News: Toronto Star Interview (May 1, 2007)

There are many sides to the women I know that are much more complex. Their boyfriends look at them thinking they know (them), and I’m sitting there thinking, if I were a guy I’d be stealing her from you.

This short interview appeared in today’s edition of The Toronto Star. Thanks to Jenn for letting us know!

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The faces of Tori Amos

Singer recorded new CD in four distinct voices, plus her own

May 01, 2007 04:30 AM

Ashante Infantry
Pop & Jazz critic

If Tori Amos has a reputation for eccentricity, it will be solidified with the arrival of her ninth studio album, American Doll Posse, in stores today.

Not only has the singer/songwriter/keyboardist recorded the songs as four distinct female characters (Isabel, Clyde, Pip, Santa) besides herself, but each one will have her own blog and take turns opening for Amos on her upcoming tour.

“I’ve been confusing people from the beginning,” the forthright entertainer said during a visit to Toronto yesterday.

Since her 1992 debut, Little Earthquakes, Amos’s whimsical approach and quivering vocals have sold more than 12 million records. The trappings of her new record seem gimmicky, but the 23 songs exude political and moral strength with their feminist explorations.

The classically trained pianist and North Carolina native is a savvy entrepreneur who owns her merchandise company, is a partner in the firm that manages her, and recorded American Doll Posse in the state-of-the-art studio at the Cornwall, England compound where she resides with her husband and daughter.

Q What is the source of your tremendous well of compositions?

A My grandfather was part eastern Cherokee and he had such influence on me till I was 9, when he died. He was a great storyteller and he would encourage me to listen to the myths and the stories of the Indian people. He said, “You understand musical keys, but there are story keys, so when you go back into the keys, then you’re able to go to the root of a chord.” I’m not the one doing it, it’s a co-creation.

Q What compelled you to explore this idea of the “dismembered feminine?”

A The female types in Christianity – from the point of view of the minister’s daughter – were amputated: mother Mary not having her sexuality and Magdalene not having her spirituality. This drives me to tell the story of the complexity of woman. Female sexuality is breaking my heart now: to rebel, women are demeaning themselves.

Q Often in pop, image is used to obscure lack of talent and substance; why risk taking the focus off your lyrics and message with these different characters?

A Everything’s an image. As you become older as a woman you recognize that. The red-headed girl at the piano? It’s not the only choice, if I’m honest with you, I could have made. There are many sides to the women I know that are much more complex. Their boyfriends look at them thinking they know (them), and I’m sitting there thinking, if I were a guy I’d be stealing her from you. I’ve always thought Johnny Depp may know how a woman tastes, but I know how she thinks. We’re the same age, Johnny Depp and I.

Q What age is that?

A 43. And isn’t it interesting that we, as woman at 43, our place in the industry is very different than men at 43. There are not a lot of (female) heartthrobs at 43. And there’s something in me that felt for the first time since being a mom I wake up happy in my skin. I think I needed to become a beached whale – get so big and create this life – and by giving birth I recognize what my body as woman could do without any shame or any kind of idea that sexuality isn’t sacred.

Q How has having a child informed your work?

A When (my daughter) was a toddler … I was investigating the nurturing side of woman. I’d been a warrior for so long, I had no problem addressing things with the anger side of myself; but the compassionate side and the side that doesn’t put yourself first was not something I knew too much about. As Tash has gotten independent – she’s 6 1/2 now – I could pick up the tomahawk again and address certain issues for women.

Q Were you concerned about the possibility of backlash for taking President Bush to task with “Yo George”?

A Well, my name is Tori and “inflamma-Tori” is what I do. I’ve never been America’s sweetheart, ever. I love my dad, but he is a Republican and we don’t agree.