**Key Takeaways:**
– Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls experienced the unique moment of hearing her song “Closer to Fine” featured prominently in the “Barbie” movie during its opening weekend in the Faroe Islands.
– The song not only served as a recurring motif in the film but also symbolized Barbie’s journey from a superficial existence to seeking deeper meaning in life.
– Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, the Indigo Girls, have been influential in the music scene since the ’80s, known for their lyrical depth, harmonies, and activism.
– The inclusion of their music in “Barbie” introduces their work to a new generation, further cemented by the upcoming movie musical “Glitter & Doom.”
– The duo’s enduring partnership, rooted in shared history and values, has been a stabilizing force in their careers and personal lives.
—
During the opening weekend of “Barbie” in the Faroe Islands, nestled between Iceland and the U.K.’s Shetland Islands, Emily Saliers, one part of the iconic duo Indigo Girls, found herself in a nearly full theater. Despite knowing her music would feature in the film, the extent and context of its use took her by surprise. The song “Closer to Fine” didn’t just play once but echoed three times throughout the movie, leaving Saliers in a state of surreal excitement. Alone in the audience, she felt the unique quietness of the Faroese viewers, contrasting sharply with the more vocal American crowds she was accustomed to.
The song transcended its role as mere background music, becoming the anthem for Barbie’s (portrayed by Margot Robbie) existential journey from her glossy, artificial world into the complexities of real life. Each time Barbie embarked on a drive, “Closer to Fine” would fill the air, symbolizing her relentless quest for authenticity and meaning. Saliers was astounded by the song’s integral role in the narrative, aligning perfectly with the film’s thematic essence.
Amy Ray, Saliers’ counterpart in Indigo Girls, praised the film’s alignment with the song’s message, likening Barbie’s journey to the existential searches echoed in their lyrics. Greta Gerwig, the film’s writer and director, has openly acknowledged the profound influence the Indigo Girls had on her, with “Closer to Fine” serving as a lifelong touchstone for her, akin to a cherished novel revisited over time.
Saliers humbly reflects on the impact of their music, aware of its significance in listeners’ lives yet maintaining a respectful distance from the personal stories shared with her. The duo’s journey since the ’80s has been marked by their soul-searching lyrics, haunting harmonies, and a commitment to activism, covering a spectrum of social issues. Their legacy, soon to be encapsulated in the documentary “Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All,” continues to resonate, with “Barbie” introducing their music to a new generation.
The forthcoming movie musical “Glitter & Doom” further cements their influence, weaving Indigo Girls’ songs into its narrative. Saliers’ recent encounter with a fan, whose daughter became a listener post-“Barbie,” underscores the enduring relevance of their music. The duo’s longstanding relationship, rooted in shared experiences and values, has been a cornerstone of their personal and professional lives, providing stability and integrity in a tumultuous industry.
Ray and Saliers cherish their unique bond, recognizing it as the third entity in their partnership, akin to the dynamic in a marriage. This mutual respect and understanding have been pivotal in navigating their careers and maintaining the magic that is the Indigo Girls.