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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



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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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