TORIE TYSON
Interview

By Lily Raven

TORIE TYSON is one of the top female vocalist on the scene right now. Her music is in the pop rock vein which won her Best Pop Rock Band at the 2nd Annual Rock City News Award show. Music Connection listed her among L.A.'s Hottest 100 Unsigned Artists Of 1997 and she's been nominated for Best Female Vocalist at this year's 7th Annual L.A Music Awards to take place December 16th at The Hollywood Palladium. In the following interview, Torie talks about her career and you'll find she's a very witty person.

RCN: Congratulations on you winning Best Pop Rock Band at the 2nd Annual Rock City News Award show.

TORIE: It was very exciting to win. It feels like my hard work has paid off. The award itself is very nice.

RCN: How does it feel to have completed you first CD entitled You're Gonna Get It In The End?

TORIE: Oh great! I learned some valuable lessons...like how to take control.

RCN: How did your CD release party go?

TORIE: It was held at The Coconut Teaszer and it was really great. It was really packed and everyone enjoyed what was going on and I sold several CDs.

RCN: What are your favorite songs on the CD?

TORIE: "User," "You Are My Baby" and "I Really Want You," which I really get into it - I practically eat the stage.

RCN: What's your song "User"about?

TORIE: It's about people who pretend they're your friend and tell you what you want to hear just to get what they want.

RCN: Is that where you got the title for your CD You're Gonna Get It In The End?

TORIE: Yes. But it could mean anything - use your imagination.

RCN: Where can we find your CD?

TORIE: At Aron Records and Rockaway Records in Silverlake. And soon they will be at Tower Records and Virgin Megastores in Hollywood. Or you can call my Hotline at (213) 960-5290 and order one.

RCN: What do you think about rock music today?

TORIE: We need some exciting shows to be out there. It's ok to have music that's deep and depressing, but it needs to be entertaining too, like The Doors' music.

RCN: What audience do you attract?

TORIE: Dirty old men with cameras! (Laughs) My music is for everyone.

RCN: Who are your inspirations?

TORIE: The people I admire are Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Blondie, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors. I like the rawness of the old time rock. I read biographies on them and other celebrities. I feel it's important to read about other people's lives and what they went through in this business, even though some of it may be false. I read, I learn, I keep up with everything in the entertainment world. You have to be a step ahead, you have to know what's going on.

RCN: You have your own unique style and a glamorous look.

TORIE: I never model myself after anyone. It's important to be true to yourself. Today people tend to dress down. I like to look good on stage. I think people are looking as well as listening. It's important to have the image too.

RCN: How do you feel about people who give you flack about your show?

TORIE: Fuck 'em.

RCN: What's the whip for that you use in your shows?

TORIE: That's in case anyone in the audience wants or needs to get spanked. (Laughs)

RCN: Being on stage means the world to you.

TORIE: I love being on stage and am very comfortable there. There's no other feeling like it. I can be in the rottenest mood, but once I hit the stage it goes away.

RCN: Some people feel some of your songs would be good on movie soundtracks.

TORIE: I'd love to be on a soundtrack. It's a good way to get your foot in the door.

RCN: Do you ever want to be in a movie?

TORIE: Sure. That's eventually what I want to do - act.

RCN: Do you see yourself as a comedian or dramatic actress?

TORIE: Everything. (Laughs)

RCN: Why did you do a keyclub?

TORIE: To give Angelyne a run for her money! (Laughs) It gave me a chance to advertise myself, which you have to do in this business. It's located on the side of The Roxy cause everyone goes to The Rainbow.

RCN: Where would you like to be next year?

TORIE: Sitting in my million dollar mansion with my platinum CDs. (Laughs). Really, I hope to have a record deal and go on tour.

RCN: What do you see for your future?

TORIE: Of course, I would like to be a superstar like Michael Jackson, but in case I don't, as long as I'm working in the music business I'll be satisfied. I won't be satisfied, but I'll try. (Laughs).

RCN: Do you have any advice for anyone trying to make it in the music business?

TORIE: Get your name out there. Play as many shows as you can. Build your draw. Go out and network. It's very important to take chances. And never give up no matter what. In my career it's like climbing a ladder and even though there are mistakes, it always leads to something. As long as you keep going up it's alright. If you fall down a little you just have to keep getting up. As I was told, "No one is going to knock at your door, you have to go out and get it."

And Torie has gone out and gotten it and keeps moving forward in her career. To see this whip wielding bundle of talent, you can catch Torie Tyson's next show at The Alligator Lounge on Wednesday, January 7th. Be there - who knows she might invite you up on stage for a whipping!