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Daily Express (UK)
Saturday magazine
February 26, 2005

Tori Amos

by Rachel Corcoran

What was the inspiration for your new album?

It was written in Cornwall, and it's about being on this side of the Atlantic. I decided to live here for love. I bought a beach house in Florida a long time ago, before I knew I'd marry a British person. I like being in Cornwall and coming up to London - but I miss the sunshine, I won't lie.

Tell us about your book.

It's based on a conversation between two women on how to survive the music business, and the process of creativity. How to juggle touring and being a mum.

Has becoming a mother changed you?

I don't remember what it was like before being Natashya's mummy. Life is split in two: BT, before Tash and AT, after Tash. I enjoy the role, but you don't sleep at all. You just have to find time to be a mum and work, so she comes with me if I'm on tour.

Is she showing any musical talent yet?

She's showing all kinds of talents, but her biggest at the moment is being a cheeky monkey. But I think that's all good - she knows how to work her mum!

What is your greatest fear?

Losing my rag at bitchy waitresses. England's the worst. You go "Look, I'm paying the bill, how much do I have to pay for you to be just rotten, instead of horribly rotten?" It's hard enough in life without getting abused when you're paying for something.

What has been your biggest regret?

Not buying a house in north London in '95. It was a really good price. You couldn't buy an outhouse for it now. My father told me it was too expensive - thanks, Dad! I could have made lots of money, but there you go!

What is the wierdest dream you've ever had?

I turned into a creature I'd never seen before - part shark, part ice cream. Maybe it's one of my guilty, low-carb dreams.

What has been the most embarrassing moment of your career?

Falling off my piano stool - and I wasn't even drinking! It was at an American university and I was pounding away, going back and forth on the stool. The floor was slippery and, all of a sudden, kaboom! I kept playing on my knees. I was so embarrassed. My husband was wetting himself in the sound booth!

Who is the most fanciable male on TV?

He's not around any more, but it would have to be Steve McQueen. he had that something. I normally go for that kind of guy. Someone who's intelligent, but kind of complicated; a bit rough around the edges, but inherently good.

Have you ever been on a blind date?

I sure have. I don't like them, they can be so contrived. Dates aren't the best way to get to know people, which is why there are so many office love affairs. My husband and I had an office love affair. i think we're still having one.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes. That happened with my husband - I'm talking butterflies, hot sweats, playing the wrong notes on my piano. I was in another relationship and so was he, so it wasn't good timing. But I knew, from the moment I saw him, I was in big trouble and that I'd better not buy the house with the guy that I was with.

How do you find working together?

Sometimes it's volatile - but that's because it's passionate. At least it's not dull. If one of you is sitting there watching TV, ignoring the other one, then it's over. You don't even care, it's important to get things out in the open.

What's the strangest thing you've read about yourself?

That I'm tragic. I don't know where I read it. I don't see myself in that way. I like to have a good giggle!

Who would you like to play you in the movie of your life?

Johnny Depp. We're the same age, he's just coming in to his own and I think I'm just coming in to mine. He likes his quirky roles, too!


original article



[scan by Sakre Heinze]

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