Pop Quiz: Regina Spektor

Pop Quiz: Regina Spektor

Aidin Vaziri | Regina Spektor was born in Moscow, grew up in the Bronx and made her name on the New York anti-folk scene with bands like the Moldy Peaches. She's a classically trained pianist who records and tours with the Strokes, and her third album, "Soviet Kitsch," which gets a major-label release this month, sounds a lot like Tori Amos on steroids. Which, incidentally, is a good thing.



Regina Spektor
Q: Tell me about your lyrics.
A: There's nothing to say about them. They're just there. I'm happy I write them.
Q: Your song "Chemo Limo" is about a $100 bill that takes care of children. What kind of person writes a song like that?
A: I don't remember where that came from. It's kind of magical. It's a combination that I'm lucky and that a muse monster kisses my forehead. But the music part is really hard. I have to practice for days just to learn a new song, even though the first time I play it, it's perfect.
Q: Do you think Jesus is giving you the words?
A: Who? I'm Jewish.
Q: So it's definitely not Jesus.