Indigo Girls in a good place

Over two decades have come and gone since Indigo Girls released their first CD in 1989. And yet the harmonious soulful vocal stylings of Emily Sailers and Amy Ray have a consistency that keeps their profound fan base strong, and always yearning for more. Edge recently spoke to Amy Ray as she toured to promote the duo's latest CD "Poseidon and the Bitter Bug."

"Poseidon..." is the first CD that they've produced on their own new label, IG Recordings. "Musically we didn't do anything differently. We've always had our own creative trajectory and the labels we've been on have never messed with it. It did create a freedom on a business level where we feel we can do everything in our own timing... I think it frees you up indirectly, but musically speaking, luckily enough, we've really always had the full freedom to do what we want."

Which has led to Amy to call the CD "one of our best. Mitchell Froom produced it as well as our last album and I think we kind of hit our stride with him... I think song writing wise, Emily and I have really hit a good moment where we were both writing in our strengths at the same time. That's hard to do sometimes on a record, to have that timing. But I feel its a really solid record. We were really in a good place musically."

So where did the name of the album come from? "Poseidon" is one of Emily's lyrics in a song, and the "Bitter Bug" makes an appearance as one of Amy's characters, as well.

"Its kind of an idea of coming up against a struggle in life," Amy reflected, "whatever that struggle is for each person. Some of the songs deal with reflecting on that. So I thinks that's why the title works for us."

Addressing the topic of gay marriage, Amy looked at the need to realize that there's a need to embrace, not alienate, those on the other side of the issue.

"Patience is a virtue. Titles are meant to be underlined, that's what my English teacher always told me. One thing to remember is not to wait. We need to be creating our own systems and infrastructures to support us and protect us. While we're working on the marriage issues and waiting for people to overcome their fears -- because that's what it is -- people, even good people are scared. People who are good in at heart in their core can't seem to come around. Barack Obama is one. It's political, but also faith based. He's so pro gay, but can't seem to come around on this specific idea. I think we have to remember there are good people that haven't come around, so we still have a chance to bring them around. They are good people, but they need to see the light."

She continued by reminding us of strengthening our own communities. "We should address ideas such as racism and classism, supporting gay youth and making sure they have the infrastructures they need so they're not committing suicide or living on the streets in a way that's really dangerous. There's a lot of work to be done. It's way different than the marriage issue. We need to strengthen our communities in the mean time."

As long time activists, Indigo Girls have nurtured many causes over the span of their career. During their tour for "Poseidon and the Bitter Bug" they are partnering up with Rock for a Remedy. At each concert venue they have been collecting non perishables canned and boxed goods, pet food and supplies to donate to each cities Food Banks. As of early May, they have wrangled in over a ton of food. People may also donate money, as well. One dollar can buy as much as six pounds of food. "There's a thin line, and hopefully we'll never have to be on the other side of it. So we need to help people."

Indigo Girls take the stage on Wednesday, May 20th at The Lakewood Theater. Amy Ray reminds fans to come early and catch their opening act, Terri Hendrix.

The Lakewood Theater is located at 1825 Abrams Parkway, Dallas, TX 75214. For more information about the concert visit the Lakewood Theatre website.