Aw, snap. It’s time for a leisurely stroll down memory lane with Flashion Backward. Let’s wander through UI’s archives and see what ancient creaking box of treats lies in wait for our greedy pawing pleasure. Today we’re chatting with Amy Ray, a woman for whom self-expression and tellin’ it like it is is more than a way of life–it is her life.
As 50 percent of the now-legendary folk-singing, guitar-strumming, artsy, vaguely fartsy Indigo Girls, Amy Ray has always managed to distinguish herself through solo albums (which are increasingly getting a more positive critical reception after years of eye-rolls), a record label, collaborations with punky The Butchies and hardcore political and social activism.
And while Amy Ray is probably not going to make any fashion’s designer wet dream must-dress list for the Grammys (or any public events for that matter), that’s kinda the point. She straps on blazers, sensible shoes and trousers that look like they’d be abfab for shoveling shit if need be. Instead of fussing over aesthetics, she gets down to the nitty gritty of life and attempts to make this world a better place, God bless her.
Someone’s gotta do it. (I’m too busy shopping). Below, check out Ray’s mellow, restrained, but resolute diatribe on censorship, hypocrisy and the continuing struggle of being a gay performer in the U.S. of A.
TOPICS: Flashion Backward, Kathleen Willcox