Downtown Alpharetta has always felt like Tori Gideon's second home. She loves spending slow afternoons walking the streets with her family, popping into local shops, soaking in the charm and admiring the beauty of the town. There’s something about the brick sidewalks, open spaces and friendly faces that feels grounding and inspiring.
Tori is 12-years old and already, her music career is unfolding in beautiful ways. She has written an entire album — songs filled with heart, resilience and encouragement for young teens navigating their own stories. She recently released her first single and has already performed live at Ryan Seacrest Studios at Arthur M. Blank Children’s Hospital. She has been interviewed by CBS Atlanta and will appear on 11Alive — milestones that reflect both her talent and her calling.
In her hometown of Alpharetta, one of her favorite stops is Comeback Vinyl. You can often find her there flipping through gently used records, headphones on, discovering new sounds and old legends alike. For Tori, vinyl isn’t just music; it’s history, storytelling, and inspiration. It’s where she studies the greats, absorbs the layers of classic rock and continues shaping her own evolving sound.
When it’s time to eat, she loves gathering with family at Never Enough Thyme — especially up on the roof. Recently, Up on the Roof even selected her Pandora station to play throughout the restaurant, hoping to hear her newest single in the mix. For a hometown girl, hearing your music woven into the soundtrack of your favorite local spot is something truly special, a quiet reminder that dreams can grow right where you are planted.
Another familiar place is North Point Mall, where she enjoys walking with her mom — laughing, browsing and just being together. And when she’s hunting for unique fashion finds to match her rock spirit, she stops by Opulence Stylehouse to discover cool treasures that reflect her bold, glitter-punk style.
She’s incredibly grateful to Stick By Stick for helping her create custom swag on the fly — supporting her creative journey in such a tangible way.
Food adventures are another favorite. Whether it’s dinner at Nahm Fine Thai Cuisine, sushi nights at Ichiban Steak & Sushi or grabbing rolls at Revolving Sushi Factory, she loves sharing meals and memories with friends.
On weekends, you might catch her and her friends at the movies at Halcyon, or taking her pup Sunny to Unexpected Pooch for some fun. She also loves strolling through Avalon with her girls and finishing the night with a sweet treat from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
These aren’t just places — they’re part of her rhythm, her memories, her growing-up story.
You’ll often find her on the Big Creek Greenway, training alongside her sister for cross country — pushing each other, building discipline and strengthening their bond.
And when it comes to music, her journey has been intentionally nurtured. Tori has been under development at Jan Smith Studios with Mama Jan Smith — one of the most respected vocal coaches and artist developers in the industry. Under Mama Jan’s mentorship, Tori has not only refined her vocal strength and control, but also grown in confidence, artistry and stage presence. The studio has become a place of discipline, growth and professional preparation — shaping her not just as a singer, but as a true artist. She is thrilled to produce her first single, “Glitter Punk 1985,” with the legendary Mama Jan Smith and Jesse Owen Astin.
Her time at School of Rock Alpharetta is where she first fell in love with the raw energy of rock — loud guitars, honest emotion, fearless expression. It introduced her to the power of live performance and gave her the courage to own the stage. That early spark ignited something lasting.
But even as her career grows, Alpharetta remains her place to call home.
Tori simply loves being a kid. She loves the parks, the green fields, the freedom to run, laugh, dream and create. Her hometown isn’t just a backdrop to her story; it’s part of her heartbeat.
Alpharetta gave her room to grow.
Room to dream.
Room to be free.
And from those streets — from vinyl shops, rooftop dinners, studio sessions, and sister runs — a glitter-punk artist with a big voice and an even bigger heart continues to rise.
Follow our young star at ToriGideon.com