The Indigo Girls are like the dinosaurs of folk music - they've been around since the beginning of time, but still manage to entertain their wide fan base.
The girls, who are traveling from state to state to promote their latest album, "All That We Let In," will hit Wharton Center today at 7:30 p.m. with opening act, Girlyman to play a variety of folk music and have a grand ol' time.
Emily Saliers from Indigo Girls took time out of her bustling tour schedule to call The State News and discuss the duo's new CD, the numerous musical changes on the release and whether the infamous Lilith Fair tour will ever come back from the dead.
The State News: You just had your first stop on the tour - how'd it go?
Emily Saliers: It was an "Honor the Earth" show, which is a specific benefit. It went really well.
The subject matter was a proposed nuclear waste dump and we were out there to bring public awareness to that.
We played a handful of new songs. Great crowd in Utah.
SN: So, you're touring in support of your new CD. Can you explain what the title of the album, "All That We Let In," means?
Saliers: Well, I wrote the song and for me that song was about huge, big issues like war, international things and cosmic things and how through pain and joy, the more that we let in, the more that we absorb, the deeper of our life experiences. Let it all in, ya' know?
SN: There are some differences on this album from others - Amy Ray playing solo guitar on a few songs and you trying mandolin and high-string guitar. What provoked these changes?
Saliers: Well, I think we're always trying to grow, and to keep it interesting we look to learning new instruments so that we can mix it up and not do the same thing over and over. Keep music fresh.
We get bored and want to grow.
SN: Are (the changes) working out?
Saliers: Yeah. It keeps our guitar tech busy. It keeps it fresh and it's fun.
SN: Most of your songs are either written by you or Ray. Is there a reason why you don't write together?
Saliers: We've just always had our own voice in our writing.
I think it's important to have that individual freedom. I enjoy writing and co-writing with artists, but it's a different experience. Fortunately (Ray and I) were able to arrange our songs together really well. It's a real good balance.
SN: Besides your music, what else will be going on at your live show?
Saliers: We've been doing voter registration throughout the year, but it's over for your state, I do believe. A lot of times, we get tabling requests from local groups. Queer-activist groups, Women's Action for New Directions (WAND) will be there. Typically, (groups) send volunteers. They provide information on whatever else is going on.
SN: Lilith Fair was huge and you two were a huge part of it. Do you ever think it will come back?
Saliers: I think it's set to rest. It's Sarah (McLachlan's) thing. She ran it well and I think she let it go when it was at its pinnacle. It was a fantastic tour. It was an opportunity for local bands to get out and play. It was just a really great festival.
SN: Anything else you'd like to add?
Saliers: Just let people know there's a band opening up for us, Girlyman. Three-part harmony. We want people to see that show, and, of course, vote.
For more information on tonight's show, check out www.whartoncenter.com.
