Hidden WWII Love Letters Inspired Tori Martin’s New Music Video, “Abilene”
“Abilene” is Tori Martin’s fast-rising and current #6 Texas Regional Radio Report single, and she is thrilled to have a ‘short film’ companion music video available now for her fans on her YouTube channel. The clip was co-directed by Jason Engelman and Director of Photography Justin Frech for LuckySky Music.
The video was filmed entirely in Abilene, Texas (the storybook capital of America) during a surprise February cold snap. Costumes are a key part of the visuals, as are the locations. Sites range from the charming Cedar Crest Cottage, inhabited by actors portraying both the 21st century characters (Theresa Rowley, Ricco Fajardo) and the 1940s couple (Cheyenne Haynes, Blake Blair), to the iconic Larry’s Better Burger Drive In. The settings are authentic and aid in the timeline transitions. Also featured are the historic Paramount Theatre and Texas & Pacific Railroad Depot, both scenes of enormous emotional impact for the protagonists. Throughout is powerful performance footage of Martin, alone in a high wind on a deserted section of highway.
The story behind the video reads like a fairy tale. It all began when Tori (in real life) discovered love letters long hidden in a rental house. After reading them, Martin was inspired to tell their story. “It really stuck with me. The sweetness of their love, the heartbreak of war, the gravity of loss and the sense of ‘belonging’ that you feel in a place.”
In 2022, Martin wrote the song with hitmakers Bill DiLuigi, Kirsti Manna and the song’s producer Bill Warner. “I was on a radio tour, and I remember saying to them, ‘I can’t stay in Abilene because the wind makes me crazy,’ and from there the ideas started flowing.” It’s an idea that has propelled the “Abilene” single on a trajectory that surpasses the singer’s first TRRR #1 from 2024, “Lost In The Country.”
“Texas radio in particular has been really good to me,” says Tori. She is nominated in the TRRR Awards “New Female Vocalist of the Year” category and will perform on the Awards show on March 24 in Arlington, TX.
Martin made the most of various press and TV opportunities during February’s Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. Recent media hits include The Pulse of Entertainment, Prime Time Podcast, Breakin’ Indies Country Countdown on Kickin’ Kountry 101, Terry Hudson’s rBeatz Radio, Nashville Insider, Dance Time in Texas, Coda Country, Country Evolution, and Nikki In Nashville. Tori is currently writing songs and recording for her next album.
For the latest news go to her official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter) and YouTube.
Charlotte Morris Reflects On Family And Traditions In New Single “Created Me”
Folk singer-songwriter Charlotte Morris is back with her latest single “created me,” the fourth pre-release single from her upcoming album both sides out May 1st. This track utilizes the artist’s soaring vocals and unique storytelling ability to convey a message of finding one’s identity in their heritage and paying homage to those before them. As do many of […]
Levi Foster To Release “Walter” February 21 + Nashville Benefit Concert March 20
Nashville-based, Lynchburg, VA native, Levi Foster is set to release the touching track “Walter” on February 21 (pre-save HERE). The poignant song tells the heart-wrenching story of Walter, who is living with Alzheimer’s and Julie his daughter who loves and looks after him. “I wanted to write this song after co-writers Sabrina Stewart and Court Taylor shared their personal stories,” […]