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The wonderfully named Poseidon and the Bitter Bug was released in the Both Amy and Emily have always been outspoken about their sexuality; perhaps
UK in April this year, to a host of rave reviews. It’s the latest triumph in a career more so than a lot of record labels might feel comfortable with, even if they
spanning over 20 years. The Indigo Girls, also known as Amy Ray and Emily would never openly admit it. “There is no doubt that we still live in a
Saliers, are currently in the middle of a tour across the US and the UK. homophobic world, and there is no doubt that we’ve been pigeonholed as just
being lesbian folk artists,” Emily laments. There’s never been a temptation to sell
So what’s behind the name of the new album? Emily explains: “Poseidon came out and downplay their sexuality though. Emily continues: “If we can encourage
from a song of mine called Fleet of Hope and Bitter Bug came from a song of people to feel more secure in their sexuality, then it’s so much more important
Amy’s called Second Time Around.” Interestingly, the CD comes as a two CD set; to be part of that than to be brought down by people who are narrow-minded.”
the songs are recorded in an acoustic format on one CD and with a full band and
studio production on the other. Emily says: “For whatever reason, this group of As well as being involved in gay rights, The Indigo Girls have also been active in a
songs lends itself really well to both the band treatment in the studio and then number of other causes. They even helped found environmental charity Honor
the acoustic treatment… After all, we started out acoustic, and we still play the Earth. Have they ever felt tempted to abandon the music and become full
primarily as an acoustic duo.” time activists? “Activism and music have been the perfect marriage,” Emily
responds, “and the activism is just as important as the music. We have tables set
Twenty years is a long time to maintain creative harmony, but Amy and Emily up at the gigs so that different groups can come and offer information about
seem to have enjoyed a consistently good relationship, devoid of the squabbles their causes. Our favourite concerts are benefi t concerts… Music is a very
in which many other artists so publicly engage. “We are a very strong team, we transformative power.”
have a very strong friendship,” Emily enthuses. “I think one of the reasons we’ve
been able to stay together all these years is that we have very separate, Emily seems optimistic about the possibilities opened up by Obama’s election.
individual lives outside the Indigo Girls. Amy just released her third solo album She says: “Obama winning the election was just the most liberating political
and owns her own record label, Daemon Records. I own a restaurant, I just experience ever.” How does she respond to criticisms that he is dragging his feet
18
brought out a book with my father, and I’ve recently been involved with a prison over a number of gay rights issues? Emily admits: “I am very disturbed by the
choir gospel CD.” fact that he can’t be more progressive in terms of things like ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
and the Defence of Marriage Act.” However, she also concedes that: “right now,
Despite having very different songwriting styles, the women have nevertheless the most important issue on his agenda is health care. Once the Health Care Act
devised an effective style of collaboration. Emily says: “Amy is a lot more is passed, queer activists can really get in the trenches and let him know that
reactive whereas I have to think things through a bit more… Our infl uences are we’re not going to accept a tepid response to queer civil rights.”
very different, and our personalities are different, and that is defi nitely refl ected
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in a lot of the music.” Emily continues: “When we arrange songs it’s like an open The band’s current tour will take them to London on 25 October, Brighton on 26
NG
brainstorming session, but the fi nal product really has to jive with the writer of October, and Manchester on 19 October. Unless you’ve already got a ticket,
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the song.” though, you may be out of luck. At the time of going to press, two of these dates
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had already sold out some time ago! There’s plenty more in the pipeline for the
Poseidon and the Bitter Bug was released on IG Records, the band’s own Girls, though: “We’re releasing a live DVD this November that we recorded in
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independent label. Asked how this has affected the album-producing process, Atlanta a few years ago, and we’re going to make a Christmas album next year.”
Emily responds: “There is nothing that a record label can do for us anymore. We And for those of you who did get tickets, Emily fi nishes: “We’re so excited to
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have all the professional relationships we need.” Although she is adamant that, come back to the UK as part of our tour – I can’t even tell you!” It sounds like
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whilst working with other record labels, the band never felt stifl ed creatively, she you’re in for a treat. N
admits: “It feels very liberating to have all the team in house, and all the
S & I
conditions our own. It’s really given us a boost and given us new life at this stage
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Poseidon and the Bitter Bug is out now on IG Records. R
in our career.” For more information, visit www.indigogirls.com
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