Dogs on Shady Lane

"18," the Tiny Desk Contest entry from Providence, R.I., duo Dogs on Shady Lane, was filmed in an abandoned Bible college library; a mess of fallen bookshelves coated with graffiti and dust serve as the duo's dramatic backdrop. The hushed sonic landscape is just as impressive and particular. Backed by singer-guitarist Evan Weinstein, Tori Hall questions the excess of her own emotions ("I'm too old to be crying so much" and "I think I feel too much") with a soft but substantial voice as she plucks at — and moments even strokes with an orchestra bow — her guitar strings. —Elle Mannion - NPR Music

"It’s music written from the heart, by the kids from yesterday, bringing your inner teenager back to the surface for your very own coming-of-age montage." - Motif Magazine

'Among the layered voices and rhythmic guitar of “18” lies a repeated statement; a judgement and in a sense, a key question about emotion and curiosities: “I’m too old to be crying so much.”' - Womxn Crush Music Blog

"The new track by Dogs on Shady Lane has in it all the charm of the indie-folk genre: escapist sounds you can drift away to and lyrics that ground you to a reality you help to shape" - The Deli Magazine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Hall.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’d say the project started around August of 2017. Under no title, I played a house show with just a three song set(I believe it was 2 originals and a Sylvan Esso cover). The idea of doing a solo project was something I’d thought about for some time, but after that gig I felt more confident in making it a reality. With a loop pedal and my guitar as a set up, I wasn’t sure if that was the route I wanted to go for every show. For small gigs, absolutely. There’s something so intimate about hearing a songs bare bones with just a guitar and vocal.. But larger scale gigs were up in the air.

Nevertheless, I continued to write and eventually decided to record an EP at Big Nice Studio. I wrote the songs with specific parts in mind so I asked my musically inclined friends if they would help me out (shoutout Rachel, Sydney, Riley, Evan, Brenna, and Matt). It had been years since we’d all played together prior to recording last December. The live tracking made me realize how much I missed playing with others. The songs also really came together with the full arrangements. That’s when I decided I’d want to play gigs full band, but with different friends from past and current musical endeavors.

An EP, live session, and tour later, here I am! - Boston Voyager