Many artists, musical and otherwise, use their craft to provide a visible platform for the issues they believe in. Their activism becomes interwoven with their art. The Indigo Girls have long been known for voicing their political and social views in song. Amy Ray teamed up with Emily Saliers while in high school, and soon the duo became a staple in the Atlanta music scene. In 1981, their independent music career began with a basement recording called Tuesday's Children. One thing led to another, which led to them signing with Epic Records in 1988. Despite almost polar styles, they met on the common ground of harmony and the love of meaningful music. Ray brought fire and earth, Saliers the wind and water.