Closer to Fine: Indigo Girls Still Rocking, 30 Years Later

It’s been more than 30 years since Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, the Southern folk-rock duo known as the Indigo Girls, released the self-titled album that earned them a Grammy Award and propelled them into the national spotlight.

Influenced by ’60s poets, ’70s punks and then-rising Athens, Georgia, guitar-driven groups like R.E.M., the duo charmed critics  with their bright harmonies and thoughtful, philosophical lyrics. But perhaps what resonated most with fans was their authenticity. Open about their sexuality (they both identify as lesbians) and the social and political causes they believe in, it’s this sort of honesty that has kept people listening — and engaged for decades.

Since the pandemic hit, Ray, 56, and Saliers, 57, have stayed in motion — even while quarantined in their respective homes.

“It’s kind of crazy to be this busy but not be on tour,”  says Ray, who has been hunkered down in rural Georgia with her partner, Carrie Schrader, and their young daughter. Adds Saliers, who’s homebound in Decatur, Georgia., with her wife, Tristin, and their daughter: “For our little circle, we’re doing OK. We’ve maintained our health and most of our sanity, I’d say.”

Last year the Indigo Girls released their 16th studio album, Look Long. After the pandemic sidelined their tour, they set up livestream benefit concerts, and the response was astounding: With just two performances, the duo raised more than $500,000 for Feeding the Valley, a Georgia food bank, and Honor the Earth, the nonprofit they cofounded dedicated to Indigenous environmental justice.

In addition to the new record, Ray and Saliers recently wrote and recorded  “Long Ride,” a timely track that emphasizes how strength and patience help us withstand tough times. (“Hang on, my friend, I know, I get it,” they sing in the chorus. “It’s gonna be a long ride.”)

“We combined just having fun playing live and doing it simply in a livestream — no big professional format or production at all,” Saliers says. “Our community opened up their wallets and pocketbooks and were very generous in a time of economic insecurity.” She adds, “The vibe was excellent.”

In the coming months, the Indigo Girls are planning more virtual events, including a yet-unscheduled one featuring members of their touring band who have recorded their parts from all over the world, including London, Stockholm, Seattle, Atlanta and Brooklyn.

Along with work, family has fueled both musicians. Saliers says she was energized by seeing her sisters over the holidays. “We quarantined and tested and had a really nice holiday, and that broke up the monotony of sameness,” she says. “That time together had so much more meaning, I think, than it ever has had. It really rejuvenated my spirit, and so when the new year came around, I felt quite ready to go.”

They also remain committed to making positive change. In August they gave a socially distanced performance in Florence, Alabama, where anti-racist activist group Project Say Something had been advocating for the removal of a Confederate monument. Saliers and Ray have also raised money for their road crew, which has been out of work during the pandemic.

“It’s just sad to see all the suffering,” Ray says. “I really am anxious for things to change and to get out there and do what I can to make things better.”

How to add playlist directly to your smartphone

Every playlist on Spotify has its own unique code, similar to a QR code. Called Spotify Codes, these bars make it easy to add a playlist to your Spotify app on your smartphone. To use, open Spotify, click on the Search field in the middle bottom of the screen. Click in the Search field and when you see the camera icon on the top right, click on that. Aim your camera at the code and it will bring up the playlist. To save the playlist, click on the heart.

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