Amy Ray talks the talk — her lyrics fearlessly nail issues of violence, environmental issues and other pressing topics; her Indigo Girls concerts often serve as fundraisers for various deserving organizations. And she walks the walk as a human rights activist on many fronts, including co-founder of the human rights / environmental organization, Honor the Earth. While on a flight from New York to her hometown in Georgia, she penned these sometimes poignant, sometimes playful responses to "PopMatters 20 Questions."
Her third solo album, "Didn't It Feel Kinder," with Led Zeppelin, The Shins, and Judy Garland influences, releases August 5th on Daemon Records.
1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?
Actually, it's a song, "Top of The World" by Patty Griffin.
2. The fictional character most like you?
My friends say I'm a "Pony Boy" from "The Outsiders," but I always wanted to be Dallas, 'cause he's so hot.
3. The greatest album, ever?
Any music that inspires, comforts, provokes, creates change, makes you wanna dance, puts you to sleep when you need it, makes you scream when you need to, heals, breaks down, or creates divine harmonics is worthy. Different paths to the same god and all that stuff...
4. "Star Trek" or "Star Wars"?
I am a trekkie all the way. "Next Generation" is my vision for an evolved future.
5. Your ideal brain food?
I eat chocolate whenever I am doing anything challenging. I'm not sure it helps, but it makes me feel smarter. Avocado, sushi and edamame are good, too.
6. You're proud of this accomplishment, but why?
Activism is done in a community context. I am only proud of myself in the context of community.
7. You want to be remembered for ...?
My work as an activist — indigenous, environmental, queer, and race and class issues. I think it's a long road and a hard balance and hopefully when you die, if you're remembered for these kinds of things, then people will be inspired to keep up the work and carry the torch.
8. Of those who've come before, the most inspirational are?
There are three very special women that died between 1998 and 2004. Ingrid Washinawatok, Marsha Gomez, and Nilak Butler were among the founding mother's of an organization called The Indigenous Women's Network (IWN). I met them through my work with Honor the Earth, a group founded in the early '90s when Indigo Girls met Winona LaDuke at an Earth Day rally.
These three women were incredible activists on both a local and global scale. Their work in defending culture and land was revolutionary and precedent setting. Their deaths were poignant reminders to me of the need to gather in community, work hard for sustainability, and laugh a lot while doing it.
9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?
The song "Strange Fruit." I was first introduced to this song in the Billie Holiday recording, then I heard Siouxsie sing it on an Indigo Girl's tour. It made me love the song even more to see her do it live.
10. Your hidden talents ...?
I give great pedicures.
11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?
I have a bunch of cats that I adopted and a few of them have litter box issues. My vet told me to get some of the cheap plastic place mats and velcro them to the back of the litter box ... it worked like a charm.
Other than practical tips like that, I have a really hard time following advice until I screw up and learn myself.
12. The best thing you ever bought, stole or borrowed?
When I was a youngun' I found some Playboy magazines in someone's fort in the woods. I took them to my fort. Wow. For a southern suburbanite that was quite a revelation and a little confusing, but it opened up a world of possibilities.
13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or ...?
Thrift store stuff.
14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?
My mom. She would never think she deserves it, and never go there on her own, but it might feel good to be doted on for a night.
15. Time travel: where, when and why?
If I could, I would go back in time and try to change the approach to all things nuclear, by showing what a mess we've made with uranium mining, nuclear weapons and radioactive waste. It's doubtful anyone would listen, though, because we don't listen now.
16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?
The gym or a long hike.
17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or ...?
Chocolate.
18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?
Southern Appalachian Mountains.
19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?
I'm not sure George W. Bush would understand anything I had to say. He really seems absolutely clueless to me.
20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?
Getting ready for the release of my third solo CD, "Didn't It Feel Kinder," releasing August 5th. Restructuring and organizing my indie label, Daemon records. I am also in the studio in Atlanta for another week to finish a new Indigo Girls record that Mitchell Froom is producing.
I just planted two pear trees and a hibiscus. I'm getting the mats out of my five dogs' fur. And the Summer Indigo Girls tour season.
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
