Tori Martin’s “Cowgirls Ride” is a High-Spirited Anthem for Every Woman
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Tori Martin, the Texas-bred talent on LuckySky Music, has just unleashed “Cowgirls Ride,” an electrifying new single that’s less a song and more a rallying cry. It’s clear from the first note that this isn’t just for the rodeo circuit; as Tori herself puts it, “It’s a mantra we were born to know. I hope it motivates cowgirls everywhere.” And motivate it does.
From the moment “Cowgirls Ride” kicks off, it grabs you with an infectious, up-tempo energy. Tori’s vocals are a force of nature, shifting effortlessly from a gritty, determined challenge to a soaring, sweet energy that could raise the rafters of any honky-tonk or arena. Producer Bill Warner has truly outdone himself, crafting a soundscape that’s as expansive and evocative as a classic Western film. Haunting guitar riffs weave through a wide-open sonic landscape, conjuring images of boundless prairie ranges and the exhilarating freedom they represent. Warner’s insight that the chorus “inevitably hits the mark with the audience” after live performances is no surprise—it’s undeniably catchy and empowering.
Tori Martin’s journey to this powerful release is as compelling as her music. A self-described “military brat,” her early life saw her moving through various states before settling in Azle, Texas, at age seven. It was there, just outside the bustling Dallas/Fort Worth area, that her musical roots took hold, nurtured by singing in the local church choir and soaking in the timeless sounds of Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette, courtesy of her grandfather, “Paw-Paw.” By the tender age of 14, she was already gracing Opry stages across Texas, honing the craft that would eventually earn her recognition as one of Renegade Radio Nashville’s “New Faces of Country” in 2014.
While her stint on Season 14 of ABC TV’s American Idol ended in the Hollywood round, it only fueled her resolve. Armed with invaluable experience and a healthy dose of courage, Tori made the pivotal move to Nashville in 2017. It didn’t take long for her songwriting prowess to catch the attention of some of Music City’s most esteemed tunesmiths, a path she describes as “blessed from the start.” A fortuitous meeting led to her collaboration with Bill Warner, and soon after, she inked a deal with LuckySky Music. Together, this dynamic duo is forging a unique artistic path that is unmistakably Tori Martin’s own.
Her discography speaks volumes about her modern traditional Country sound, firmly rooted in her Texas upbringing. From the playful “What Would Dolly Do” to the spirited “Steppin’ In It” and the chart-reaching “Lucky” (which hit #42 on the Billboard Indicator chart), Tori has consistently demonstrated her ability to blend classic country sensibilities with a fresh, contemporary edge. Her previous single, “Lost In The Country,” was a true regional success, hitting #1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report, Top 25 on the CDX TRACtion Texas Chart, and Top 15 on their True Indie Chart. More recently, she delivered the seasonal delight “Warm For December” in November, showcasing her versatility.
The accolades keep rolling in for Tori. Named one of the “Future Faces” of 2024 at the TRRR Music Awards, she also had the honor of opening for Drew Baldridge on select dates of his Fall 2024 tour. This past March, at the 15th annual Texas Music & Radio Awards Show in Arlington, she was recognized with the Texas Regional Radio Report’s 2025 “New Female Vocalist of the Year” award. And if that wasn’t enough, her most recent single, “Abilene,” has been a runaway success, reaching #1 on the TRRR chart, cracking the Top 10 on the Texas Music Chart, and landing at #11 on the CDX TRACtion Texas Chart in April.
When she’s not captivating audiences on the road, Tori embraces a quieter life, indulging in antiquing, decorating, and cherishing moments with her husband and their beloved canine companions—two golden retrievers, Duke and Daisy, and a French bulldog named Lucky.
“Cowgirls Ride” is more than just a song; it’s an affirmation of strength, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that defines not just cowgirls, but women everywhere. Tori Martin has delivered an anthem that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant, solidifying her place as a true star in modern country music.