Uncensored Interview Blog » amy ray

Flashion Backward: Amy Ray

Kathleen Willcox — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:57:49 +0000

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.

Amy Ray: Shame on You.

Ready To Barack: The 10 Bands We Wish Were Playing Obama’s Inauguration

Rachel Perry — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:29:14 +0000

Whether you voted for him or not, you can’t help feel tingly all over about January 20^th 2009 when Barack Obama is sworn is as the 44^th (and, more importantly, first black) President of the United States. The entire world will be watching as we say BYE BYE BUSH and HELLOBAMA. (Or at least our Interviewees, will, as evidenced below.)

There will be a celebration across the nation, and there’s no better way to commemorate while we inaugurate than by giving you our list of the 10 bands we wish, in a perfect world, were kicking off Obama’s presidency at the kickoff.

10. A Tribe Called Quest: Nineteen years ago, Q-Tip asked the question “Can I Kick it?” to which a bunch of other guys responded, “Yes you can.” Well Q-Tip, if you needed reminding that you indeed CAN kick it, then Obama reiterated that sentiment with his victory speech in Grant Park in Chicago, leaving one phrase etched into our brain: “Yes We Can.” On January 20^th let’s have ATCQ spread unity by letting the entire country know that we can all kick it. And if Obama hits up any other ATCQ songs for inspiration there’ll be a lot of lonely wallets in El Segundo.

9. Rammstein: Rumor has it the Prez-in-waiting is a huge fan of German sadists who wear bondage gear and shoot flames at each other. Oh, wait, apparently he actually just has a historical interest in documentaries about Hitler and the SS’ rise to power and tactics of torture and manipulation to help ensure we never repeat genocidal atrocities. Meh, they’re still fun to see live. Come on, who doesn’t enjoy a giant flame-spurting dildo from time to time?

8. Hopewell: The Audacity of Hopewell (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) Even if they believe that all elected officials should be in jail, at least they have a fine suggestion for us to get out of this economic hole and give a final F-U to Bush on the way out.

Hopewell: Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda.

7. Pink Floyd: The inaugural parade is anticipated to be the most attended event of the year, and what’s a parade without giant inflatable animals? Barack once said, “You can put lipstick on a pig. It’s still a pig.” So let’s prove it Roger Waters style. Prop him up on a float being tailed by his 40-foot inflatable pig sponsored by REVLON. Let’s just hope nobody thinks this has anything to do with pork barrel projects because that would not be kosher.

6. Falu: We need a little cultural diversity at the inauguration, and who better than indie hindi sensation Falu? Besides, Falu is completely in love with Obama!

Falu: Brilliant Barack.

5. These United States: We had to get literal on your ass with this one. These United States explain the importance of that great election issue of “change.”

These United States: The Smarmsman.

If George Bush was a mustache then we’ve been walking around looking pretty silly for the last eigh years without even realizing it. Time to shave that ‘stache America.

4. Stevie Wonder: Barack Obama said on his Facebook page that Stevie Wonder is one of his favorite artists. He also sent good karma to all his top friends and poked Hillary Clinton. He’s still waiting for her to poke back.

3. Army Navy: Traditionally, all five branches of the armed forces are in attendance at the presidential inauguration so it’s only appropriate that ARMY NAVY perform at the festivities. Besides, they have a soft spot for the Obaminator.

Army Navy: Obama Touches a Nerve.

2. The Jackson Five: NKOTB and the original Menudo featuring Ricky Martin doing a medley of Beatles songs while Brian Wilson provides musical accompaniment. MJ would be replete with his circa-’80 afro wig and sparkly jumpsuit, Ricky Martin would be shirtless and glistening with the dew of manhood dripping down his hairless chest and Donnie Whalberg would shave his goatee with a straight razor under a banner of fireworks in the night sky.

1. Amy Ray:

Amy Ray: Turn of the Tide.

Hey, we may have not shattered the glass ceiling by electing Hillary, and it’s probably a long time before we have a gay president, but we can at least have a rockin’ lesbian perform for the swearing in of our first minority leader. Now if only we could get that Prop 8 thing worked out…

To check out all the UI clips pertaining to our outgoing president and incoming leader, visit http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E0A6DA53081B6EA0 and http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A9A5773014A48209, respectively.

The Top 10 Things Uncensored Interview Has to Be Thankful For

Sharon Kim — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:00:53 +0000

What time of year is it? That’s right! It is the time to watch every iteration of A Charlie Brown _______ (insert holiday here) and reflect upon the true spirit of the season. Personally, I’m still waiting for one on Festivus. It’s the time of year to start worrying about how much of your inner fatkid (no pun intended) you are willing to let out. It’s the time for making lists and writing down “What we have to be thankful for?”

For this post, we reflect on the holiday season and the recently passed commemoration of Thanksgiving, and offer (via helpfully relevant clips from UncensoredInterview.com) 10 things we found ourselves especially grateful for in the last handful of weeks. Even the pilgrims couldn’t have made a list this good.

10. We’re thankful for reasons to celebrate.

Uncensored Interview had its first birthday on November 6. Did you know that in some Asian cultures, when a child turns one year old, it is cause for a large, sometimes ceremonious celebration? So what did we do? Well, actually, I think we were working. Nevertheless, it gave us great opportunity to bring to you inspiration from the likes of The Watson Twins.

The Watson Twins: Make Your Own Kind of Music.

9. We’re thankful for some functional democracy.

It is an election year, and there is no greater culmination of democracy than the day we get to exercise our right to choose. It’s a privilege to get to voice our opinions, and no one knows that better than our artists. This is what November 4th is really about.

8. We’re thankful for famous friends.

Everybody Loves Ray…Amy Ray that is. If you don’t believe me, try resisting her hypnotic awesomeness.

Amy Ray: Coming Soon to April.

7. We’re thankful for sound financial advice.

Who couldn’t stand to learn a few money saving tips nowadays, especially in the financial black hole of indie music? Magnetic Morning knows how to make the money stretch when you’re working for peanuts…or beans.

6. We’re thankful for a bit of perspective.

What can we say? Defining the differences within the musical zeitgeist is hard work. It’s not a black and white issue, and we don’t always have all the answers. Stereolab has done a good job of reminding us of that sometimes you just have to go with you’ve got.

5. We’re thankful for the good people who surround us.

Oh the holidays. What better time to remember to look for the best in people? The Mae Shi want you to keep that in mind when you want to close-line the other shopper who’s just taken the last Tickle Me Elmo…or maybe it’s the dancing Elmo nowadays?

4. We’re thankful for Mariah Carey.

Why not? You’re going to have to listen to a month’s worth of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” anyway. Embrace the perky purveyor of sweet, sweet fantasies like the boys from Princeton do.

3. We’re thankful that sometimes words fail

I suppose this is something wrong to endorse, but what the hell? I listen to Depeche Mode. I can “Enjoy The Silence” just as much as the next person, and the Violens would probably agree. If a picture paints a thousand words, then perhaps music can capture a million.

2. We’re thankful for the kindness of strangers.

It’s no story of Blanche DuBois, but Army Navy knows that a helping hand is nothing to scoff at, especially when that hand is randomly discovered on Craigslist.

1. We’re thankful for loved ones to go home to.

For all those bands out there who are touring tirelessly, Damien Jurado is right there with you. Too bad his eight-year-old son is still at home.

Hail to the New Chief!

Sharon Kim — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:01:49 +0000

I realize it has been days since the presidential election; the feeling of elation will simply not subside. And this isn’t just your average, every day type of feel good. This is pride. This is purpose. This is empowerment and change. This is a sense of connection to a collective ideal. This is simply phenomenal, and here is why:

Melissa Young: Man For The Job.

I’m going to have to second Melissa Young’s sentiment right there. Can I even recall the last time I was so moved by a leader’s sense of purpose? Not exactly, but you can be damn sure that it’s been at least eight years.

Thus, this is my mini-UI-indie homage to President-Elect Barack Obama, compliments of Falu, Priscilla Ahn, Amy Ray, Brendan James and Magnetic Morning, just to name a few. (So click on the hyperlinks).

This is also homage to all those out there who came together and decided to cast a vote for change, including my 65-year-old or older former music theory professor who was so proud to have “voted with the kids.” Let it be said again: Yes, we did!

Why?

theshark — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:34:09 +0000

Some things I’ve been pondering (and now you can too) over this crazy (but hopefully fruitful) Halloween-Election Weekend.

Why is it OK for a plumber to talk politics but not a musician?

Amy Ray: Amplify.

Why are record labels even necessary anymore?

The XYZ Affair: Music for TV.

Why, in a city so chock full of Mexican immigrants, is it so impossible to find good Mexican food in NYC?

The Muggabears: Only The Finest Tacos Will Do.

Why don’t presidents rock bitchin’ mustaches anymore?

Monotonix: Slow Facial Hair Growth.

What Is It About Shawn Mullins That Just Screams “Punk Rock”?

theshark — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:37:31 +0000

You wouldn’t know it by his modest, everyman’s apparel, soothing storyteller’s voice, or stellar catalog of acoustic folk hits, but as a youngin’, Shawn Mullins was far along the path to becoming a punk rocker, until he had a chance meeting with an Indigo Girl:

Man, can you imagine Shawn Mullins, the guy who wrote folk-pop classics the likes of Lullaby and All In My Head as a tattooed, orange-mohawked, tight leather pants wearing punk singer? For some reason, my mind just completely blocks it out. It’s like trying to imagine your dad getting beat up in a fight, or non-existence. Some things your mind just refuses to let you visualize.

But if Shawn did wind up ditching his folk career one day for whatever reason, I know what his new calling should be – narrator. Specifically, of my life story. Listen to his voice, you can’t tell me the metered, soothing calmness of it doesn’t put you into a hypnotic trance. I could listen to Shawn read an expletive-laden divorce notice from my wife and I’d still have a great big smile on my face at the end of it. The man just has that power that only your grandpa and Mr. Rogers seem to have, to completely entrance you with whatever they’re saying. Luckily, we have 27 more clips of Shawn over at UncensoredInterview.com, covering everything from to his Crazy, Booze-Filled Run-in With The Australian Police, to the time He Helped Get John Mayer Signed. My suggestion is to watch one a day, and then take several hours at your leisure (work won’t mind, trust me) to reflect on what Shawn just said. While reflecting, feel free to also sleep, play video games, or add new Facebook applications to your profile, as these all enhance the effect, especially when you’re at work.