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WBCN & WFNX Radio Interviews (Boston, MA)
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WBCN & WFNX Radio Interviews (Boston, MA)
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Tori did interviews on 2 local radio stations in the Boston, MA area on Tuesday, November 17 (The day of her concert in Lowell, MA.) She did an interview at radio station WBCN 104.1FM
. Tori also did an interview with WFNX 101.7FM. I have reports about both these interviews below, including a complete transcript from the WBCN interview courtesy of EWF Meghan. If anyone has a transcript from the WFNX interview, or more information, please email me
.
(Let's hope her name is not too relevant in this situation!)
This is a transcript (more or less) of the interview on November 17th on WBCN. I don't know which of the deejays (I'm pretty sure it was Nik Carter and Bill but I could be wrong). What the deejays is saying isn't exact...what Tori is saying is nearly exact.
Tori: Hi Bill
DJ: We're just using the cheap mikes Tori and we want to make sure
everything's ok
Tori:Hi BILL
DJ:And welcome back to WBCN. You had a traffic nightmare for a little while
gettin' here?
Tori:Did I?
DJ:I don't know did you?
Tori:I was eating my french fries, I have no idea
DJ: You don't look like-you wouldn't strike me as a french fry eater?
Tori:Really? That's good!
DJ:Yeah I think you look way too healthy for that...[asks her to play a
song]
Tori:So this is a B-side, its not on any of the records, so don't go buy any
of my records. Hehehehe. [Plays "Cooling"]
DJ: Yeah, Tori Amos live here at WBCN! [blah blah blah] Tori some of these
people have been waitin' outside since like, 8:30 this morning-
Tori:You're kidding
DJ:In the rain
Tori:And you can't even hear the piano [people in the background saying "its
ok"]
DJ:This has got the be like the uh, the total opposite or extreme of what
you're doing right now. Cause you're playing the big, monster hockey arenas
right now, which is a very big change for you, how's it been going? Just the
transition the larger stage?
Tori:You just have to um, everytime I, I don't do the setlist till like, 20
minutes before I go on. So, I'm in the venue a little bit, have a cup of
tea, see the people on the way in...just get a sense of who you're playing
to that night, and um, I change-besides the first and the last song
everything else is up for grabs. So you just get a sense of where you're
playing and, I do design a show based on the feel I get from that place.
DJ: Yeah, I thinkn a lot of the fans initially, myself included, I was kinda
like, I don't know-as much as we want to see you do well, and play bigger
places, but its kinda like when you're into an artist its your little thing
and you don't, ya know, wanna share it with 20,000 people and having seen
you a couple times in very small intimate places I was kinda like, well I
don't really know...
Tori: Yeah, I knew I was gonna get that-
DJ: Sorry!
Tori: No, its not like your predictable or anything Nik, I figured that
would be coming but at the same time, ya know, if artists aren't driving
their own train, you guys get bored and then, I have to follow always my
muse, no matter what. And I knew that I wanted to have a bit of a Dionysian
frenzy-it's more like a fire ceremony. You have people moving parts of their
bodies that they didn't even know that they had. And that's what an arena
creates-its this primitive (growling/purring noise)
DJ: I think the band lends to that too
Tori: Yeah, but its all the bouncing off of these shapes. To me, music is
always about sonic gemometry. What sounds can fit, what kind of shape your
gonna make with these sounds. And in some of these bigger places it just
bounces off and it does kind of create that um, ya know, just a decadance
that a dry room doesn't create.
DJ: Yea decandance!
Tori:Yeaaa!
DJ:You move on from the 1 to 1...trying to get the mass to move in the way
that you want to get them to move.
Tori: But see, I also wanted to show what the acoustic piano can do. She can
hold an arena, and she can be integrated w/ other instruments. And its not,
ya know, I don't have a gratuitous back up band. [in a snobby voice] oh
yeah, they're the studio guys and they do a little backbeat...its not about
that. Its about obviously, Bonham was my teacher. That music. And when I was
gonna put a band together, I had to feel like that the piano could stand
next to these, intense live shows by Zepplin, by whatever. ANd that's what I
wanted to do and then the-to tell the guys to go have a beer or something
and do songs at the piano and still work-ya know, that was a challenge.
DJ: Have you enjoyed this challenge? blah blah blah
Tori:Yeah, its tricky but I think you know, people see the piano. People see
WOMAN at the PIANO in a different light. Its not just about, ya know, they
know that this instrument that is not normally thought of um, oozing jelly
dripping down your chin, um, moving your body, and can hold their own
against the big guitar things. I mean, that's what was very exciting-to show
that the piano is that versatile.
DJ: It was interesting, talkin about going from the smaller, intimate places
to the big uh, enormo domes of the land. [To Lisa Street I believe] How many
times have you seen her?
Lisa: Um, twenty-two
DJ: So when Lisa came in you guys made eye contact and you gave her a little
wave and it just amazes me, that uh, whenever I've seen you...the people
that come to see you, aren't just fans, they identify w/ you unlike any
other artist. They really feel like they're a part of you and a part of
whats going on....blah blah blah..22 times? As wonderful as that may be does
it overwhelm you even?
Tori: No, I think you just, that's why I change the show every night because
the main thing is the crew has a commitment to excellence, so does the band,
and its really about how do we make magic every night? and sometimes we
don't achieve it. But, we, we're out here on the road to try and achieve it
as much as we can. And so, I think that people know that we're not just up
there, because we have nothing better to do. I mean, we really want to be
there playing music. I'd like to think, you know, if you're bored its not a
bad place to hang out for a couple of hours.
DJ: Its an unusual perspective cause there's people here blah blah
blah...search engine I find 197 different entries for Tori Amos...is that
overwhelming?
Tori: I don't have a computer-I think that's a good move. No, you know what
it is, I just think you, I really get that, um, I'm a translator for these
songs and I try to hold true to them, and I feel really blessed that they
come and visit me, and I just they really want to make contact w/ other
people, these songs, and I just try to be a good ya know, interpretor for
them. Plus, if I become a jerk they'll kick my ass! So you know, there is a
deal that is made, that you make w/ the muse. I think everybody makes their
own deal. And if you forget your deal, that's when you see a lot of artists
ya know, have sort of embarassing and tragic, and slow
downfalls...hahahah...mentioning no names. But you know what I mean?
Sometimes when you realize Oh my God! What are they thinking? They've
stopped listening. You've stopped being street-level, meaning you've stopped
listening to just the voice of people. As a song writer you have to be
observant and you have to still be very grounded and when you get caught up
in whats going on backstage and its sort of the illusion of the side of the
music business. Then you stop writing good songs I think...you just start
writing things like-WHAT?! Like, if this person wasn't famous would we
REALLY care about this? And Idon't even care if they are! ya know, I think
people forget-you can't lose touch w/ just ya know, hangin around.
DJ: Lots of people relate....blah blah blah...how do you think being married
is going to change any of your songwriting...?
Tori: Well, he's inspired stuff ya know, already. We won't get into it-He
does NOT like to be talked about-that's another deal
DJ: I don't mean to delve in there...[talks about Smithereens writing great
broken hearted love songs, then got married and was happy-Tori seems really
really bored]
Tori: Guess we'll see won't we Bill? Hehehe. No, nobody wants happy
musicians, we all know that. I think the thing is, you uh, there's a certain
point where, as a songwriter, I never answer questions-not even to him, he
knows it. I do not explain the songs. I have to have sort of anonimity. So,
you just imagine if you were married to me, and I come on w/ something about
me snakin' around and you might go "hey, is this based on-do I need to like
um, be uh, worried about anything, ya know, checking to see if there are
another coat or pair of socks around the house. You know what I'm saying? I
can't answer these questions as a songwriter to anybody. Like my friends
will say "well what is this about?" I can't-you can't really go
there-because you, you get in really big trouble if you start answering
those questions...am I making any sense?
DJ: Absolutely....I haven't seen you in a year and I said jokingly "how are
you you old lady?" Not to emphasize old of course-
Tori: No, no we can emphasize that. I'm proud of it....I'm proud of my hehe,
Geritol.
DJ:It was funny, I guess I saw it on MTV and you were talking about when you
got married and you were surprised cause you never thought you would
and I just, was it difficult for you, to date? Just being who you are? Did
you find that men were intimidated to even approach you?
Tori: Yeah...I would say that. Uh, Hmmm, Well, See it can get very
competitive, in a sad way. Like w/, if guys are creative. Or it can be
really a wonderful exchange. Passionate and you know, all that stuff going
on. But then, it gets scary because you've got two of you that might might
be, uh, not playing w/ a full deck. You know? And so, that gets a bit
dangerous and I think that musicians are, notoriously immature. Which is
fine on some levels, but I've always been into techies anyway. I've always
been into that side of guys. I'm really into...tech guys. And I think that's
because being a musician, I'm just, I don't want to date another me.
DJ:well i was thinking the man/woman thing in general a lot of men are very
intimidated by a woman w/ a strong presence. And then someone like
yourself...blah blah blah...I think a lot of guys might be afraid of ending
up "Mr. Tori Amos" if you know what I mean.
Tori: I think a lot of guys were. But this one, just, Johnny you say it...he
just isn't-he's just not that kind of [word i don't understand]
DJ: Congrats are in order...one of Glamour magazines women of the year.
Congrats...explain to everyone...do you get a tiara and a sash w/ that?
Tori: No, no you don't.
DJ:Is there like, a secret club you get to go to and hang out?
Tori: Well, hmmmm...OK. There were some cool people. There's no question
there were some really cool women there, that you got to meet and that was
interesting...like the woman who brought down the Navy-she was there. 1992.
DJ: blah blah blah. Is it just me or is this just so far removed from what
you're all about?
Tori: What the Glamour award? Well I think the thing about that is um, you
get to meet other cool people. I think that's why you go. It'd be insulting
if you didn't go...and so, you go. At least I was on time, not mentioning
anybody else's name. But you know there are just sometimes that you get a
sense of other people when you you don't even need to speak to them. Going
to the MTV awards, you really didn't need to go to the party afterwards
which I did and it's really not my thing. But I had to go there cause I was
summoned. YOu know you do get summoned sometimes as we know, and you just
show up. And uh, so Beck is there looking at me going I think he said
something to the effect he said "hey Tori did you know that this was going
to be amateur night?" Bit funny. Bit of a funny lad.
DJ: How are things w/ RAINN these days?
Tori: REALLY good. Um, the good news and the bad news is they've had over
220,000 calls. And its up and running and its I really like the people that
run RAINN...they're good thinkers. And they're always trying to find ways to
make it run a little better.
DJ: Is this something that you've had to sort of let go of now that you're
touring?
Tori: Yeah. The DC Rape Crisis center is really the hub for that. And there
are people that just exclusively work on RAINN all the time. Making sure
that the phone bills are paid, that people when they call and get connected
to one of the 600 Rape Crisis centers in the country. We're really a
networking system, making sure that the people get to the counselors-that's
what we do.
DJ: Would you like to favor us w/ another song?
Tori:OK. Let me just have a sip of water...say something first.
DJ: Sure, its Tori Amos live here at WBCN. We could do the play by play but
I don't think most people would be all that interested. She's put the cap
back on the water and gingerly put it down on the floor.
Tori: OK. This is uh, this is another B-side. I think this was out on the
Jackie's Strength thing. This was supposed to make Boys For Pele and it
didn't. Then it was supposed to make this record and it didn't so-its making
BCN today! [plays "Never Seen Blue"]
DJ: Tori Amos Live here at WBCN. blah blah blah. [lots of talking between
the deejays, tori and the people right out side the studio. mega confusing
unless you hear it.] So whats up w/ BT? The rumor is he's going to produce
the next record...is that true?
Tori: Hehehehe...I don't know where that comes from. I mean, BT's a really
nice person but I haven't spoken to him in a year.
DJ:Really?
Tori: Yeah, I mean, I'm on the road. No. No he's not producing the next
record. I'm doing a live and b-side record. So, we're recording every night
and there'll be a few new tracks. And um, I don't think BT-he might pop by
for a cup of coffee or something but no.
DJ: I love the thing you did w/ Leah Andreone. It was genius.
Tori: Oh thank you.
DJ: You look surprised!
Tori: What are you talking about? What did I do?
DJ: I thought you like produced it or something? That "its alright its ok"
thing...
Tori: What is that? "Its alright its ok"?
DJ: I'm misinformed then
Tori: No, that's ok.
DJ: Wouldn't be the first time...maybe we should play it for you later...
Tori: Yeah play it for me later. I mean, I know that I just woke up and
everything but I...yeah see this is why I don't have a computer. I think its
a good thing because, because um, I think it-my life is far more interesting
on the rumor stage than it really is.
DJ: Most peoples lives are like that. I want to thank you Tori so much for
coming by.
Tori: Absolutely Bill. Thanks for having me.
DJ: Have fun tonight up in Lowell. Greatly rejuvinated Lowell, Massachusetts
at the Tsongas Arena.
Tori: It'll be good.
They closed the segment by playing the remix of "Raspberry Swirl" that has
extra drums-the one from the video.
about 3 or 4 years ago i had this dream where i was in a really small room and tori was there playing for just a few people. i didn't know what the songs were, but at the end of the dream i asked her to play 'mary.' then, the otehr day i found out that tori was going to be playing to about 12 people at the wbcn studio in Boston. however, i didn't win :( i decided to go down to the studio anyways to have a chance to say hi or something. i got there and found out that someone i knew had won, i asked if anyone didn't show up, or they could take any more people, to come get me. the winners were all inside when a radio guy came out and told the 10 of us that tori was there, she had come in the back way.
Then, just as i was feeling bummed, a girl stuck her head out the door and waved me over, her sister had won but she had to leave (they were running pretty late) so she let me take her place! i was floored. i got in and we had a choice to stand in the studio with tori and hear only her voice, or stand just outside, look through a window, and hear the music and voice. i went inside. i saw john witherspoon, a small couch, and the keyboard. where was tori? then i looked at the couch again, she was all curled up under her jacket, so very cute! then she popped up and went over to the keyboard. the dj talked to her for a second and then she went into 'cooling'. i was so stunned (they had told us beforehand we had to be quiet, shoot i couldn't even move). when she was finished she bent down and took a sip of water and then looked at us, she saw me and her eyes got all big and she whispered hi and gave me a little wave, i waved back. the dj started talking to her (i'm getting a tape of this soon, but i can't remember everything she said at the moment) and he said something about her fans and then said 'i noticed you made a connection with one of the people here, what is your name?' i said, 'Lisa." he said, 'how many times have you seen tori?' i said, '20...um..2' (it was really 23, but i couldn't think straight). he asked tori about the fans and if it ever gets overwhelming, she started talking about how the show is different every night and the first and last song are always the same, so she has a lot of freedom...
after some more talking she played 'never seen blue'. (note: granted what i heard was basically accapella, but we could hear a bit of the keyboard through the dj's headphones.) then there was some more talking and they said goodbye and started into 'rasberry swirl' (she didn't, the radio played the single). she got up and talked to the dj's, saying 'do you know what rasberry swirl is about? it's about me being the man for my friends.'
other things they talked about (during interview):
-he asked if she thought her music had changed since she got married (like how once your happy the music begins to fall). she told him how she doesn't like to talk aboutt her husband, but then went on to say that she doesn't tell him (or anyone) what the songs are about, they're kind of anonymous. so that way if she sings about say, having something on the side, he won't go wondering if there's something he doesn't know.
-the dj said he heard that BT was going to work on the new album (the live one). tori said they were friends, but she hadn't talked to him in over a year with touring and all and that he may show up for some tea, but that would be about it. then this little conversation about rumors began (she mentioned how she didn't have a computer so she didn't have to see it, and that lots of times the rumors are make people more interesting than they really are...)
-then, she asked about how it was to work with leah androne. she had no idea what he was talking about, he thought tori had produced her record or something. (afterwards she asked him 'who is this leah person? what did i do?'
we all got to talk to her for a moment and get pictures and such (it was nice to get a real hug, without being pushed by a hundred people behind you, and no barricade!). i told her how durham would be my last show and very quickly rambled off the story that went behind the request i had (actually not 'mary' for once, but i said she could play it if she couldn't remember what i said). and we said goodbye.
Tori was on WBCN in Boston around 2:45 to 3:15ish (I'm pretty sure that's the right times). She said some really cute things and she sounded like she was having fun. She played "Cooling" and then "Never Seen Blue" and right after the segement w/ her ended, they played one of the remixes of "Raspberry Swirl". Tori was late because of the awful (Boston) traffic. She also talked about how she doesn't do the set lists until twenty minutes before each show, except for the first and last songs which are predetermined. Tori was mentioning that the songs want to reveal themselves to her and they want to be shown to us, "or else they'll kick my ass". It was a really good radio interview in my opinion.
I wanted to let you know that Tori was actually on *two* Boston radio stations - on WBCN, she played the 2 songs and did a longish interview. On WFNX, she spoke to the DJ for about 10 minutes and didn't perform. :)
I didn't have time to transcribe the interview on WBCN in Boston, but I did listen to it in its entirety last night and I wanted to tell you about one little part that I thought was interesting. The DJ asked her about winning the Glamour Woman of the Year award, and Tori just didn't seem that excited about it. She mentioned that (not an exact quote) "you just have to show up and be polite - it would be rude not to go." She also talked about meeting really great women like the woman that brought down the Navy. But overall, she seemed to be rolling her eyes at the whole thing (at least that's what it sounded like on the radio!)
Tori did the tiniest interview with Julie Kramer today (11/17) on WFNX. It consisted mainly of Julie talking about quitting smoking (she had been trying to quit the last time she interviewed Tori) and Tori talking about her husband (ah...mark) who tries to quit smoking as well. Tori seemed annoyed overall through the entire interview, although she got very excited when talking about the Bside/Live compilation set she's going to release next year (she said it would include about 22 b sides, not the full 40 she said she has recorded).
Tori also said that if reincarnated, she might want to be a shark or gator, or perhaps a chef.
I wanted to let you know that Tori was actually on *two* Boston radio stations - on WBCN, she played the 2 songs and did a longish interview. On WFNX, she spoke to the DJ for about 10 minutes and didn't perform. :)
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