Tori Amos [The Original]

By: Julian Chavez | December 21, 2009 | Ten by Ten

Singer-songwriter Tori Amos is known for her emotionally intense songs that address a wide range of issues including personal tragedy, sexuality and religion. Amos has developed a unique sound that uses the piano as the lead instrument in her alternative rock music. Amos most recently released her first seasonal album, Midwinter Graces, which features reworked versions of classic carols, along with a few of her own seasonal tracks.

What is the most important lesson you’ve ever learned?
That’s such a huge question. If I narrow it down to my performing world I would say that the most important thing I’ve learned is that I have to step into a different reality when I’m going to perform. So, I don’t take phone calls or deal with my day-to-day life for at least an hour before a show.

Who is your favorite contemporary artist and why?
Probably Cindy Sherman, because she is able to allow herself to transform into many different women. Whether they are different sides of herself or whether she is able to channel these women is not for me to answer, but it inspires me as a woman to explore my different sides and to not get stuck in an image that I may have of myself that could be very limiting.

What characteristics constitute intelligence?
One would have to be being able to listen, because if you are always talking then you are not learning. An understanding of limitations is important. If you think you are an expert at everything, then clearly you are not able to be objective. Objectivity and subjectivity are essential in the development of emotional intelligence.

How would you describe the current state of American politics?
I would say it’s in a place similar to where a mother would be with a child. By saying that, what I mean is when you are a mother of a young child, you try and understand what its needs are and then you try to meet those needs. Once the child becomes a teenager, the mother has to roll up her sleeves and often act from tough love. This does not necessarily make you a popular mother, but it will make you a responsible one.

American politicians need to care enough about our country and our people to do the right thing, but that might mean they won’t get elected again. It’s like when you tell a teenager, “No, hand me back the credit card! You can’t just have a free ride in life; you have to work for it.” They will get angry, but you are teaching them one of the most important lessons of their life.

What do you think is the biggest threat to world peace?
Intolerance. I’ve been touring around the world this year, and whether I’m in a conservative city or a supposedly liberal city, in every place I run across intolerance against something. In one city or town it will be a different kind of religious group, so if you’re not “born again” then you can’t love Jesus. Or if you are not Islamic, then you are the enemy. Or if you are gay, then you shouldn’t have the same rights even though you pay taxes.

If you look back in history, this is how persecutions start: by not granting rights to people. By not letting Jewish people into certain cafes in the ’30s, by not allowing black people to walk through the front door in the ’50s, by not allowing gays to marry in the 21st century, by turning our backs on the persecution of Palestinian children because of some of their leaders. We have to find a way to tolerate each other’s differences or we will be in another world war before the century is over.

What is your definition of success?
Success is setting goals and accomplishing them.

What do you consider your greatest professional achievement?
That would have to be the songs themselves. They’ve changed my life, and they’ve helped me to see the world the way that I see it. They’ve helped me to become more compassionate over the years.

Which five people do you most admire and why?
I admire people that can maintain, who are able to deal with the ups and downs that happen in life and come out with a pretty good attitude.

Susan Barrett — my 11th-grade English teacher. She was a great teacher because she didn’t allow me to just skate by. Sometimes, she was relentless, but she instilled a passion for learning and literature and poetry.

Ms. Ethel Williamson — she works in my sister’s doctor’s office. She may be around 70, but every morning, she comes in dressed in a suit and high heels, and she reminds me of the beautiful Tina Turner. She told me that she makes an effort because it makes her feel better. She’s changed the concept of getting up in the morning by making it an event. Every day is an event.

My mother — mainly because my mother will just love you to death. Her love is deeper than any other trait she’s got, and I rely on that every day.

Georgia O’Keefe — I really was energized to know that she was creating up until the very end as a very old woman. She didn’t let society’s idea of when you’ve passed your “sell by” date slow her down or abort her powerful creations. She was a pioneer and a “way shower” in defining how to become a wise woman through your creations.

Robert Graves — he wrote a book called The White Goddess. This book gives birth to mythology unlike anybody or anything else. He was born in 1895 and lived until 1985. In this book he explains the different guises of the goddess over thousands of years. His knowledge of all comparative religions and mythology is staggering, and in one simple book it all actually seems to make sense. I couldn’t explain it myself; you’ll have to read it.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t put your underwear on in the dark.

How would you define love?
Love is the only force powerful enough to create through, still forgive, and survive the tyranny and subjection that other forces may inflict.

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