During her performance at Amsterdam’s Royal Theatre Carré, Tori Amos discussed her rigorous routines for managing life on tour and the significance of her upcoming album, In Times of Dragons, which is set for release soon, reports BritPanorama.
Amos shared anecdotes highlighting her efforts to remain low-key during flights, often disguising her identity while travelling in first-class. “In the States,” she said, “I really downplay my 35-year career and just say I’m a ‘well-looked-after housewife.’” This humorous approach helps her avoid unwanted conversations. As she embarks on her extensive European tour, she focuses on a light diet, often consuming broth and small amounts of protein to maintain her energy for the demanding performances.
The acclaimed musician, who began her career as a child prodigy at the age of 13, reflected on the changing demands of touring as she ages. “It was easier to recover the muscles 20 years ago,” she commented, joking about her current “yoga” routine, which involves lifting a wine glass after a show. These levities come as she navigates what is her largest tour in over a decade, covering both Europe and America.
As this leg of her tour continues, Amos is currently performing only the singles from her new album. She emphasized her desire for the album to be experienced as a journey, a narrative that is carefully constructed. The playful collection of toy dragons on her dressing table adds a lighthearted touch to the complexities of her latest work.
While Amos has made the UK her home for over 25 years, she turns her focus back to America in this album. The narratives encapsulated in her songs critically explore themes surrounding the current political climate, using allegory and fiction. Her characterisation of a fictionalized version of herself battling against a tyrannical figure reflects her concerns about democracy and authoritarianism.
Amos describes her approach as deeply personal, accentuating the transformative process behind her lyrics and narratives. “It was essential for me to make this response personal,” she remarked, emphasizing the connection between her life experiences and her music. The album is a culmination of her observations and reflections in the context of contemporary America, marked by the rising authoritarianism that she perceives.
With her daughter Tash co-writing three songs on the album, Amos mentions how their conversations about social issues intensified her resolve to create meaning within her music. Tash, who is pursuing a career in law, urged her mother not to remain silent during these turbulent times, reinforcing the urgency with which Amos approaches her artistic expression.
Musically, In Times of Dragons continues in the bold, intricate style that characterized her earlier works, blending charged melodies with storytelling. The urgency of the songs also reflects real events and sentiments, including Amos’s poignant comments on recent protests and the broader implications of systemic injustice in America.
Amos’s reflections on the current state of society weave through her music, as seen in tracks like “Ode to Minnesota,” which directly addresses the violence of federal agents. Her thoughtful yet sharp critique does not shy away from addressing tough truths about the state of democracy and civil rights. As the tour progresses, her music continues to resonate deeply with audiences, further solidifying her status as a poignant voice of her generation.
With her tour set to keep her busy, Amos remains committed to delivering powerful performances and meaningful narratives amidst the complexities of her personal and professional life, encapsulated in her latest album. In Times of Dragons is out now.
