Multi-talented Torica is best known for from her appearance on the Snoop Dogg's "My Life" featuring Lloyd, off his album "Ego Trippin", as well as the smash hit single "Sick of Being Lonely" by DTP/Geffen recording group Field Mob, which she crafted with producer Phalon "Jazze Pha" Alexander.
In addition to placements on forthcoming projects by Brandy Norwood (Knockout Entertainment/Epic Records), Ciara Harris (Jive Records), LeToya Luckett (Capitol Records), and Sophia Fresh (Nappy Boy/Atlantic Records), the humble model/singer/songwriter found the time to talk about her entry into the music biz, juggling motherhood with a fast-rising career, working with A-list musicians such as Bryan Michael Cox, Polow Da Don, Jonathan "J.R." Rotem, Evan "Kidd" Bogart of The Writing Camp, and so much more …
Hamada: - Tell us how you started your musical career?
Torica: - My music career began in 2001, when I moved to Atlanta and had a chance meeting with Phalon "Jazze Pha" Alexander. That meeting resulted in me being featured on a major label release, which ended up being a single for Field Mob, and that was my first installment in the music business.
Hamada - Were you surprised by the success of Field Mob's "Sick of Being Lonely"? And describe the major changes your career underwent post that accomplishment?
Torica: - I was definitely blown away by its runaway success. I had no idea it was going to get that much attention. As a result, I began working with other established producers and artists, getting booking requests to perform all over the country, interviewed by various magazines, appearing on nationally recognized shows and receiving nominations from esteemed award organizations.
Hamada: - Any plans of releasing an album of your own? If so, will it be different from the material you've crafted for other artists?
Torica: - Yes, I'm working a project, but that has been placed on the backburner as I am more concerned with building my catalog as a songwriter. My album will be different from the other work I've released simply because every song I've done with others was a part of their vision so I delivered based on that.
Hamada: - Which female songwriters you're fond of? And if you could form a songwriting team, whom would you choose as mates?
Torica: - a) Diane Warren, Missy Elliott, Linda Perry, Keri Hilson, Nina Simone, and Sade. b) Ne-Yo, Kanye West, and Keri Hilson.
Hamada: - How do songwriters and producers get together? Through common friends or publishing houses?
Torica: - Both, managers also play an intricate role in setting up sessions.
Hamada: - I'll mention some of the other musicians you've worked with, and you tell me about that experience:
Bryan Michael Cox:
Torica: - Phenomenal musician, visionary, and humble craftsman! When he makes music, you can see him go into another world. The amount of energy and passion he puts into every sound makes for a beautiful piece of art. His sound is timeless. I'm honored to be in the presence of such greatness.
Eric Hudson:
Torica: - Pure musical genius; a natural and so easy to work with! When he creates, it's like watching an artist paint a masterpiece from a blank canvas. He also plays several instruments very well.
Evan "Kidd" Bogart of The Writing Camp:
Torica: - Extremely talented, calculated, and a thinker! He approaches a song with the perfect blend of sensibility and creativity. Not to mention he has a great sense of humor- it's so much fun, it doesn't feel like work with Evan.
Jonathan "J.R." Rotem:
Torica: - He knows exactly what he's looking for in a song and all about finding the right pocket.
Phalon "Jazze Pha" Alexander:
Torica: - He's great with what he does! Has a signature sound, but still able to reinvent the wheel and stay current with what that means.
Polow Da Don:
Torica: - By far, he's one of my favorite producers. He's left field and not afraid to break the mold. He's light years ahead of his time, production is his true calling. He knows the necessary elements of making a hit and understands the consumer's ear and what's going to stand out.
Hamada: - Which other musicians you'd like to work with if given the opportunity?
Torica: - Kasseem "Swizz Beats" Dean, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Kanye West, Harvey Mason Jr. & Damon Thomas of The Underdogs, Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley, and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes.
Hamada: - Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about you?
Torica: - I am a restaurant junkie! I just love to eat, and people are always shocked at the size of my appetite for someone my size (lol).
Hamada: - How do you balance being a parent and a successful songwriter?
Torica: - I admit my schedule can be very demanding at times, but being a mom is my greatest achievement and most important job in the world. I balance things by having a great support system of family, nannies, and friends. And I have days when I'm just "mommy" not the songwriter, model, artist, or business woman I won't accept any phone calls or schedule any meetings or sessions during that time. One thing I had to learn was that it's ok to take a break, because work will always be there, but quality time with my son is priceless and I can't get it back once it's gone. Just like any doctor, actor, lawyer, corporate executive juggles motherhood and a career, it' the same concept in the music business.
Hamada: - List 3 things that you are totally obsessed with?
Torica: - Researching, traveling, and shopping.
Hamada: - What qualities you usually look for in a man? And what turns you off the most?
Torica: - Strength, intelligence, sense of humor, confidence, goal-oriented, spiritual. Some big turn offs are arrogance, someone who's way too serious, a know-it-all, and bad breath.
Hamada: - What's the nicest thing someone has done for you?
Torica: - Someone gave me a gift they made, and it was really sweet. Although lavish presents are nice, I really cherish the little things that require thought and effort.
Hamada: - Tell us about your forthcoming projects?
Torica: - I'm working on LeToya Luckett, Sophia Fresh, Jarvis, Ciara, and Brandy (my all-time favorite artist).
Hamada: - Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Torica: - Laying on the teak deck of my yacht in the Mediterranean, writing a book.
Hamada: - Any message you'd like to give to all aspiring songwriters out there?
Torica: - Study the style and technique of writers you admire and learn how to use Protools (TRUST ME!!!), this will make you a valuable asset. Learn how to format a song based on industry standards, how you get paid as a songwriter! Don't be afraid to step outside the box and don't let anyone tell you that you won't succeed. Believe in yourself, pray, and learn as much as you can, you never know when you may have to apply knowledge that someone shared with you along the way. Be honest and maintain integrity in relationship building, it's not always what you know or how good you are, it's who you know and how much they believe in you. A positive attitude will take you further than you can imagine and write EVERYDAY.
[Visit] Torica @ MySpace
