Despite nearly 20 years in a duo, Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers has never done a solo album. That’s about to change.
“I never really had a driving, burning desire to do it. Lately I’ve had more of a desire. But we’ve been so busy with Indigo Girls over the years that it’s taken up the bulk of my time,” Saliers said.
“I don’t like to be overextended personally. It’s feeling like the right time, though; like the time is finally opening up.”
Indigo Girls perform tonight and Saturday in Seattle, touring with music supporting their February release, “All That We Let In.”
The Indigo Girls engage their fans at an emotional level with lyrics and arrangements that appeal to activists as well as the broken-hearted.
Saliers takes the gentler, more traditional but complex approach; Amy Ray could front a rock band. Saliers scores with intervals and note combinations that tug at your heart without ever crossing the mushy line.
Both have turned their words into actions, working for many causes, including Rock the Vote, Women’s Action for New Directions and Honor the Earth.
Other singer-songwriter combinations have come and gone since Ray and Saliers blended their distinct songwriting styles and personalities under the name Indigo Girls in 1985.
In 1989, the album “Indigo Girls” earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Recording, and was followed by other Grammy nominations and millions of records sold.
They continue to write separately.
“It’s kept us together and respects our creative freedom. We do arrange the songs together. Each of our songs are better after we arrange them,” Saliers said.
The two are working on an album based mostly on suggestions from fans.
“It’s a collection of rare and obscure recordings, which may include some new songs. (Fans) have contacted management with suggestions, turned in some recordings and bootlegs. In the end, the decision is up to us, but the fans have had a lot to say.”
Expect it to be out by spring.
Saliers’ signature songs are “Ghost,” one of her sweeping ballads that she loves, and “Galileo,” a mix of light-heartedness and deepness.
“Really powerful songs are a combination (of music and lyrics). I always look for lyrics, and I always couple them with music that can take you somewhere. It’s important to have specific images but be universal enough to carry the message.”
Saliers said the duo is still motivated by the same passions as in the beginning.
“Hopefully, the craft has grown. I’m less overwrought in my development of a song. I’m still a bleeding heart but I hoped I’ve toned down a bit.”
The title track of the new album springs from the death of an activist friend, killed in a car accident.
“Metaphorically, the centerline keeps us from the end of this life as we know it,” Saliers said.
The song also is about “the current administration and the war and my vehement opposition and the complexity of life and how history is changed by invading a country.”
The experience of a loved one or close friend dying changes your life forever, Saliers said.
“I take life less for granted than ever. Now I feel the spiritual connection between another life and this life. It eases your fears of death and the unknown.
“I know there’s something else, the force that drives everything and is integral to life. Death is the most direct way to learning the deepest (lessons).”
Associated Press
Amy Ray (left) and Emily Saliers -the Indigo Girls – perform tonight and Saturday in Seattle.
Indigo Girls
8 p.m. today and Saturday, Pier 62/63, Seattle; $35, 206-628-0888.
Indigo Girls
8 p.m. today and Saturday, Pier 62/63, Seattle; $35, 206-628-0888.
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