For Dori Pilgrim, music runs in the family, so her latest endeavour is certainly a natural step on her path.
Dori, 18, a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and pianist, has just released her debut single ‘Looking For A Reason’ and it’s available on all streaming platforms.
The Grade 12 Renfrew Collegiate Institute student tells my FM that writing, performing and recording the song comes after years of listening to and playing music.
The pandemic offered her more time to practice and improve her guitar skills and she’s excited to have now gotten writing and recording her first song under her belt.
‘Looking For A Reason’ was created with inspiration from Dori’s journals and she said she relished the opportunity to transform her raw emotions into song form. The song delves into the complexities of emotions, love, and the recognition of how crucial prioritizing self-care, and personal growth is, even if it means making difficult decisions.
The process itself of recording and releasing the song has left its mark on the teen.
She credits her guitar instructor David Campbell (fictionmusic.tv) who recorded the song at his home studio, oversaw the process and provided bass and some background vocals.
“He was really awesome. He was very much like ok with anything I wanted to do and was very encouraging with every like, any idea or anything and he also had a lot of great ideas.”
Dori credits Campbell, as well as her grandpa Gary Charter for their musical influence.
And while ‘Looking For A Reason’ is a solo project, Dori’s musical endeavours extend far beyond that. She is guitarist and vocalist for The Lofters, an alternative rock band she co-founded with her two sisters and two best friends in 2022. The Lofters recently performed at a prom fundraiser and are scheduled to play Renfrew’s Music in the Park Aug. 25. She and bandmates aim to write and record an original song of their own in the near future, she said.
Dori plans to take a fifth year at RCI before moving on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music, with an eye to eventually becoming a high school music teacher. And she’s excited to keep creating music, and seeing where that path leads.
For now, she’s enjoying sharing ‘Looking For A Reason’ with the world, and she has a message for supporters.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)