Tori Amos

"I was a musician before I was human."

As the quote above tells us, Tori is a born songwriter. She weaves her incredible lyrics into intricate piano melodies, enhanced by that unforgettable voice: sometimes it breathes, sometimes it caresses, sometimes it weeps and at others it just growls.

I discovered Tori in late 98-99 when in a low patch. A close friend of mine, Chris, lent me her album Under the Pink and from that first piano motif I was hooked. Further listening through the song showed the slightly alternative side of Tori, of course, and from then there was no turning back. When I started buying the rest of the albums, I discovered her debut album Little Earthquakes and the song "Silent All These Years" became a turnaround for me, as it has been for many other women around the world.

Listening to Tori has always inspired me in my own songwriting a great deal. It brought me back to my love of playing piano and being able to break away from the classical mold. And I have always felt that she helped me accept that I can do things differently to how the songs sound on the radio. ;) I can do things my own way and express myself the way I want (and sometimes need) to.

Her songs don't just speak to you, you understand them like the lyrics have come from your own throat. The lyrics are not plain and simple; they twist and turn around the relationships and heartbreaks and the quirky little moments of her life.

On my recent travels to the US, I was extremely lucky to attend a concert of Tori's most recent tour for Scarlet's Walk. I was so stunned the whole way through that I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Someone like me, from all the way down in New Zealand - I always thought my chances of seeing her live were extremely slim. It was the highlight of my trip and I will never, ever forget it.

Tori's attitude to life and songwriting, creativity and heartfelt emotions have led her to become an important force in my life. I am a true believer in the power of music and the influence it can have on people. I truly hope that one day my music can inspire and touch others' lives the way she has touched mine.

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	Her songs don't just speak to you, you understand them like the lyrics have come from your own throat. The lyrics are not plain and simple; they twist and turn around the relationships and heartbreaks and the quirky little moments of her life.
On my recent travels to the US, I was extremely lucky to attend a concert of Tori's most recent tour for Scarlet's Walk. I was so stunned the whole way through that I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Someone like me, from all the way down in New Zealand - I always thought my chances of seeing her live were extremely slim. It was the highlight of my trip and I will never, ever forget it.