In June 2002, Oxygen.com had a live Chat with Alanis answering questions from her fans. Here it is, enjoy!
You'll see a line in bold, that's becuase that was my question, and she ansered it. I know it was kinda stupid, but I've always wanted to know that :-P
.:back to miscellaneous:.
oxydonna: Welcome to a special Oxygen chat with Alanis Morissette!
oxydonna: Alanis is here with me on stage and will begin answering your questions shortly.
oxydonna: Welcome to Oxygen Alanis, great to have you here!
Alanis Morissette: Hi to everyone and I've been looking forward to this for awhile!
Question: Alanis, is it true you might have a new album and DVD coming out at the end of a year? Oh and I love you! You rock!
Alanis Morissette: I love you too!
Alanis Morissette: I have intentions of releasing a DVD in conjunction with songs that didn't make this current Under Rug Swept sometime around Christmas time.
Question: In "Front Row" you talk about your "three favorite CDs"...what would those CDs be?
Alanis Morissette: They change all the time. Right now Me'shell N'dgeoello, Rufus Wainwright ...Who else am I listening to? Joni Mitchell Blue.
Question: I have pre-ordered your DVD "Live in the Navajo Nation" - what details can you share about it?
Alanis Morissette: It was one of the most humbling experiences that I have ever had. I was moved hearing about those people and their history and I resonated with them and their spiritual beliefs and their way of life.
Question: You owe me nothing in return is a beautiful song do you think you'll ever sing it live?
Alanis Morissette: I believe I will sing it live during the European tour in August.
Question: Did you come up with the idea for the "Precious Illusions" video or Francis Lawrence?
Alanis Morissette: I came up with the concept and just ran with it.
Question: I saw you in concert here in Las Vegas recently and was totally blown away, it was wonderful! You sang "Purgatorying" in between songs (it was beautiful!) will it be on the EP rumored to be released this December? What other songs are planned?
Alanis Morissette: Yes it will, as well as Unprodigal Daughter and Awakening Americans, Sorry To Myself as well as others also.
Question: Hi Alanis..."A man" is a really awesome song...What was your inspiration to write it? Do you think that you managed to show a man's point of view?
Alanis Morissette: I've had a tendency to focus on more negative experiences I've had with men ;-) And I wanted to represent a lot of the more evolved men that I know as well. Particularly after writing a song like Narcisus.
Question: Alanis, Hi. I'm a fan of your music. I love the lyrics. Ironic is one of my favorite songs. Where do your song ideas come from?
Alanis Morissette: They come from life experiences and I find myself to be most inspired when I'm still - when I have time to myself and I reflect.
Question: Hey Alanis!! The Under Rug Swept tour book has some really cool pictures in it. Is photography something you enjoy a lot when you're on the road? =0)
Alanis Morissette: Taking photos is one of my favorite ways of expressing.
Question: A sentence caught my attention so well... "Me who sees life as an oyster"... that's me exactly me! Do you still see life that way?
Alanis Morissette: Absolutely!
Question: Alanis, my fav song is No Pressure over Cappuccino, what is this song about?
Alanis Morissette: It was inspired by my relationship with my twin brother at the time and how I feel about young people in particular and how they are ahead of their time... also the isolation that can come from that.
Question: You seem to be a very introspective person, and your lyrics are all deep so I'd like to know if you are able to sometimes let go of everything for a whole day and not think about anything that matters, just have fun and be silly??
Alanis Morissette: LOL That's what I do on my time off and I'm going to Hawaii next week to do exactly that and to be the jock that I can be.
Question: What are your plans for July since you mentioned that you will not be going to India?
Alanis Morissette: Hawaii!!! Or Bust!
Question: Do you think one day you’re going to write a book? You had told about this before... About what would you write?
Alanis Morissette: Yes - Most probably over the next year I will do that. Much how my records present themselves over a snapshot of time - so too will the book.
Question: I love it when you say "thank you muchly"! It's brilliant! =0)Teehee. Are there any other phrases that you love to say?
Alanis Morissette: LOL yes I particularly enjoy making up words that aren't found in the dictionary. I find the English language can be restrictive at times.
Question: Alanis, do you think there is as much pressure on you, as an artist, to perform as well with Under Rug Swept as what there may have been with Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie and to some extent Jagged Little Pill?
Alanis Morissette: There's always a large amount of pressure coming my way from a number of directions and I find myself being able to field it with a little more grace as each year progresses. But I still have my moments of buckling.
Question: Alanis, what is the last concert you attended, besides your own?
Alanis Morissette: I've been doing some extortion radio shows. I had the privilege of watching Pink from the side of the stage.
Question: You don't play the harmonica in your newest songs, did you just get sick of it?
Alanis Morissette: The songs didn't beg for it and I was sad but the songs just didn't want it, I didn't want to play it gratuitously.
Question: I am Donna from the Philippines. Alanis, how does it feel writing and at the same time producing an album?
Alanis Morissette: It was a challenge doing both at the same time - but one that I know more about better to do a little differently next time.
Question: Hi Alanis!!! How did you celebrate your birthday earlier this month
Alanis Morissette: Some friends of mine came to see me in Boston and they surprised me by being in my hotel room naked on the couch when I walked in from my workout!
Question: What is the song Jagged Little Pill about?
Alanis Morissette: It’s from a song called You Learn. It simply means it’s an analogy that couples Jagged Little Pill, how life's more difficult and how while in the midst of it, it can feel excruciating but the growth that comes from it is in retrospect.
Question: Who is the "well intentioned man" you talk about in flinch?
Alanis Morissette: I don't know his name - He was a man who gave me a book - but I don't know who he is.
Question: Alanis, if it's not too personal what are some fears you still have?
Alanis Morissette: I have a fear of not having the strength to reprogram the bad voices in my head and I have a fear of embracing my bigness as a woman. I fear how short life is and the urgency for me to live it to the fullest can result in burnout.
Question: How do you run around stage all crazy-like and not trip over anything- that takes a lot of talent in itself. LOL
Alanis Morissette – LOL I do trip but apparently not at the show you were at. :::laugh:::
Question: Hey, I was wondering what kind of yoga you do. I’m really interested. And how did you find doing the Vagina Monologues last year!?,Luv lisa xx
Alanis Morissette: I do a combination of many different styles of yoga.
And the Vagina monologues... the experience of being a part of that was very inspiring.
Question: Are you a fan of any women's sports teams such as the WNBA or WUSA?
Alanis Morissette: The WNBA I'm a pretty big fan of - Basketball is one of my favorite sports. The day I got home from India I went to an LA Sparks game and it was the biggest culture shock I've ever experienced! ::::laugh:::
Question: Hey Alanis, what are your thoughts on Michelle Branch, Vanessa carlton, and Avril Larvigne listing you as one of there major influences?
Alanis Morissette: The thought of being able to support any woman - regardless of them being younger or older - than I am - being influenced by me excites me, I think this is an incredible time to be a woman.
Question: Hey Alanis!! My name is Pedro, and I'm from Brazil. I've been your fan for 7 years now. I'd like to know if you do any special ritual before a show and/or after. How do you prepare?! And do you still love red wine?
Alanis Morissette: I do yoga and I read and write. I spend time with my band mates and we gather together for each show and at times will say what we are grateful about that day right before we go onstage. And yes I enjoy the odd glass of red wine.
Question: Do you plan on touring behind this album in Canada???
Alanis Morissette: At some point - most probably - I'm not sure when.
Question: Are you a Xena Warrior Princess fan?
Alanis Morissette: I've never seen the show - but the words "Warrior" and "Princess" in one sentence is really exciting!
Question: Have you ever thought about starting up your own Lilith Fair type tour for female artists?
Alanis Morissette: I have intentions of putting together a tour next year, some time that would bring us to some international countries - with the main focus being on human rights and a slant toward women's issues.
Question: Do you see yourself ever getting married and having kids? You don't seem like the type that would
Alanis Morissette: If you'd asked me a week ago I'd say I'd haven't even envisioned it. But something happened over the last week where I could absolutely envision having children or adopting. And now my challenge is to envision a partner which is still making me laugh LOL so apparently I still have a ways to go.
Question: When does URS part 2 come out and is there a name for it yet?
Alanis Morissette: It will come out at Christmas time most likely - tentatively titled it - I had a name for it but it's slipping my mind right now. But I did have a name for it - I will let you know on my website soon.
Question: Do you ever think to record a song in French???
Alanis Morissette: I did record a song in Hungarian and French called Prayer Cycle and may or may not do that again.
Question: Hi Alanis, will 21 things be the third single? A lot of your fans would like to see you directing the next video...
Alanis Morissette: I believe the next single will be So Unsexy and I would definitely consider directing it but I don't have to.
Question: Alanis... what is your favorite song of your own work, and from another artist?
Alanis Morissette: My favorite of my own changes as I tour but today it's "You Owe Me Nothing In Return" and my favorite song from another artist - a song called "Poses" by Rufus Wainwright.
Question: Hi I'm Mauricio I was wondering if Alanis intends to team up with any other artist for a tour (like she did with Tori for the 5.5 weeks), who would it be and how does she get along with Tori nowadays? Thanks a lot.
Alanis Morissette: I don't know who it would be and I haven't been in touch with Tori in awhile - but I love her!
Question: Hi! I'm Francesco... a 24 year old boy from Italy. I want to know (excuse me for my English) if this summer you will make some concert in Italy. Thank you very much.
Alanis Morissette: Yes I have 3 shows in Italy in August.
Question: what advice would you give young activists out there who are trying to make a difference in their community?
Alanis Morissette: Keep on keep on - you're doing great work! The smallest things make the biggest differences.
Question: Hi Alanis... what would you be doing right now if you weren't a singer?
Alanis Morissette: I'd be an author and I'm very excited at the notion of creating schools entirely with new curriculums. I have intentions of doing that in the future.
Question: I think you're a totally amazing singer with a great voice! Did you get training to sing? Or has it just always come naturally?
Alanis Morissette: It's always come pretty naturally and each tour and record my voice changes and gets stronger - I had a dream last night that I sounded like Barry White.
Question: Hey Alanis The new band is great! I got to meet Jason and Eric at Jones Beach. I was just wondering how you went about choosing them for this tour and possibly future recordings? Thanks -Kevin
Alanis Morissette: Through auditions and Eric played on "Under Rug Swept" on the song "Precious Illusions". I met him through someone at Maverick.
Question: Who was your biggest inspiration?
Alanis Morissette: I think my mother, grandmother and my aunt - they escaped Hungary in 1956 during the revolution and I am inspired beyond what words can describe to behold their strength and their belief in themselves.
Question: Do you choose your set lists based on what you think your audience wants to hear or what you want to perform?
Alanis Morissette: On what I want to perform and I take into consideration that songs are more familiar than others. I like mixing the familiar with the less familiar when I can.
Question: Is it funny or frustrating when people come up to you thinking they’ve figured out one of your songs, and they’re wrong?
Alanis Morissette – LOL It’s charming and once I release a song - it no longer singularly is a self expression - it then turns into opportunity for others to define themselves in relationship to the song. So they wind up telling me more about themselves based on how they interpreted the song.
Question: You have toured the world many times... which country, or region, would you say that you most liked and why?
Alanis Morissette: I think my favorites have to be Asia. Hmm... Asia and Um... LOL Asia. Of the whole world - this world just humbles me and I am amazed by it constantly.
Question: Alanis i love your music will you ever write a song about julie eating all the strawberries???
Alanis Morissette: Depends on if I can figure out who Julie is first.
Question: what do you hope to achieve with your music? What do you want your ultimate message to be?
Alanis Morissette: A message of self love - proceeding contribution and acceptance and to be without the loss of the individual within the group.
Question: Hi Alanis! As opposed to the 21 things you prefer in someone, what are a few things you absolutely, positively won't tolerate in someone? What are your biggest turn-offs?
Alanis Morissette – LOL Superiority complex - separatism – judgment and when the person hates themselves.
Question: Hi Lani, just to clarify for all of us at Utopia, how tall are you? Love you muchly xxLinusxx
Alanis Morissette: 5'4 1/2 I think
Question: Hi Alanis. My name's Rachel I'm 22 and from NY. I wanted to ask you how many times have you been in love in your lifetime? Sadly for me I'm still at zero hahaha
Alanis Morissette: LOL I feel love with every person I encounter. The kind of healthy love - life partnership kind of love - I have not yet felt.
Question: how do you feel playing with new band mates after so many years? Is there any chance to see you in Greece sometime soon? There are many fans waiting for you here... thank you...!
Alanis Morissette: I love Greece and would love to come. And playing with new band mates has proven to always stretch me. It allows new life to be breathed into the songs and allows me to interact with new band mates in ever increasing funky ways compared to the past.
Question: Do you think being a rock star has changed your personality?
Alanis Morissette: Absolutely! LOL There are experiences that form who I am today that have resulted in my changing in ways that I wouldn't if I wasn't in the public eye.
Question: Alanis, would you ever consider doing another album with Glen Ballard?
Alanis Morissette: I don't see that happening. But, I never say never.
Question: What has been your most altering life experience while traveling around the world? The most amazing or inspiring things you've seen?
Alanis Morissette: I think going to India was one of the most life altering trips I ever took. But I think that may have very well been because it coincided my stopping working for the first time in my life and there is an amazing conceptual death/surrender that came along with it that pushed me to question why I was here and that which I'd never done.
Question: what's the most wild thing you have done
Alanis Morissette: LOL wild wild wild - I mean it really depends sexual or geographical - that's a tough one to answer. I think one of the most courageous things I've ever done would be the experience I sing about in "Hands Clean". I equate wild with courage.
Question: Hi Alanis, how do you relax in the midst of the craziness of being on the road?
Alanis Morissette: I will schedule interviews for later in the day. I will either run around the city or go to any body of water I can find - rivers, puddles.
Question: I can listen to you all day. Sometimes my husband and kids make me turn it off (only for a little while! :-)) When you are touring and doing so many shows do you ever get tired of your music? P.S. The Phoenix show was amazing! I had the purple flashing lights on.:-) Misti McAuley
Alanis Morissette: LOL No I don't. I get tired of my own self - I get tired of my own name - but I never get tired of the songs.
Question: I just wanted to add that if I could ever meet a woman, with a quarter of your wisdom, I'd fall at her feet. You truly are an inspiration, all of my love. Allan
Alanis Morissette: Hmm - thank you
Question: I heard you came to Mexico and closed a folkloric fashion store just for you...what do you like from the Mexican designers?
Alanis Morissette: I think fashion is yet another form of artistic expression and as with any other form - I am in awe of it.
Question: Alanis, you and I are the same age, I was wondering how you feel about turning 30 in a couple of years?
Alanis Morissette: I am beside myself with excitement!
Question: Hey Alanis, you're allowed a dinner party with anyone alive or dead-who would you invite and why?! Also what would be your party trick?? Cant wait to see you in Ireland!, Love Lisa xxx
Alanis Morissette: Okay- dinner with anyone… I think I'd have dinner with Eddie Izzard and I'd sneak in Sylvia Plass for dessert. Party trick – LOL - eating an entire chocolate cake in 13 milliseconds.
Question: Alanis, what do you think about chocolate? You never mentioned chocolate in your songs. Thank you!
Alanis Morissette: I have a serious chocolate issue in that I can't stop eating it. LOL
Question: Alanis what do you think about that song Ryan Adams wrote for you called "Alanis". I love it I hope he records it. Peace and love Alanis!
Alanis Morissette: It is an unbelievably beautiful song and the melody in it raises the hair on my arms.
Question: What is the one thing you'd like to be remembered for?
Alanis Morissette: I'm not really concerned with being remembered - I would hope that I left the world doing a little better than how I found it.
Question: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Alanis Morissette: 10 years is me at 38, so having written some books, make a few more records, contributed in an activism/humanitarianism way in many different forms, with a partner, a real community conscious, maybe with a kid or 3.
oxydonna: Oxygen would like to say a special thank you to Alanis Morissette for taking time out of her busy schedule to chat with us.
Alanis Morissette: Thank you so much! I'll see you on the upcoming tour - and to everyone I met on the American Tour - it was amazing and I am very grateful!
oxydonna: Don't miss the Alanis Custom Concert on Oxygen June 23 at 8pm ET. www.oxygen.com/alanis
oxydonna: For more information on upcoming special guests at Oxygen, sign up for the Oxygen Community Newsletter at http://www.oxygen.com/newsletters/
Alanis Morissette: Goodnight everyone!
.:back to miscellaneous:.
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