JUNO-NOMINATED TORONTO ARTIST STORRY RELEASES CH III: THE COME UP TODAY

Today, JUNO-nominated Toronto artist, STORRY, releases her new album, CH III: The Come Up. The album is based on a chapter of her life; a woman exiting the sex industry to enter the music industry, only to discover that both are equally misogynistic and problematic. With roots in the opera world, yet expansion into all styles, STORRY’s live set is always one for the books. You can catch her live in Toronto tonight at Lula Lounge (find more info here) followed by a show in Montreal at Bar Le Ritz PDB on February 22, a stop in New York on March 2, and a North American tour with Sofar Sounds. See below for all details and listen to CH III: The Come Up here.

“The second half to the album’s storry, that’s not explicitly in the album, is how I overcame all the hardships of the industry. After my literal blood, sweat and tears later, I decided to do everything myself. Write, produce, design, promote, literally everything you can think of for this album,” STORRY reflects on the process. “It was exhausting but extremely liberating. It’s been a lifetime in the making. And even though it may seem like I sprung out of nowhere, I’ve been stifled, hidden, working in the dark for many many years. I’m soooooo happy this album is finally here. This is just the beginning.”

In March, STORRY will be heading to Saskatoon for the 2020 JUNO Awards, where she is nominated for Reggae Recording of the Year for Another Man, featured on prolific Jamaican production duo Sly & Robbie’s Pocketbook Riddim project. Listen to the song here. STORRY has been sharing her STORY with media ahead of the launch, with features in EARMILK, The Toronto Star, The Creative Imbalance Podcast, and Canadian Beats, amongst others, with her music played on CBC q, CBC Fresh Air, CBC Big City Small World, and CIUT.

CH III: The Come Up is based on STORRY’s life. She grapples with her relationships with her mother/family, romantic relationships, with her careers, dreams and with money. STORRY does not live in any specific genre. Like her music, STORRY is multi-dimensional and fluid. She pulls influences from hip hop to opera, reggae to musical theatre. She is an oxymoron and has equal amounts of grit and poise. The album was written with the intent to take the listener on a journey, focusing more on the storrytelling. And her shows are an experience that takes you through peaks and valleys of emotions, a ride with tears, excitement and laughter. That is why STORRY refuses to be boxed into one style of writing, being, branding, medium or avenue of creation. She wants to show that sex-workers, strippers, women, ALL people, are multi-dimensional and cannot be judged or defined on the surface.

Perhaps the most raw and honest representation of the project is Money Ain’t Free. Confidently quipped as a “Motown record without the innocence,” the song reflects on STORRY’s real-life experience of returning to work as a stripper to finance her art. Watch the video for Money Ain’t Free here, written, directed and co-produced by Montreal-born, Toronto-based director, Karimah Zakia Issa. Money Ain’t Free follows STORRY’s previous single, A Lost Find. It arrived with a video self-directed, edited and produced by STORRY and creative partner, Tom Baum.

STORRY will hit the road for a North American tour with Sofar Sounds next month, with cities and venues to be announced. Sofar Sounds performances can be found in 444 cities around the world. They transform intimate spaces like barbershops and living rooms into a captivating experience. They typically feature three diverse acts and the secret location is only divulged 24 hours before the show begins. Subscribe to STORRY’s email list at www.storrymusic.com for secret info on the dates and approximate locations.

“I love Sofar because it’s the best way to meet new fans. I get to perform in an intimate space, sometimes with no microphone, and really connect with an audience that just loves music and isn’t interested in numbers or clout,” STORRY says. “They literally come out not knowing who they’re gonna see. They’re true music lovers, eager to listen and discover!”