Amy Ray Takes Your Questions

There are probably few people in the world who know Amy Ray better than her fans. The out musician has had a dedicated base of them for decades as one half of the Indigo Girls, the iconic folk duo comprised of Ray and Emily Saliers. As the founder and owner of independent label Daemon Records and as a solo star, Ray has connected with a younger queer generation as an edgy, indie rock musician who doesn’t shy away from self-expression.

In 2001, she released her first solo album, Stag, to positive reviews, and followed that with 2005's Prom and 2006's Live From Knoxville. On Aug. 5, her fourth solo album, Didn't It Feel Kinder, will be released. The album highlights a different side of Ray’s vocal talents. Fans will be likely be mesmerized by the sexy song "She’s Got To Be" and Ray's ability to write pop gems like "Cold Shoulder." It’s a fun side of Amy Ray that can arguably only be seen when she’s on her own.

Recently Amy Ray agreed to take questions from her fans on AfterEllen.com, and she was pleasantly surprised with the creativity and thoughtfulness of each inquiry. Here are your questions and her answers.

Q: With the change in label for the Girls, what will become of the Live at the Roxy video filmed in Atlanta last year? Is there any chance of that being released for sale independently, or does Hollywood [Records] own the rights? I'd love to be able to buy the DVD. — Mandy
Amy Ray: Now we're trying to negotiate getting it back, and it's not going to be a big issue. So we're just figuring out how, and we plan on releasing it in some way this year.

Q: Is there an issue that you are passionate about that you haven't had the time to focus your attention on, or anything you may become a part of in the future? — Chelsea
AR: I think, for me, I haven't had enough time in my own community that I live in. I'm doing so many things regionally and in other areas and with environmentalist issues that I spend so much time outside of my community. I think that's the one thing I really long for … when I'm home for six months or something, to get involved with kids. I live in kind of a rural area, and I think a lot of the teenagers really don't have enough do. I want to get involved somehow, some way, with teens and engage them more.