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Tori Amos on Prodigy (www)
live online chat
September 1994
Transcript of the 18 questions Tori answered on Prodigy.
Board: MUSIC
Topic: TORI AMOS
~ ~ ~
Subject: A SONGWRITER'S ?
From: BKSV20C MICHAEL MEYER
Time: 9:45 PM
I am an aspiring songwriter. I know how it feels to have
your feelings pour out of your pen. I am wondering, where
do you get the ideas to write songs such as Icicle and The
Waitress just to name a few? The lines I write come from
personal experience and personal feelings, where do yours
come from? If I could write like you, wow. By the way, I
live in Chicago and tomorrow I am going to get up really
early to wait in line to buy tickets to see you at
Northwestern University. I can't wait for that show. Thank
you very much for giving us your incredible music!
A loyal fan on the way to your concert,
Michael Meyer
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:35 AM
Dear Michael,
The ideas....for "Icicle,"well, go live with my
father
for awhile. But not "The Waitress," that's just living.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: FEMINIST?
From: WNXU99B TRACY RITTER
Time: 8:57 PM
I've heard you called a super-feminist (not necessarily a
BAD thing...), based on your lyrics. How do you respond to
such charges from ‘fans' and/or the media?
Thanks,
Tracy
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 4:07 AM
Dear Tracy,
I don't think it's about choosing a camp
anymore..that's
so...1976. But there are two camps--I'm going to be
responsible for myself, or I'm not going to be
responsible for myself. No gender, no sex. It's like we're
not victims; get off the cross we need the wood. I'll tell
you, I see a lot more guys right now who are shaking in
their boots. It's kind of tragic, because I don't know if
anybody's making a whole lot of sense to the guys right how.
The girls get mad at them because they don't know how to be
tender and independent at the same time.....there's
confusion in that camp. It's not about them controlling us,
they don't know how to control themselves.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: ISSUES/CAUSES?
From: HDSG45B RICH JUZWIAK II
Time: 7:40 PM
Tori-
First let me say that I am a huge fan (I know, really
original...) and that I love every piece of music of yours
that I've heard. My question is: do you support any kind of
foundations or causes (I heard something about a rape
hotline?). Also, will you be including and songs on your
upcoming album about any "controversial" issues (a la "Me
And A Gun")? Thank you so much, Tori. You've given me such
inspiration to do similar things as you do...look me up in a
couple of years ;)!
Thanks again,
Rich Juzwiak II
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 4:00 AM
Dear Rich,
Yes, the rape hotline is RAINN- the Rape Abuse
and Incest
National Network; and the 800 number is 1-800-656-HOPE. You
can call 24 hours a day anywhere in the country, and it's
connected to 341 rape crisis centers across the country.
It's important to pick causes and make sure that what you
are supporting is done correctly and well, and that you're
not spreading yourself too thin.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: LIVE CD?
From: YPHB90A JEFF JAMES
Time: 10:16 PM
Hi Tori. Great to see that my favorite artist has made it
on-line. First of all, let me say that I love your music. I
saw you August 3rd in Tampa at the Tampa Theatre (the 11:00
show) and you were great. My question is: Many bands these
days are seeing a increase in the number of live bootlegs
appearing on CD. Unfortunately, not only does the artist
receive nothing for this, but the shows are usually sub-par.
Do you any have plans to release a live CD to give
your fans a great recording of you live and at the same time
make a little off of it? Some bands have released "Fan Club
only" live CDs in limited pressings for between $20-$25. I
would be more than willing to pay this to be able to capture
your music live on CD. Thanks for reading and God bless.
Jeff
P.S. - Isn't Tampa Theatre one of the best in the country.
That gothic stage with the stars on the ceiling builds the
perfect mood. I was in the front row of the balcony and
it was great. My only regret was that I didn't go to both
shows. See you next tour.
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:56 AM
Dear Jeff,
That theater is great, it's like a haunted
house.
The thing about a live CD is that I think there are 25 or 26
bootlegs out now, and most of them are all crap. I released
some live cuts on an English import, and if I were going to
do a live thing I would do something very different, I'd
probably do a CD ROM thing. But that's down the line,
because I'm probably going to make another record first. I
was going to have a baby, but I'm not going to have a baby
because everybody knows that Eric and I have separated.
We're very dear friends and we're working together on another
project.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: MENTORS/INSPIRATIONS
From: KMMT09D JEN PALMER
Time: 10:26 PM
Tori,
Many musicians accredit a portion of their
interest/success in music to particular people or incidents.
I was wondering if there has been anyone or anything in your
life, whether it be in childhood or adulthood, that inspired
or taught anything about the music industry, or performing,
or piano playing, or vocalizing, etc. Thanks... Jen
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:52 AM
Dear Jen,
There are high points, there are things that you
hear
where you go...and a person who has a direct line to the
creative source. I felt that with John Lennon, and with Joni
Mitchell's early stuff and with Jimnmy Page. There are many
other musicians who have that..Jim Morrison, the Stones, huge
groups of people, Stevie Wonder...but my big (more)
influences were John Lennon, Jimmy Page and Joni Mitchell.
Any time I would ever slip, I would put on "Case Of You,"
and there is not a song that could move me about the way a
woman loves a man the way that song does. I wish I had
written that song. I'm living that song, I should have
been able to have written it.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: NEIL GAIMAN, ETC.
From: FWKF96B ABE GREENHOUSE
Time: 1:34 AM
Dear Tori,
I (and perhaps others as well) am / are writing to you as
representative's of Prodigy's Neil Gaiman / Sandman fan club
the Dreaming Annex (located on the arts bb, comic book
topic). I'd like to say that I'm a big fan of your work, and
I'm curious as to how specifically Neil has influenced you
and your work. We know how you've influenced him, so I'd
like to hear whatever you have to say about him and his
effect on you that wasn't covered in your intro to Death:
The High Cost of Living. Also, as a philosophy student, I'd
like to ask you, in philosophical terms, how you see
yourself...Anyway, I don't mean to bombard you with
questions...So, until we meet again, or I solve the eternals
mysteries of existence and have time for such things, I bid
you a find farewell. Thank you.
Sincerely, "Olethros", a Skeptical
Existentialist with Athiestic and Nihilistic Tendencies
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:32 AM
I read all of Neil's work, and I think he's
probably the
most important writer right now. There's no question that
Neil is another league.
When you look at certain artists who consider their work
"dark," it's pretty much high school when you compare it
with Neil's work, and the reason is because Neil understands
light so perfectly, which enables him to go as deep
as one can dream to.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: NIRVANA COVER!!!!!!!
From: RCRF66B PHILLIP COTTOM
Time: 9:33 AM
WHY DID YOU DO A COVER SONG OF COME AS YOU ARE??? ORION
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:48 AM
Dear Orion,
I didn't do "Come As You Are," I did "Smells
Like Teen
Spirit," because I thought it embodied male rage for this
whole generation, and this was kind of honoring that. It was
like saying we honor that and understand it.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
From: ANRH40B VICKI COADY
Time: 10:41 PM
Hi! Do you regret taking part in Y Kant Tori Read? Are
ther any songs that you prefer to play? Is there any artist
you really want to work with? I love your music and I think
you are one of the most talented musicians.
Vicki
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 4:00 AM
Dear Vicki,
That record was a horrible bomb......
I'd like to work with George Martin.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: RAPE SURVIVOR SUPPRT
From: JRJG11A SHANTI HANNA
Time: 0:03 AM
Dear Tori,
I just want to thank you so much for all you've done;
for your courage, and for your goodwill. Your music has
really helped me through my own rape experience, and helped
me realize that I'm not to blame, that I wasn't at fault,
and that there are others out there, and I'm not alone. I'm
not so scared anymore, and I have you to thank for that.
Also, because of your music, I have found the courage to
seek help; I am now attending weekly sessions of a
survivor's group. I also plan to speak out about my
experiences, to educate people, so to somehow turn all the
bad that I've gone through into something negative. Again,
thank you.
I had one question to ask you. Do you ever plan to
collaborate with another artist? Like a duet, with someone
like say Morrissey? That would be really nice...
Shanti
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:16 AM
Dear Shanti,
Morrissey is an interesting choice....Well,
Trent Reznor
obviously has done something on the record, and I've done
something with Robert Plant for the Zeppelin tribute record.
That was an incredible thrill - to work with him, we did
"Down By The Seaside." And supposedly Michael Stipe and I
are doing something together for a movie. And I sang
something on Tom Jones' record. So that's a cross section
of different dudes....
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: RED HAIR DYE:}:}:}:}
From: BVPH62B M MOSELEY
Time: 9:50 PM
First, an immense thank you.
Now, my first question: The hair. What in the world do you
use to get it so "spaghetti red"??
And my last question is about "Here. In my Head"
(INCREDIBLEINCREDIBLEINCREDIBLE). On the "Pieces of Me"
boot, you said that it got you into a lot of trouble. What
exactly did you mean by that? Oh, and your March 27th and
June 20th shows in DC were really...exciting, moving, and
mesmerizing. I can't even thank you enough for just
creating what you create.
Thanks,
M in Burke, VA
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:38 AM
For the hair, I use peroxide 30 with Clairol's
Torrid's
Torch Crimson. I do it myself, it cost me $3.70, once every
five weeks, and then I use another color- Beautiful Reds,
and the color is Rosewood Brown.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: SENSUALLECTUAL
From: YVTE77A RAFE MARGOLIN
Time: 2:30 AM
Tori,
I use that term for you because that is how I perceive
you. You touch me with your words, insight, humor and yes
your sensuality. You are an inspiration to me, since I have
hope that there is a wonderful woman like you I can share my
life and soul with. Do you make a conscious effort to
temper your political and social songs with your sensual and
sometimes overtly sexual songs? I mean do you look at an
album and say well it has too many serious songs or the
opposite? Or does it happen naturally without any
forethought or afterthought? A curious soul.
A not very secret admirer,
Rafe
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:30 AM
Dear Rafe,
John Lennon was always such a great teacher of
this, of
balance. If you listen to Beatles records, there was always
such a great balance. It's about telling a story. An album
is a novel, really, you have to be taken on a journey. If
you listen to the same type of song over and over again,
it's like eating salad for an appetizer, salad for a main
course and salad for dessert. You have to tap into different
emotional angles. I made a mistake on "Under The Pink,"
because Honey should have been on it.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: SKIRTS ON FIRE?
From: HTTR83B JENNIFER ALBERT
Time: 3:52 AM
Hi Tori, welcome to P. Just a few short questions for you! :)
1-Whatever became of the "dance" album you recorded with
Narada Michael Walden and will anything ever become of it
in the future?
2-Will the Baltimore single ever be re-released on a
compilation album in the future?
3-How do you feel about not being able to spend as much
"quality" time with your fans on the Under The Pink tour as
you did on the Little Earthquakes tour?
4-Did you enjoy the DAT of "Song For Eric (extended remix)"
by Kevin Moore that was given to you at UCIrvine? :)
That's it! Don't work too hard. :)
Much love, Jennifer Albert
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:25 AM
Dear Jennifer,
These are great questions.....the dance album
was a demo,
and if we need war weapons to torture our enemy, then we
should give them cassettes of this. The "Baltimore" single
will not be re-released, of course not. And I loved the
DAT.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: SONG MOST PROUD OF?
From: JPMJ56B GREG WARD
Time: 4:39 PM
Tori,
I am a songwriter myself, and I am very inspired by your
enthusiastic playing and by the songs you write. I am
curious to know, of all the songs you have written, which is
most special to you, that you're especially proud of? If I
ever become well known, maybe you could play on a song of
mine. I'd love to sing with you. Thanks for giving me
songs that I feel are truly from your heart. Thanks for the
inspiration. I'll always admire you. Thanks.
Greg Ward
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:26 AM
Dear Greg,
Of everything? "Me and A Gun."
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: SUGAR TROUBLE?
From: JWXH46C STEFFI KIRK
Time: 4:17 PM
Tori,
I've heard that you've said that Sugar and Here. In My Head
have gotten you in "trouble". Out of curiousty, what kind
of trouble? In any case, they both sound really great live
(as most of your songs do!) :) I was happy to see your
intro to Death: The High Cost of Living, most of us girls
seem to wish we were like Death at least some of the time.:)
Well, before I go, one more thing, what do you think of
music by other artists such as Kate Bush, Sarah McLachlan,
and Happy Rhodes? Although they don't sound like you, at
least not to me, they seem to attract all of your fans....
Anyhow, have fun, write some more great music for us, and
don't let evil spirits interfere with your cooking.... *grin*
Steffi
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:23 AM
Dear Steffi,
God, you don't miss a trick.... Well, sometimes,
I think
my problem is you know how people have harem fantasies?
Well, I don't have that; I have Cleopatra fantasies, where
she just falls for all these different men. And I meet so
many interesting men that sometimes my little heart goes
pitter patter and it's inappropriate.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: THOUGHTS ON WOMEN
From: JVKR79A SARA KRAUSERT
Time: 6:36 PM
Hi Tori! Your music depicts a strong woman that also feels
things very deeply - something that many women would like to
think they are. Do you feel that you are a role model for
women, and do you think that some men are perhaps
intimidated by the "Tori Amos" in your songs? Thanks for
your time.
Sara Krausert
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:19 AM
Dear Sara,
I don't think it's just men who are intimidated.
I think
if you're refusing yourself, whether you're a man or a
woman you're going to be intimidated, because that's what my
work is about. It's always about peeling an onion, standing
there naked. And a lot of times, we don't want to look at
our part in this little game that we're all playing.
The work is better when I allow myself to go to those
places; it's not as strong when I'm trying to hide a bit.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: TORI AMOS
From: ANMB99A MARK CRAMER
Time: 4:18 PM
Wow! A chance to talk to one of the most talented
musicians of our time! Your music is more innovative than
anything since Hendrix. I also think its great that you
have good taste in comics (Sandman)! Do you read any other
comics? I would also really like to know what kind of music
you enjoy. I really wanted to see your concert at the
Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Va., but I was out of town
at the time. Will you be coming back anytime soon. I have
no doubt that you have many songs to record and put on a new
album, but please, do something totally unexpected and
unusual! Thanks for bringing music that will never be
duplicated!
Michael Cramer
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:41 AM
Dear Michael,
No, I don't read any other comics. I tried, but
I'm
spoiled. Because after you read Neil...I'm sorry.....
I think if I hadn't been musical, I would have been a
history teacher. So, because of Neil's expertise on
mythology and history, I'm so drawn to his work, and
everything else pales. That's because of my interest.
As for music, I listen to everything....you can't be a
good songwriter unless you expose yourself to all
different styles of music. It's like being a chef without
knowing all the spices you can use. How can you be as
creative if you've never used tarragon?
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: TORI AMOS-DEEPISSUES
From: GSGM27B GONZALO SILVA II
Time: 10:57 PM
I enjoy your work. You seem to cover many deep issues about
rape, incest and other subjects on your 2 albums.
Has there been a time when you thought about just writing
songs that weren't so deep. Maybe, writing songs about
escaping life's craziness.
I enjoyed your rendition of Nirvana's "Smells like teen
spirit" off your Crucify EP.
One more thing.
Where could I find your "debut" album - "Y Kant Tori Read"?
Thank You,
Gonzalo
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 3:46 AM
Dear Gonzalo,
You know, "Yellow Submarine" is a very deep
song. Way
deeper than some of these songs where people are
slitting their wrists or showing you their veins. You're
sort of yawning during some of those songs. John Lennon was
a genius, and what people don't understand, is just because
somebody walks in a room and wears black, and says they're
dark, doesn't mean that they are. I've met some little old
ladies who tend gardens in England, that I'd probably
lock the door to my room way quicker than to some of
these people who show up at a Tool concert.
Thanks,
Tori Amos
~ ~ ~
Subject: WERE SCHOOL CHUMS
From: HCMA17A ALEX CASCELLA
Time: 7:39 PM
HI TORI, IT'S ERIC KRASNER USING A BUDDYS COMPUTER.
WE WENT TO M.C. TOGETHER BACK IN 79-80. I SENT A LETTER TO
YOUR DAD BEFORE YOUR FIRST CONCERT IN D.C. BUT I DON'T KNOW
IF YOU EVER GOT IT. I KNEW THAT YOU'D ALWAYS DO WELL, JUST
FROM THE JAM SESSIONS WE HAD IN THOSE SMALL MUSTY REHEARSAL
ROOMS. I'M STILL SINGING MY BUTT OFF, AMOUNG OTHER THINGS.
I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN LEAVE MY ADDRESS OR PHONE # HERE SO
IF YOU FEEL LIKE IT DR. MULLER AT M.C. MUSIC DEPT. KNOWS
HOW TO GET AHOLD OF ME. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
LUV THE RED HAIR!!!
ERIC H. KRASNER
From: ROCK99C TORI AMOS
Time: 4:01 AM
Dear Eric,
Big hugs from Tori.
Tori
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