Tori Amos Interview: In Times of Dragons and Women in Music

Tori Amos, one of the most distinctive voices in alternative music since her 1992 debut Little Earthquakes, is preparing for a major European tour while discussing her new two-disc concept album, In Times Of Dragons. Written in her Cornwall studio, the record is described by Amos as both “a task and a calling,” shaped by current political events and built around a fictionalized version of herself navigating a hostile America.

Amos says the album uses allegory to comment on the state of the United States. In the story, her character is married to a billionaire who has become the force behind the presidency and is portrayed as a “Lizard Demon,” an amalgam of powerful figures. The album opens with “Shush,” in which the character is threatened for refusing to accept his beliefs and must flee for her life, eventually heading to the Deep South. Along the way, the story introduces a range of characters, including the “Gay Witch from Brooklyn,” a real friend and journalist whom Amos calls a benevolent witch. The narrative also includes references to Celtic mythology, with Amos saying she sought protection from Lugh of the Long Arm as she explored themes of power, fear, and transformation.

Central to the album is the idea of change. Amos says her character begins to turn into a dragon and is forced to question every part of herself. The record also includes contributions from her daughter, Tash, who co-wrote three songs and appears in the story as “The Daughter.” Tash, who is in law school and plans to study criminal law, sings on tracks including “Stronger Together,” “Veins,” and “Strawberry Moon.” Their on-record reunion mirrors the emotional journey described in the album, including a fractured relationship that is repaired as the character moves toward New Orleans and a meeting with the High Priestess.

Amos also addresses the political climate more directly, describing America as being in a constitutional crisis and saying the new album reflects that reality as safely as possible. She points to “Ode To Minnesota” as a song of solidarity, inspired by events in Minnesota involving ICE, which she calls culturally significant and tragic. For Amos, the song reflects a national wake-up call and the bravery shown by people under pressure.

The interview also revisits her long history of socially conscious work and pointed covers. She recalls performing Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” and says its warning to political leaders remains relevant. Amos also discusses Strange Little Girls, her 2001 album of songs by male artists, recently reissued, including a striking version of Slayer’s “Raining Blood.” She says that cover was intended as a statement against patriarchy and the limited freedoms available to women, then and now.

Amos argues that the music industry has improved for women, partly because social media has reduced the power of traditional gatekeepers such as radio and MTV. Still, she says women in music have long faced ageism and dismissal, and she reflects on the power of women who know themselves and their minds. For Amos, age has brought confidence, experience, and fire. In Times Of Dragons is out now via Fontana.