TORA is a Norwegian Grammy nominated blues-inspired pop/rock band fronted by guitar heroine Tora Dahle Aagård, who is receiving worldwide praise and popularity due to her playful virtuosity and mesmerising stage presence. She is followed by 160K guitar aficionados from all over the world on Instagram. The band is praised for their raw and energic shows.
TORA’s eponymously titled debut album was released in 2019 and was considered “a promising debut by a new female guitar hero” by the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet. Their second album GIRLS was released in 2020 and received a Norwegian Grammy Nomination. Acclaimed musicians Joey Landreth and drummer Aaron Sterling (John Mayer) feature on the album. Their third album “Seventeen” will be released in September 2022.
Tora will become Norway’s biggest guitar export of her generation. – Amund Maarud
Tora Dahle Aagård has had an hitherto eventful career: Despite her relatively young age (28), the talented guitarist has performed in London’s Royal Albert Hall, jammed with Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson) and Paul Gilbert (Mr Big), as well as Aaron Sterling (John Mayer). In October 2020, she shared the main stage of the world’s biggest virtual guitar festival Guitar.com LIVE with renowned names such as Joe Bonamassa, Carlos Santana, St Vincent and John McLaughlin. Tora is International Ambassador for Marceau Guitars with her very own limited edition signature guitar model designed for her.
TORA consists of Tora Dahle Aagård (guitar and lead vocals), Isak Seltveit (bass guitar), Guri Tranås (backing vocals), Anders Brøndstad (guitar) and Magnus Galguften (drums).
“Her playful virtuosity and sheer stage presence and energy enchanted the audience. She had the crowd in the palm of her hand during «They Say» and «Feeling Good». Definitely an artist to watch.”
Norway Rock Magazine
“Tora has an incredible talent and is the most courageous guitarist I have ever met – throws herself fearlessly into a jam session with the likes of Jennifer Batten and Paul Gilbert – just like that.”
Larvik Guitar Festival
“The band TORA surprises with own tracks and solid, raw blues/soul/rock performances. It is incredibly liberating to observe that the genre is subject to recruitment of such excellent quality and – on top of that – In a highly male-dominated genre, it is a delight to witness that the tradition is brought forward by a talented young lady.”
Nidaros Bluesfestival
“Tora is something as exceptional as an incredibly talented and soulful blues–rock guitarist, aged only 24. I cannot imagine a better example of what the blues tradition needs than her.”
Kjell Inge Brovoll, Blues in Hell