Amy Ray, one-half of the Indigo Girls, said she and musical partner Emily Saliers were hoping to be dropped by Hollywood Records.
"Sometimes it takes a lot of time to get out of a major-label contract, but we got the call and it was a relief," said Ray during a phone call from her home in Atlanta.
The move freed the duo from any obligations and red tape when it came to recording their new album, "Poseidon and the Bitter Bug," which was released on their own label, IG Recordings.
"We were able to make it a double album and have one of the discs feature acoustic versions of the other disc," Ray said. "And we were able to do the songs the way we wanted and get the album's artwork done without having to pass them off. All those things would have been more difficult to do if we were still on a major label."
Still, the freedom added other challenges.
"Well, first off, we had to cut our budget," Ray said. "We had already asked Mitchell Froom (who worked with the Indigo Girls on the 2006 CD 'Despite Our Differences') to produce the new album. And when he heard of the new circumstances, he said he was still on. We adjusted our costs and our studio time.
"Emily and I spent most of the time rehearsing and arranging outside the studio. That way when we went into record, we were able to have things pretty much ready. We recorded the basic tracks in four days and did most of the post-production work over the Internet. And then went back into the studio for the rest.
"It was all done quite quickly, but there was an excitement about it."
It was Froom's idea to record a second disc with the acoustic versions.
"He is a musical genius," said Ray. "He came to us one day and said he was reading our message boards. He said, 'Your fans don't like me! So I have an idea.' (Some fans have criticized Froom's layered production.)
"And he said we should make the acoustic disc.
"It worked out well because all the songs sound good acoustically. There are some on our other albums that need the layering. But these songs on 'Poseidon and the Bitter Bug' work both ways."
Throughout the Indigo Girls' career, Ray and Saliers have always been involved in humanitarian causes. This time around, they are working with a group called Rock for a Remedy, a nonprofit organization that works with musicians helping local food banks and other local food relief organizations.
"Emily and I have a person who helps us find different causes that we can help," Ray said. "And she found Rock for a Remedy. It was different to us because there really is no political aspect to this, other than helping people who need food. With the economy and people losing houses, they still need food. This is also an organization that helps anyone. There is no division. There is only unity."
Rock for a Remedy will collect food at the Red Butte Garden concert. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring four items of nonperishable food, including canned food, to the gate. Money will also be accepted.
"It's our way of giving back," said Ray. "Ever since we started out playing music in Atlanta, we have always been involved in benefits. We would get together with other musicians from Atlanta and put on benefit shows. We felt it was better to pool our resources and give to a homeless shelter or food bank or AIDS awareness organization rather than split the money between the bands.
"It was our way of having fun, and helping others."
E-mail: scott@desnews.com
If you go...
What: Indigo Girls, Gregory Alan Isakov
Where: Red Butte Garden Amphitheater
When: July 7, 7 p.m.
How much: $37-$42
Phone: 801-585-0556