Emily Saliers, one half of the ultra-successful Indigo Girls, doesn?t take the duo?s popularity for granted.
Even though Saliers and musical partner Amy Ray have earned multiple awards and legions of fans since their first album was released in 1989, Saliers said they realize the recording industry is more volatile than it?s been in recent history.
“There are so many records released ? thousands and thousands ? that it?s hard for [retailers] to keep them in stock,” said Saliers. “We are really fortunate to play music for our day jobs.”
Instead of fighting the recording industry tide to keep those day jobs, the duo moved to the Hollywood Record label and recorded a new pop-infused album, “Despite Our Differences,” which has met with critical and commercial acclaim.
“Featuring energetic rock songs that are interspersed with gentler, folk-oriented fare, ?Despite Our Differences? is delightfully well paced, and it plays directly to the Indigo Girls? strengths without being delivered in such an agreeable fashion that it begins to feel lightweight,” said John Metzger of The Music Box.
Of course such glowing reviews after 20 years in the business come at a high price ? plenty of time on the road. Saliers sounds almost joyful talking about the constant touring and promotions she undertakes. Perhaps that?s because she has music in her blood. Her grandfather, she notes, was a professional touring musician in the big?band era.
Plus, hard work is nothing new to the Indigo Girls, whose friendship stretches back to when they met as sixth?grade students at a Decatur, Ga., elementary school. When they entered high school, they formed Saliers and Ray and then The B Band. Performances at open mic nights and talent shows gave way to gigs around Atlanta as the two released singles for play on the city?s radio stations.
They haven?t slowed down since.
“We also do the normal things like visit radio stations, do signing in stores, and whatever we can to build interest through word of mouth,” she said. “We want people to check us out on iTunes and the Web, listen to our music, and then come to a show.”
But doesn?t that get exhausting?
“Personally I love touring, traveling, the sound of the [tour bus] wheels underneath me,” said Saliers. “I?m flattered to see some of the same people over and over again.”
IF YOU GO
Indigo Girls with Three5Human
» Venue: Rams Head Live, 20 Market Place, Baltimore
» Time: 7 p.m. Monday
» Tickets: $30 advance; $35 day of the show
» More info: 410-244-1131, www.ramsheadlive.com
