Tori Amos on Art and Activism | In Conversation With Erica Wagner

TL;DR

Tori Amos discusses her new book "Resistance" and shares insights on her fight to maintain her voice in the music industry.

Transcript

good evening everyone i am really delighted to be here my name is erica wagner and i am going to be hosting this event with tori amos and the how to academy now tori and i were due to meet in person later this month but as you know things have changed in the whole wide world since this evening was planned so first i'd like to say that i hope you ar... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Tori Amos's new book "Resistance" explores her fight to maintain her artistic voice in a manipulative music industry.
• 🧑‍🎨 The artist reflects on the current global crisis and the impact it has on her creative process.
• ❣️ The personal and political are intertwined in Amos's songwriting, and she encourages artists to address heavy subjects and engage with the audience on a deeper level.
• 👨‍💼 Understanding the dynamics of the music business and knowing how to navigate it is crucial for independent artists.
• 🧑‍🎨 Amos emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the need for artists to find their unique voice to connect with their audience.
• 🧑‍🎨 Personal experiences, such as grief and loss, can shape an artist's perspective and influence their creative output.
• 🧑‍🎨 Amos encourages artists to resist despondency and use their art to write through and address the challenges of the present.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Tori Amos maintain her voice in an industry that often suppressed female singer-songwriters?

Amos refused to abandon her signature piano style, even when her record company wanted her to play the guitar instead. She fought for her beliefs and found a way to stay true to her artistic vision.

Q: How did Tori Amos come to understand the politics of Washington, D.C. while performing in bars there?

Amos initially performed in a gay bar in Washington, D.C. and witnessed the influence of lobbyists and the role of money in politics. She gradually realized the impact of political narratives, especially during the 1980 elections.

Q: How did Tori Amos approach her artistic practice and songwriting during challenging moments such as September 11th and the aftermath of the 2016 elections?

Amos emphasized the importance of being present and responsive to current events and audience emotions. She aimed to create a force field through live performances and engage with her fans on political issues.

Q: How can artists break free from the chains of convention and unleash their true creative voice?

Amos advises artists to review their skills, embrace self-respect for their work, and push the boundaries of their creativity. She encourages them to write towards their feelings and experiences, especially during difficult times.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Tori Amos introduces her new book "Resistance" and discusses her career in the music industry, emphasizing her struggle to stay true to herself in a manipulative industry.

• Amos reflects on the current global crisis and the impact it has had on her creative process and touring plans.

• She talks about the influence of her mother, Mary, and the role of personal and political experiences in her songwriting.