the same time, there’s so much more that I haven’t even shown people yet.
André Murillo and Tori Kelly.Allen Berezovsky/Getty
For this new era, are you thinking about any collaborations? I’ve been thinking this would be the perfect time to finally work with your friend JoJo on an original song.
You celebrated your 30th birthday in December, and André sweetly wrote on Instagram that he sees a “crazy decade” in your future. How’s he been supportive as you’ve prepared for this new era?
He’s the best. He’s the most supportive. It’s been awesome to have him. I’ll ask him what he thinks about things and get his opinion on stuff. He grew up on ’90s R&B, so he’s super stoked about all the new stuff.
Fans haven’t seen you on tour in the U.S. since 2019. Can we expect a tour anytime soon?
I miss touring so much. I was actually on a world tour right as Covid was happening, and it was heartbreaking to have to cancel that. Since then, I haven’t been able to tour. That’s one of the most exciting things I’m looking forward to. I can’t give any details or anything yet, but I cannot wait just to see fans again and belt out these songs with them.
source: people.com
