I was 15 in 1987 and a cousin handed me a cassette called Strange Fire. I have been a massive Indigo Girls fan ever since. They've made me dance, they've made me cry, they've made me fall in love. I can look back at all the major events of my life and tie it to an Indigo Girls song. I earnestly believe that Emily and Amy are two of the most important songwriters of my generation. Thank you for this interview.
Watershed, Kid Fears, Galileo and of course Closer to Fine comprised the soundtrack to my college years. I am grateful the Barbie soundtrack provided an opportunity for me to share Indigo Girls' music with my daughter. I told her, "They were my Taylor Swift."
Totally, I play the Girls around my house on Saturday mornings. This past June my husband and I took our 11year old daughter to see them live on their summer tour. She sang along 🥰
@@Barklord You… you… well, DO realize this is a song? A piece of art, and not a historical record? While the actual story is fascinating and important, this comment befuddles me. The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald isn’t historically accurate either, but Gordon Lightfoot made an incredible song.
But seriously, they are so much more than Taylor Swift could hope to be, respectfully. So much depth to their music, the lyrics, so much musicianship. Unparalleled.
I went to high school with Amy and Emily, and was in that same AP class that Emily talked about early in the video. I have a tape of them rehearsing in that classroom, recorded on one of those terrible casstte recorders that we learned foreign languages on. Wow, over 40 years ago. Go Shamrock Dragons! 🐉
Nomads, Indians and Saints is IMHO a masterpiece and as a musician was absolutely one of my biggest influences. They were a modern day Simon/Garfunkle that spoke to me at a level no one else could.
My first IG record, and the reason I play guitar. A and E are exceptional people, and have made the most important music in my life. So glad to see Emily here. Thanks Rick!
Great interview,Rick! Just saw Amy Ray Band 2 weeks ago.Folk club in Boston..Passim's perhaps...They're the " real deal" band over 30 years of inventing their music and performing BTWunforti unfortunately their own recording wasn't used,Brandi &Catherine Carlile sang it on: Barbie :...,marketing move probably.
Emily and Amy are like superheroes to me. Graduated high school in '88, and they were the soundtrack of that era for me. And to be clear, I'm a 6'4" former college football linebacker and team captain. Music breaks all barriers! ❤
Rick has really elevated his game and the music TH-camr game with these interviews and everything he does. Great questions, great interviews, really captivating.
I'm almost 46 years old, graduated highschool in 1996. I was probably the only guy in school that absolutely loved the Indigo Girls. I had been in choir and drama of some sort all my life, and was introduced to their music by some of the ladies that I was friends with from choir that were into the '90s female folk scene that was going strong at that point in time. I had also been playing guitar for a couple of years and loved everything they were doing. Guitar parts that played off of each other, vocal parts that played off of each other while having amazing harmonies, great lyrics, perfection. Closer to Fine was my introduction to them, and I was of and running. Their rendition of Dire Strait's Romeo and Juliet blew my mind. The passion in their singing on that song still kills me to this day. I am so grateful for their music!
I have a nearly identical story except I graduated in 1997. I think they are incredible, and I finally got to see them in concert last year and was blown away.
I have kept these lyrics in my mind for many years and it has helped me many, many times, "Well, darkness has a hunger that's insatiable And lightness has a call that's hard to hear And I wrap my fear around me like a blanket I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it I'm crawling on your shores" Thank you for this Indigo Girls
The way Emily speaks about Amy and keeps her so present in this interview is just amazing. There's so much respect and consideration there, and you can just feel how natural it is.
I just love listening to artists talk about their story, music and how all the relationships interweaved to where they are today. Thanks Rick for having these musicians on your channel and making these videos.
_I 100% agree. He is documenting music history perhaps better than the mainstream could ever do._ *Artists really trust Rick (Rick is a true student and teacher of music, as I'm sure you are aware). His interviewees are quick to 'be themselves' in these interviews.* *_And as a consequence of this mutual comfort level between Rick and his guests, these interviews are amazingly informative & somewhat (pleasantly) kinda shocking. : ) 😁👍🏽_* _Anyway, sorry for rambling on. 👍🏽_
I went to an REM concert at the Omni in Atlanta where the Indigo Girls opened. Michael Stipe came on stage and sang backup on Kid Fears. I got goosebumps. Great concert! I have just about all of the Indigo's music.
First indigo girls song I heard was Kid Fears because I was a huge REM fan at the time, friend chucked it on a compilation tape for me. When Stipe's voice comes in, goosebumps, 100%. No other word for it. I still remember the exact moment, the weather, where I was, could probably even narrow it down to the exact date due to my extensive diaries at the time... 17 year old me changed in that instant.
I wasn't really aware of the Indigo Girls music but after this interview with Rick and the song that Emily sang, "Look Long" (which gave me a big lump in the throat) i'll be making sure to catch up with their back catalogue in the near future. This is what Rick's channel does - it's an education. Great stuff
How lucky to be discovering them for the first time!!! They have quite a catalogue at this point, and soooo many songs that will put a lump in your throat and a leap in your heart!
I remember hearing "Closer to Fine" for the first time like it was yesterday. Instant fan. And what an "ahead of its time" song with all the implications of mental health and authenticity and such that has become so much more "ok to talk about" than it was 35 years ago. Between that and the counter melodies on "Kid Fears" I must have listened to that record 1000 times. Well, darkness has a hunger that's insatiable And lightness has a call that's hard to hear And I wrap my fear around me like a blanket I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it I'm crawling on your shores
I am a metalhead from WAYYYYYYY back. Having said that, I grew up with every sort of music imaginable in the house, from the Beatles/Stones/Who to Dylan/Donovan/CSN to Motown to outlaw country to piano/classical/ etc........ The first time I heard Indigo Girls was "Closer to Fine", of course. I bought both albums and went nuts. I have bought everything they have ever released (much to the consternation of many bandmates) and have ever seen them a couple of times. Thank you for putting this together. It was very educational (as always).
Indigo Girls music is some of the best music out there. I really hope more people continue to discover them over time. Criminally underrated, but absolutely appreciated.
What a lovely surprise to have this interview pop into my feed. I watched it in raptured admiration the way Emily must've been that night in Joni's home. indigo girls are one of my all-time favorite artists, and I sometimes wish I'd picked up a guitar of my own 25 years before I did. Wonderful interview, Rick!
Omg. I just died and went to heaven. I haven’t watched this. Just saw the opening screen. THANK YOU RICK!!!! Emily is more than a legend to me. Such a beautiful soul. Her and Amy’s music speak volumes.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Emily and Amy, it was on Letterman. They performed “World Falls”. Never had I heard a song summarize my deepest feelings which most of the world discards unnoticed. Thank you Emily. Love to you.
I'm an older man, and the first thing I ever heard by the Indigo Girls was their take on "Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters" and I was amazed and have listened to them ever since.
Isn't it neat to hear of the variety of music that was part of Emily's early life. These are the perspective questions Rick you ask that brings a reality to how one became successful of time. The story is a great one. Emily's is wonderful to hear.
Dang! As a straight guy, I always call Indigo Girls my “guilty pleasure.” LOL! Loved them since they first came out. In fact, “Closer to Fine” is the reason I bought my first capo. Think I have their first 5 CDs. Interesting that Emily says she gets bored with acoustic music. That’s what I always loved most about them. Their first three albums are my favorites. Listening to them play acoustic guitar and harmonize vocally, that’s my favorite. Amy’s voice has moved me to tears. The way their voices blend, it’s so beautiful. I have the Indigo Girls Live at the Uptown Lounge on VHS. Two girls with guitars. It’s captivating. Then Michael Stipe shows up for his guest vocal on Kid Fears! Gives me chills every time! Thanks for interviewing her. I’m off to relearn all those early tunes of theirs! Heheh
Emily is a national treasure. Her songs reflect sincere struggle, sometimes macro, sometimes micro, but always spoken with an honest seeker’s voice. What a treat to spend time with Rick and Emily. Thank you for bringing Joni Mitchell into the mix. 🌈💜🇺🇸
I'm 77 and have been watching your channel for a couple of years. I have never written a comment. Also, I have no memory of listening to Indio Girls music. I'm going to search TH-cam and will probably discover I've heard them and liked their music without knowing who they were. I know the name, just can't put them together with their songs. So, first, I have to say that was one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in quite awhile. Secondly, your interview was, as usual, well thought out and you asked what I thought were great questions answered by a very open and honest songwriter/musician. She seems to be very happy with her life and is fortunate to have such a wonderful friend/companion for a band member. What a superbly wonderful 50 minutes that I will remember for a long time. Thanks to both of you!
I think so many of us are going to start our comments with ‘oh my god’…. That was just wonderful, I could tell Rick really appreciated Emily’s art and abilities. Amy and Emily are the real thing. Their music is strong and beautiful and such a gift to so many of us…
Emily and Amy are two of my favorite musical artists. Rick I'm so grateful to you for this interview. The room you give artists to talk is spectacular dude. I learned so much about one of my heroes. It's funny to me that you'd ever get someone in your audience to say these interviews are not their favorite part of all that you offer on your channel. One of your special gifts is being able to bring out the best in your interviewees. You do it bt asking good questions and by giving them the space to give us the info. Love these interviews. This one especially. Thanks!
Great Interview, Rick knows the right questions to ask and Emily so forthcoming and articulate. A wonderful insight into an artist's life. Thanks both.
29:38 As a songwriter and author of a couple books, I love that she mentions, "On Writing" by Stephen King. I spoke to a songwriter's group a month ago and mentioned it. I also wrote about it a couple days ago in an article on how to improve your writing. Also, thank you for this interview Rick and Emily. I knew the Indigo Girls at the periphery but after I taught my gf guitar, she asked me to help her with Closer to Fine. After that I started listening to them more earnestly.
I was fortunate to be at the Indigo Girls' first performance at Red Rocks. I forget who they were opening for, maybe 10000 Maniacs? But two women with acoustic guitars owned that stage and sang as joyously and enthusiastically as any duo I've ever seen. Great interview, Rick!
I always loved The Indigo Girls. Their songs, especially "Closer to Fine", are so iconic. I'm delighted that Amy and Emily still maintain a close friendship, which started in Elementary school.
What a feast, this interview! Played their cassettes on Loop in the 90s, and I’m delighted her early musical influences were who I loved too, all masters of harmonies.
I am crying tears of joy seeing you interview Emily! Her and Amy have played a pivotal part in my life the last three years and I saw them twice in 2022. Thank you for the interview!
Thanks so much for this magical interview with Emily Saliers, Rick!! It was great to learn so much about her songwriting process and her collaboration with Amy. While "Closer to Fine" is her signature "poetical" song - even making it into the recent Barbie movie - "History of Us" from that same, early self-titled album is underrated. And sublime.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate this interview. Amy and Emily are two of the best songwriters around. I've been a fan since around 1992 and have seen them several times. Emily is such a joy and I hope by her being on here, people who don't know discover the Indigo Girls for themselves and love them as much as us that are "in the know". The Swamp Ophelia album is an absolute masterpiece in my opinion.
Indigo Girls was/is a major influence on me. My GF (at the time) and I love them and saw them at Berkeley Greek Theatre in the very early 90s. I love Amy's raw voice and Emily's fine guitar playing. Two very different voices create wonderful harmonies together.
Saw the girls in the late 80's in a small club in Orlando with my wife. We were so impressed. Thank you for doing this interview. She is a delight to listen to. A wonderful poet, artist and musician.
Love Emily. Met her once in Charleston when they were touring. Super nice and crazy talented. Rick, you are the man. Such a pro. Thanks for all you do and your hard work and dedication to music. I'm a fan close by in Greenville, SC.
The Indigo Girls are one of the most criminally underrated groups of all time. Their song Ghost is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard.
@davidl570 I knew this was coming!! I didn't know when. I did know where and how though!! And yes Ghost is a beautifully haunting song that makes one yearn for a past love or person or even feeling that they dearly miss and are still in love with or still under its spell even though they can't physically touch it or feel it and it always comes to them at a certain time of the year or season cuz that's when this thing or person met them or shared something of importance with them at the time. Or something like this or these scenarios. That's also one thing I love about their songs as well is that their lyrics allow a person to interpret the songs meaning in so many different ways or apply them to so many different experiences one has had in their life. It's something that some people I've known hate and others love. I am one that happens to love it.
What a beautiful interview between friends. Emily has always been so humble, gracious and sweet. It was such a wonderful surprise to know that Rick and Emily knew each other earlier and are friends. When I was 26yo back in 1992 the girlfriend I dated got me into the Indigo Girls, whom I never heard prior to. I was instantly attached. Being a lover of folk rock, I was drawn into their world. Soon after, I moved to Kansas City area and my girlfriend stayed in Chicago. The openness of the area, the missing of my girlfriend and me being on my own away from my family was given so much support through the listening of Emily and Amy. It was all so much of a blessing being able to see them in concert three different times down the road. The emotional connection to this band has been a 10 out of 10. They are quite special go very deep emotionally. I love Rick's questions. He asks questions that we all want to know. And now I find out that Emily has loved all the artists I've loved in the past growing up, starting with John Denver and the others she mentioned from folk to rock and roll. What a sweetheart she is. May Emily and Amy continue to bless the world with their creative poetry and songwriting for 30 more years.
This woman has brought me so much joy through out my life with her voice and songs. No matter what happens, her and Amy's songs have always been there. Mystery by the Indigo Girls is my favorite song of all time hands down, #1 favorite song. Thank you Rick for bringing her on.
So many great acts that came out of GA in the late seventies and eighties. Indigo Girls and Michael Stipe doing Kid Fears was indicative of that talent. Harmonies that the Indigo Girls came up with, always unforgettable.
@@andrewkorbel9883*Yep. Many talented musicians/bands originated from Athens, GA (located about an hour east of Atlanta).* *_And despite Athens always being known as a massive college football (U of GA) town, Athens became a hotbed of music (alternative, moreso) in the late 1970s/early 1980s. And it continues to be one of the country's biggest 'music scene'._* *To put it into perspective: Athens became such a town so rich in musical talent, that Seattle, WA (grunge's birthplace) was often later referred to by music journos as the 'Athens of the northwest'. 👍🏽*
Love love the Indigo Girls. I've played in an acoustic duo for over 30 years and we've covered some of their songs. I hope we've educated our Australian audience on how good these girls are by playing their songs in our gigs.
That was a great, unexpected surprise. And once again, Rick, your video production has really hit a new level. Beautiful lighting and colors in the studio.
Rick, What a surprise to see Emily Saliers interviewed! I have met Her and Amy a few times and have a funny story I like sharing with people. But honestly, I don’t know very many people who are as eclectic musically as you are and I often feel alone in the world in that regard and I look forward to seeing who else you might surprise me with in the future. Thanks for having one of the best TH-cam channels out there. I have benefited from your teachings on here and now I am enriched with the interviews. You ask the questions I want to know if I were to be sitting down with these artists.
She is so articulate and humble. Probably my favorite interview to date. I remember them playing in Dakalb during the 90s. Always an amazing time! Cheers, Joe
OMD Finally I understand why I could NOT hear Ann Wilson’s voice when I had front row tickets for the The Ann Wilson Thing!!! I was so frustrated and broken-hearted. I finally got to sit front row, nearly center, to hear one of my favorite singers ever and I could barely hear her. She even said something directly to me and I couldn’t hear it. Thanks, Emily and Rick for talking about this.
Much thanks, Rick, for this terrific interview. I'd always wanted to hear a conversation between you and The Girls. This hit the spot. Thank you again. PS: Man, that Emily - still got it! :)
Indigo Girls are very cool! I like them and this style of music! Nice playing and beautiful vocal arrangements! Thanks for inviting Emily! My warm Greetings to her!
'Love will come to you' is a masterpiece in alternate tuning magic. My first exposure to alternate tuning. It's awesome that Emily's plays alternate tuning for us today as well. Beautiful
Excellent interview. I’ve enjoyed Emily’s songs for decades. But I love Swamp Ophelia so much I haven’t listened much to later albums. After this interview I checked and now I have a lot of new Indigo Girls albums to catch up on. Good times.
Great interview. I've been a fan of the Indigo Girls since the beginning. My buddy and I had an acoustic duo and covered their tunes for years. Thank you for the great music.
Back in the day, there were two desperate bands that I listened to and made me a better songwriter and guitar player. The Replacements and the Indigo Girls. Severe integrity. When my wife (who is an artist) and I had our daughter we named her Indigo. Thank you Emily for sharing your gift.
Emily seems as genuine in this interview just as her personality has always seemed come across through her music. Like many, I was a folk-loving (but metal loving, too) college kid when Indigo Girls hit the mass market in '89. Both hers and Amy's songwriting, singing, and playing have always been inspiring, with a band I was in at the time being much influenced by them, especially the descants! But Emily is such a great guitarist, with many of my favorite solos being hers. Thanks for another great interview, Rick and crew!
Emily is such a sweetheart! She is such a genuinely nice person and so talented! I just can’t say enough nice things about her! I’m grateful to have met and known her for the time that I have! She’s a true joy!❤️❤️
I've been a huge Indigo Girls fan since I heard Indigo Girls (the album) for the first time on release day in the record store I was working in Virginia Beach, VA in 1989. Years and years later I had the good fortune to introduce Emily and Amy when they played a small show at a community college in Bend, Oregon. What an awesome interview!
The Indigo Girls changed my life, literally! I was in a hole, I hated my job as a kitchen designer/salesman which I'd been for 12 or so years. Whilst at a gig in London, back in the 90s, listening to them singing 'Watershed' and realising that my burden was indeed my heaviest load, I chose to get used to a country mile and made the decision to give it all up. The very next day I handed in my notice and haven't looked back since. A very big thank you to Emily and Amy. Love you guys. ❤️
So I’m outside building a deck and listening to Rites of Passage and Swamp Ophelia, which I really hadn’t played in a few years. But those are two of my fave records of all of the 90s. I come inside for a break from the heat, and find this. Awesome. 👊🏼
Another great interview. Love the Indigo Girls... and I have a funny story. I was covering an Earth Day event back in 91/92 at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, for my local newspaper. I was supposed to have a quick interview with Robert Kraft. The press agent told me that I would have to wait until the Indigo Girls were to do the interview. They told me that Kraft really liked them and would be available after. They were playing Joan Baez that day. So, they played and did a great little set and then I went to meet Kraft. I nonchalantly mentioned to him that I heard he was a big fan of the Indigo Girls. He became very mad that the secret was out. I hope I didn't get that poor lady into trouble. I had no idea he would be so sensitive about the possibility of it getting out to the public.
Saw them a month or so ago, and saw them for the first time 30 years ago. Still many many moments of unbelievable harmonies, musicality, emotion - "hair standing up on my arms" moments. Hearing the entire audience at DPAC in Durham singing Closer to Fine at the top of their lungs was something else.
Wow! What a surprise. Rick, I've been watching your videos for years now, but I've been an Indigo Girls fan since the 1990s. Thank you for this interview and recognizing Emily and Amy's greatness. Great interview.
Didn't see this interview coming wow! Hearing "You and Me of the 10000 Wars" in my head as watching the beginning. Got to see them play it live WAY back in the day, still remember kinda feeling everybody in the crowd's breathe being taken away hearing their ridiculously great harmonies.
Wow! An unexpected treat. The Indigo Girls are the soundtrack to my romance with my wife. Special place in my heart for them. I always like your choice of friends Rick!
Great interview Rick. This conversation/interview is so warm , genuine, and humble. Emily has written some great songs. It’s wonderful to hear how invigorated she is bout writing for musicals.
My younger brother introduced me to an Indigo Girls concert in Boston in the 1990s. I was hooked and have loved their music ever since. Thank you for this video!
saw them live in Newcastle UK 1993...one of the best gigs I ever went to. A small venue , packed tight and everyone knew all the words to every song. Fantastic
My wife (Pina Kollars) and I toured with Emily and Amy in the early 2000's and they are such amazing people. I only have the happiest of memories from those days. Lovely to see this!!!
What a glorious interview. Strange fire and their 1989 self titled LP was *profoundly* comforting and grounding for me as a young person in the late ‘80’s. I was struggling with insurmountable obstacles in my life and those two albums were lifelines for my soul. I still listen to both albums and they are no less healing today than they were over 30 years ago.
I love Emily and Amy. This segment was wonderful. Thank you so much for this video. Emily is pure and her songs go right through me. Loved this one. My favorite sounds are Amy's grit against the soft melodic sounds Emily creates. Perfect.
In ears have helped us with our vocals so much. I think Em will learn to love it. We have wedges, too and get a good mix in there and then just have vocals and our own instruments in our ears. Cheap in ears act more like ear protection and you only have to turn vox up to where they are just in front of the mix in your wedge.
Oh my goodness, Emily is so delightful. I was just sitting here smiling through the whole interview. Thank you so much, Rick.
Delightful is exactly the word I was coming to write as well. She is so authentic and humble. Thanks Rick!
Right !?!
Me too! Laughing and yes, even tearing up a little bit, from sheer joy
I love how she describes her partnership with Amy: “We filled up every bit of space with our differences.”
She is a beautiful poet. Her lyrics are amazing.
Hence the title of one of their albums, Despite Our Differences.
I was 15 in 1987 and a cousin handed me a cassette called Strange Fire. I have been a massive Indigo Girls fan ever since. They've made me dance, they've made me cry, they've made me fall in love. I can look back at all the major events of my life and tie it to an Indigo Girls song. I earnestly believe that Emily and Amy are two of the most important songwriters of my generation.
Thank you for this interview.
Watershed, Kid Fears, Galileo and of course Closer to Fine comprised the soundtrack to my college years. I am grateful the Barbie soundtrack provided an opportunity for me to share Indigo Girls' music with my daughter. I told her, "They were my Taylor Swift."
Watershed. Unforgettable. My favorite too.
Totally, I play the Girls around my house on Saturday mornings. This past June my husband and I took our 11year old daughter to see them live on their summer tour. She sang along 🥰
@@Barklord You… you… well, DO realize this is a song? A piece of art, and not a historical record? While the actual story is fascinating and important, this comment befuddles me. The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald isn’t historically accurate either, but Gordon Lightfoot made an incredible song.
But seriously, they are so much more than Taylor Swift could hope to be, respectfully. So much depth to their music, the lyrics, so much musicianship. Unparalleled.
I like Taylor a lot, but the Indigo's lyrics are on a whole other level
I went to high school with Amy and Emily, and was in that same AP class that Emily talked about early in the video. I have a tape of them rehearsing in that classroom, recorded on one of those terrible casstte recorders that we learned foreign languages on. Wow, over 40 years ago. Go Shamrock Dragons! 🐉
Incredible!
FANTASTIC!
Definitely upload that if you're able. Would love to see it.
Oh that would be a magical roots listen of two iconic singer/songwriters 😮
Cool story
Nomads, Indians and Saints is IMHO a masterpiece and as a musician was absolutely one of my biggest influences. They were a modern day Simon/Garfunkle that spoke to me at a level no one else could.
That is the record. World Falls, 1991...
My first IG record, and the reason I play guitar. A and E are exceptional people, and have made the most important music in my life. So glad to see Emily here. Thanks Rick!
Great interview,Rick! Just saw Amy Ray Band 2 weeks ago.Folk club in Boston..Passim's perhaps...They're the " real deal" band over 30 years of inventing their music
and performing BTWunforti unfortunately their own recording wasn't used,Brandi &Catherine Carlile sang it on: Barbie :...,marketing move probably.
For me it was Rights of Passage. That came right as I was hitting the age where I was picking my own music to listen to.
Strange Fire is probably my favorite album of theirs. Their first 4 albums were fantastic, but I'm going to go with Strange Fire.
Another great interview. Could have listened for hours. Thank you
Emily and Amy are like superheroes to me. Graduated high school in '88, and they were the soundtrack of that era for me. And to be clear, I'm a 6'4" former college football linebacker and team captain. Music breaks all barriers! ❤
But did you score 4 touchdowns in a single game for Polk High?
@waltercoyle6393 only one hero could do that! (Hand in pants)
Yes it does! Class of 89' here. I first saw them on MTV and their harmonizing really made an impression on me.
This is a great story.
yeahhhssss!!!
I love that the Barbie movie has introduced the Indigo Girls to a new generation.
Rick has really elevated his game and the music TH-camr game with these interviews and everything he does. Great questions, great interviews, really captivating.
This interview is a Holy trance ❤
I'm almost 46 years old, graduated highschool in 1996. I was probably the only guy in school that absolutely loved the Indigo Girls. I had been in choir and drama of some sort all my life, and was introduced to their music by some of the ladies that I was friends with from choir that were into the '90s female folk scene that was going strong at that point in time. I had also been playing guitar for a couple of years and loved everything they were doing. Guitar parts that played off of each other, vocal parts that played off of each other while having amazing harmonies, great lyrics, perfection. Closer to Fine was my introduction to them, and I was of and running. Their rendition of Dire Strait's Romeo and Juliet blew my mind. The passion in their singing on that song still kills me to this day. I am so grateful for their music!
I have a nearly identical story except I graduated in 1997. I think they are incredible, and I finally got to see them in concert last year and was blown away.
I have kept these lyrics in my mind for many years and it has helped me many, many times,
"Well, darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
And lightness has a call that's hard to hear
And I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it
I'm crawling on your shores"
Thank you for this Indigo Girls
Gorgeous lyrics, beautiful harmonies - so good, as Rick would say!
The way Emily speaks about Amy and keeps her so present in this interview is just amazing. There's so much respect and consideration there, and you can just feel how natural it is.
I just love listening to artists talk about their story, music and how all the relationships interweaved to where they are today. Thanks Rick for having these musicians on your channel and making these videos.
Si❤
Is si es muy buena entrevista GRACIAS RICK❤
_I 100% agree. He is documenting music history perhaps better than the mainstream could ever do._
*Artists really trust Rick (Rick is a true student and teacher of music, as I'm sure you are aware). His interviewees are quick to 'be themselves' in these interviews.*
*_And as a consequence of this mutual comfort level between Rick and his guests, these interviews are amazingly informative & somewhat (pleasantly) kinda shocking. : ) 😁👍🏽_*
_Anyway, sorry for rambling on. 👍🏽_
I went to an REM concert at the Omni in Atlanta where the Indigo Girls opened. Michael Stipe came on stage and sang backup on Kid Fears. I got goosebumps. Great concert! I have just about all of the Indigo's music.
First indigo girls song I heard was Kid Fears because I was a huge REM fan at the time, friend chucked it on a compilation tape for me. When Stipe's voice comes in, goosebumps, 100%. No other word for it. I still remember the exact moment, the weather, where I was, could probably even narrow it down to the exact date due to my extensive diaries at the time... 17 year old me changed in that instant.
I wasn't really aware of the Indigo Girls music but after this interview with Rick and the song that Emily sang, "Look Long" (which gave me a big lump in the throat) i'll be making sure to catch up with their back catalogue in the near future. This is what Rick's channel does - it's an education. Great stuff
How lucky to be discovering them for the first time!!! They have quite a catalogue at this point, and soooo many songs that will put a lump in your throat and a leap in your heart!
Best interview ever! Emily was so relaxed and shared so many amazing childhood stories. ❤
I remember hearing "Closer to Fine" for the first time like it was yesterday. Instant fan. And what an "ahead of its time" song with all the implications of mental health and authenticity and such that has become so much more "ok to talk about" than it was 35 years ago. Between that and the counter melodies on "Kid Fears" I must have listened to that record 1000 times.
Well, darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
And lightness has a call that's hard to hear
And I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it
I'm crawling on your shores
I am a metalhead from WAYYYYYYY back. Having said that, I grew up with every sort of music imaginable in the house, from the Beatles/Stones/Who to Dylan/Donovan/CSN to Motown to outlaw country to piano/classical/ etc........
The first time I heard Indigo Girls was "Closer to Fine", of course. I bought both albums and went nuts. I have bought everything they have ever released (much to the consternation of many bandmates) and have ever seen them a couple of times.
Thank you for putting this together. It was very educational (as always).
Indigo Girls music is some of the best music out there. I really hope more people continue to discover them over time. Criminally underrated, but absolutely appreciated.
What a lovely surprise to have this interview pop into my feed. I watched it in raptured admiration the way Emily must've been that night in Joni's home. indigo girls are one of my all-time favorite artists, and I sometimes wish I'd picked up a guitar of my own 25 years before I did. Wonderful interview, Rick!
Omg. I just died and went to heaven. I haven’t watched this. Just saw the opening screen. THANK YOU RICK!!!! Emily is more than a legend to me. Such a beautiful soul. Her and Amy’s music speak volumes.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Emily and Amy, it was on Letterman. They performed “World Falls”. Never had I heard a song summarize my deepest feelings which most of the world discards unnoticed. Thank you Emily. Love to you.
I'm an older man, and the first thing I ever heard by the Indigo Girls was their take on "Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters" and I was amazed and have listened to them ever since.
Isn't it neat to hear of the variety of music that was part of Emily's early life. These are the perspective questions Rick you ask that brings a reality to how one became successful of time. The story is a great one. Emily's is wonderful to hear.
Dang! As a straight guy, I always call Indigo Girls my “guilty pleasure.” LOL! Loved them since they first came out. In fact, “Closer to Fine” is the reason I bought my first capo. Think I have their first 5 CDs. Interesting that Emily says she gets bored with acoustic music. That’s what I always loved most about them. Their first three albums are my favorites. Listening to them play acoustic guitar and harmonize vocally, that’s my favorite. Amy’s voice has moved me to tears. The way their voices blend, it’s so beautiful. I have the Indigo Girls Live at the Uptown Lounge on VHS. Two girls with guitars. It’s captivating. Then Michael Stipe shows up for his guest vocal on Kid Fears! Gives me chills every time! Thanks for interviewing her. I’m off to relearn all those early tunes of theirs! Heheh
Great interview. Emily is so articulate and interesting and down to earth and funny.
Emily is a national treasure. Her songs reflect sincere struggle, sometimes macro, sometimes micro, but always spoken with an honest seeker’s voice. What a treat to spend time with Rick and Emily. Thank you for bringing Joni Mitchell into the mix. 🌈💜🇺🇸
amy is a core part of that mix and cherished heritage and lineage...in songwriting,, in correlation all the way through n through...they are two
I'm 77 and have been watching your channel for a couple of years. I have never written a comment. Also, I have no memory of listening to Indio Girls music. I'm going to search TH-cam and will probably discover I've heard them and liked their music without knowing who they were. I know the name, just can't put them together with their songs. So, first, I have to say that was one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in quite awhile. Secondly, your interview was, as usual, well thought out and you asked what I thought were great questions answered by a very open and honest songwriter/musician. She seems to be very happy with her life and is fortunate to have such a wonderful friend/companion for a band member. What a superbly wonderful 50 minutes that I will remember for a long time. Thanks to both of you!
Late 80’s having Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, kd lang, and Tracy Chapman was everything for all us young queer folks.
I think so many of us are going to start our comments with ‘oh my god’…. That was just wonderful, I could tell Rick really appreciated Emily’s art and abilities. Amy and Emily are the real thing. Their music is strong and beautiful and such a gift to so many of us…
But it’s true🎉❤
Emily and Amy are two of my favorite musical artists. Rick I'm so grateful to you for this interview. The room you give artists to talk is spectacular dude. I learned so much about one of my heroes. It's funny to me that you'd ever get someone in your audience to say these interviews are not their favorite part of all that you offer on your channel. One of your special gifts is being able to bring out the best in your interviewees. You do it bt asking good questions and by giving them the space to give us the info. Love these interviews. This one especially. Thanks!
Agreed!
Great Interview, Rick knows the right questions to ask and Emily so forthcoming and articulate. A wonderful insight into an artist's life. Thanks both.
29:38 As a songwriter and author of a couple books, I love that she mentions, "On Writing" by Stephen King. I spoke to a songwriter's group a month ago and mentioned it. I also wrote about it a couple days ago in an article on how to improve your writing.
Also, thank you for this interview Rick and Emily. I knew the Indigo Girls at the periphery but after I taught my gf guitar, she asked me to help her with Closer to Fine. After that I started listening to them more earnestly.
I was fortunate to be at the Indigo Girls' first performance at Red Rocks. I forget who they were opening for, maybe 10000 Maniacs? But two women with acoustic guitars owned that stage and sang as joyously and enthusiastically as any duo I've ever seen. Great interview, Rick!
I always loved The Indigo Girls. Their songs, especially "Closer to Fine", are so iconic. I'm delighted that Amy and Emily still maintain a close friendship, which started in Elementary school.
Thanks Rick for a great interview. Thanks Emily for coming on Rick's channel. This was such a pleasant, fun interview.
What a feast, this interview! Played their cassettes on Loop in the 90s, and I’m delighted her early musical influences were who I loved too, all masters of harmonies.
I am crying tears of joy seeing you interview Emily! Her and Amy have played a pivotal part in my life the last three years and I saw them twice in 2022. Thank you for the interview!
Thanks so much for this magical interview with Emily Saliers, Rick!! It was great to learn so much about her songwriting process and her collaboration with Amy.
While "Closer to Fine" is her signature "poetical" song - even making it into the recent Barbie movie - "History of Us" from that same, early self-titled album is underrated. And sublime.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate this interview. Amy and Emily are two of the best songwriters around. I've been a fan since around 1992 and have seen them several times. Emily is such a joy and I hope by her being on here, people who don't know discover the Indigo Girls for themselves and love them as much as us that are "in the know". The Swamp Ophelia album is an absolute masterpiece in my opinion.
Indigo Girls was/is a major influence on me. My GF (at the time) and I love them and saw them at Berkeley Greek Theatre in the very early 90s. I love Amy's raw voice and Emily's fine guitar playing. Two very different voices create wonderful harmonies together.
Saw the girls in the late 80's in a small club in Orlando with my wife. We were so impressed. Thank you for doing this interview. She is a delight to listen to. A wonderful poet, artist and musician.
The Indigo Girls are so ill! Those harmonies are otherworldly, and the songwriting is absolutely spectacular.
Love Emily. Met her once in Charleston when they were touring. Super nice and crazy talented. Rick, you are the man. Such a pro. Thanks for all you do and your hard work and dedication to music. I'm a fan close by in Greenville, SC.
The Indigo Girls are one of the most criminally underrated groups of all time. Their song Ghost is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever heard.
I totally agree!! Ghost is such an amazingly beautiful and mesmerizingly haunting song! It's one of my favorite songs of all time!!
@@General_Junkie So..................Ghost is a haunting song...........................uh, no pun intended?
@davidl570 I knew this was coming!! I didn't know when. I did know where and how though!! And yes Ghost is a beautifully haunting song that makes one yearn for a past love or person or even feeling that they dearly miss and are still in love with or still under its spell even though they can't physically touch it or feel it and it always comes to them at a certain time of the year or season cuz that's when this thing or person met them or shared something of importance with them at the time. Or something like this or these scenarios. That's also one thing I love about their songs as well is that their lyrics allow a person to interpret the songs meaning in so many different ways or apply them to so many different experiences one has had in their life. It's something that some people I've known hate and others love. I am one that happens to love it.
@@General_Junkie Couldn't have said it better myself!
@davidl570 thank you kind sir!!
What a beautiful interview between friends. Emily has always been so humble, gracious and sweet. It was such a wonderful surprise to know that Rick and Emily knew each other earlier and are friends. When I was 26yo back in 1992 the girlfriend I dated got me into the Indigo Girls, whom I never heard prior to. I was instantly attached. Being a lover of folk rock, I was drawn into their world. Soon after, I moved to Kansas City area and my girlfriend stayed in Chicago. The openness of the area, the missing of my girlfriend and me being on my own away from my family was given so much support through the listening of Emily and Amy. It was all so much of a blessing being able to see them in concert three different times down the road. The emotional connection to this band has been a 10 out of 10. They are quite special go very deep emotionally. I love Rick's questions. He asks questions that we all want to know. And now I find out that Emily has loved all the artists I've loved in the past growing up, starting with John Denver and the others she mentioned from folk to rock and roll. What a sweetheart she is. May Emily and Amy continue to bless the world with their creative poetry and songwriting for 30 more years.
Those two ladies could be the most underrated band ever. Next level musicianship and songwriting for so many years.
This woman has brought me so much joy through out my life with her voice and songs.
No matter what happens, her and Amy's songs have always been there.
Mystery by the Indigo Girls is my favorite song of all time hands down, #1 favorite song.
Thank you Rick for bringing her on.
So many great acts that came out of GA in the late seventies and eighties. Indigo Girls and Michael Stipe doing Kid Fears was indicative of that talent. Harmonies that the Indigo Girls came up with, always unforgettable.
Didn’t the B-52s also come out of Georgia?
@@andrewkorbel9883Yes. Of course, also R.E.M.
@@andrewkorbel9883
They sure did.
@@andrewkorbel9883*Yep. Many talented musicians/bands originated from Athens, GA (located about an hour east of Atlanta).*
*_And despite Athens always being known as a massive college football (U of GA) town, Athens became a hotbed of music (alternative, moreso) in the late 1970s/early 1980s. And it continues to be one of the country's biggest 'music scene'._*
*To put it into perspective: Athens became such a town so rich in musical talent, that Seattle, WA (grunge's birthplace) was often later referred to by music journos as the 'Athens of the northwest'. 👍🏽*
Such a great voice and songwriter. My favorite is Springtime in the Southland & Get Out the Map
Love love the Indigo Girls. I've played in an acoustic duo for over 30 years and we've covered some of their songs. I hope we've educated our Australian audience on how good these girls are by playing their songs in our gigs.
That was a great, unexpected surprise. And once again, Rick, your video production has really hit a new level. Beautiful lighting and colors in the studio.
looks great - but I think it's a VERY well done green screen - am I right, Rick?
Rick, What a surprise to see Emily Saliers interviewed! I have met Her and Amy a few times and have a funny story I like sharing with people. But honestly, I don’t know very many people who are as eclectic musically as you are and I often feel alone in the world in that regard and I look forward to seeing who else you might surprise me with in the future. Thanks for having one of the best TH-cam channels out there. I have benefited from your teachings on here and now I am enriched with the interviews. You ask the questions I want to know if I were to be sitting down with these artists.
History of Us is one of my favorite songs ever….very beautiful and poetic. Thanks Emily for being the soundtrack of my life for many, many years!
She is so articulate and humble. Probably my favorite interview to date. I remember them playing in Dakalb during the 90s. Always an amazing time! Cheers, Joe
OMD Finally I understand why I could NOT hear Ann Wilson’s voice when I had front row tickets for the The Ann Wilson Thing!!! I was so frustrated and broken-hearted. I finally got to sit front row, nearly center, to hear one of my favorite singers ever and I could barely hear her. She even said something directly to me and I couldn’t hear it. Thanks, Emily and Rick for talking about this.
Wow! Thanks Rick! Seen them a couple of times live. Just love their music. 👍
I'm stoked to see this. Been wanting a What Makes This Song Great that highlights an Indigo Girls song for years.
Glad to see they're on your radar.
What a beautiful song at the end. Songwriting of the first order. Thank you Rick and Emily. Thank you.
Great interview! Thanks Rick. My all-time favorite song by Emily is “Love’s Recovery”. Her half-step dissonances and suspensions are beautiful
That song chokes me up every time, and I have owned it since the day it came out. Perfect melancholy song.
I was just listening to "Galileo" last night. Truly love Indigo Girls! Emily Saliers is such a treasure 💜
Much thanks, Rick, for this terrific interview. I'd always wanted to hear a conversation between you and The Girls. This hit the spot. Thank you again.
PS: Man, that Emily - still got it! :)
Bravo!!! Thank you for this Rick and Emily. Wonderful talk and performance!
Indigo Girls are very cool! I like them and this style of music! Nice playing and beautiful vocal arrangements! Thanks for inviting Emily! My warm Greetings to her!
'Love will come to you' is a masterpiece in alternate tuning magic. My first exposure to alternate tuning. It's awesome that Emily's plays alternate tuning for us today as well. Beautiful
I went back to play this after so many years and realized it's in dadgad tuning same as Kashmir.
Superb interview with a wonderful artist. Thank you, Rick and Emily.
I’m still in awe of Emily and Amy. Thank you so much for the interview.
Holy, what a performance. Awesome interview, thanks Rick!
Excellent interview. I’ve enjoyed Emily’s songs for decades. But I love Swamp Ophelia so much I haven’t listened much to later albums. After this interview I checked and now I have a lot of new Indigo Girls albums to catch up on. Good times.
Oh that was wonderful Rick! Emily is so open and engaging, and sounding as fabulous as ever. Great job! 😊
Great interview. I've been a fan of the Indigo Girls since the beginning. My buddy and I had an acoustic duo and covered their tunes for years. Thank you for the great music.
Back in the day, there were two desperate bands that I listened to and made me a better songwriter and guitar player. The Replacements and the Indigo Girls. Severe integrity. When my wife (who is an artist) and I had our daughter we named her Indigo. Thank you Emily for sharing your gift.
What a fantastic interview! I could listen to Emily talk about their history and life for hours! Emily is so down to earth...
Emily seems as genuine in this interview just as her personality has always seemed come across through her music.
Like many, I was a folk-loving (but metal loving, too) college kid when Indigo Girls hit the mass market in '89.
Both hers and Amy's songwriting, singing, and playing have always been inspiring, with a band I was in at the time being much influenced by them, especially the descants!
But Emily is such a great guitarist, with many of my favorite solos being hers.
Thanks for another great interview, Rick and crew!
One of my favorite humans! What a joy!
Emily is such a sweetheart!
She is such a genuinely nice person and so talented! I just can’t say enough nice things about her! I’m grateful to have met and known her for the time that I have! She’s a true joy!❤️❤️
Emily Sailers is one of my heroes. Thank you for sharing this conversation with us! ❤
Legend. Rites of Passage and The Self-Tiled album are my two favorite albums. Perfect albums.
I've been a huge Indigo Girls fan since I heard Indigo Girls (the album) for the first time on release day in the record store I was working in Virginia Beach, VA in 1989. Years and years later I had the good fortune to introduce Emily and Amy when they played a small show at a community college in Bend, Oregon. What an awesome interview!
The Indigo Girls changed my life, literally!
I was in a hole, I hated my job as a kitchen designer/salesman which I'd been for 12 or so years.
Whilst at a gig in London, back in the 90s, listening to them singing 'Watershed' and realising that my burden was indeed my heaviest load, I chose to get used to a country mile and made the decision to give it all up. The very next day I handed in my notice and haven't looked back since.
A very big thank you to Emily and Amy. Love you guys. ❤️
But now you can't afford a car and live in a trailer park. But at least you convince people that you are happy
@@TwistedRiffster Twisted? Indeed you are.
So I’m outside building a deck and listening to Rites of Passage and Swamp Ophelia, which I really hadn’t played in a few years. But those are two of my fave records of all of the 90s. I come inside for a break from the heat, and find this. Awesome. 👊🏼
Serendipitous synchronicity.
All of a sudden "Wood Song" takes a whole new meaning (I mean, depending on what the deck you're building is made of ;)
Another great interview. Love the Indigo Girls... and I have a funny story. I was covering an Earth Day event back in 91/92 at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, for my local newspaper. I was supposed to have a quick interview with Robert Kraft. The press agent told me that I would have to wait until the Indigo Girls were to do the interview. They told me that Kraft really liked them and would be available after. They were playing Joan Baez that day. So, they played and did a great little set and then I went to meet Kraft. I nonchalantly mentioned to him that I heard he was a big fan of the Indigo Girls. He became very mad that the secret was out. I hope I didn't get that poor lady into trouble. I had no idea he would be so sensitive about the possibility of it getting out to the public.
Saw them a month or so ago, and saw them for the first time 30 years ago. Still many many moments of unbelievable harmonies, musicality, emotion - "hair standing up on my arms" moments. Hearing the entire audience at DPAC in Durham singing Closer to Fine at the top of their lungs was something else.
Great to see Emily on the show, Rick! Thank you! I'm from Atlanta, so Indigo Girls are a big deal in my home state. Always will be...
Wow! What a surprise. Rick, I've been watching your videos for years now, but I've been an Indigo Girls fan since the 1990s. Thank you for this interview and recognizing Emily and Amy's greatness. Great interview.
Didn't see this interview coming wow! Hearing "You and Me of the 10000 Wars" in my head as watching the beginning. Got to see them play it live WAY back in the day, still remember kinda feeling everybody in the crowd's breathe being taken away hearing their ridiculously great harmonies.
Wow! An unexpected treat.
The Indigo Girls are the soundtrack to my romance with my wife.
Special place in my heart for them.
I always like your choice of friends Rick!
Great interview Rick. This conversation/interview is so warm , genuine, and humble. Emily has written some great songs. It’s wonderful to hear how invigorated she is bout writing for musicals.
My younger brother introduced me to an Indigo Girls concert in Boston in the 1990s. I was hooked and have loved their music ever since. Thank you for this video!
saw them live in Newcastle UK 1993...one of the best gigs I ever went to. A small venue , packed tight and everyone knew all the words to every song. Fantastic
My wife (Pina Kollars) and I toured with Emily and Amy in the early 2000's and they are such amazing people. I only have the happiest of memories from those days. Lovely to see this!!!
Emily is such a charming, easy-going person, and it is lovely to see her be such a nerd when it comes to music and those who she respects.
What a glorious interview.
Strange fire and their 1989 self titled LP was *profoundly* comforting and grounding for me as a young person in the late ‘80’s. I was struggling with insurmountable obstacles in my life and those two albums were lifelines for my soul. I still listen to both albums and they are no less healing today than they were over 30 years ago.
What a awesome episode ...How it started and what it is .. And a awesome performance. Thanks Emily. Eeeh Rick too;)
Rick, Oh man, so solid. Again. Emily, much love.
I love Emily and Amy. This segment was wonderful. Thank you so much for this video. Emily is pure and her songs go right through me. Loved this one. My favorite sounds are Amy's grit against the soft melodic sounds Emily creates. Perfect.
Wow the unexpected tears with Look Long. Magical how she summons decades of memories in a heartbeat. Would love a follow-up if ever there's a chance.
Just saw them at The Peace Center...absolutely enchanting!
In ears have helped us with our vocals so much. I think Em will learn to love it. We have wedges, too and get a good mix in there and then just have vocals and our own instruments in our ears. Cheap in ears act more like ear protection and you only have to turn vox up to where they are just in front of the mix in your wedge.