I've known Mato Nanji since the late 1990s. Indigenous had released "Things We Do" and they were playing the Sioux Empire Fair with another young blues guitar slinger named Jonny Lang. I've followed Indigenous' career ever since in part because they are South Dakota natives and part because I just love the music.

I got a chance to talk to Mato before their recent concert at the Hard Rock in Sioux City to revisit the past, talk about songwriting, future plans for recording with some of his Experience Hendrix mates and even the relaunch of Indigenous starting this November as Mato takes a fantastic New Mexico blues band that you've heard on the Blues Fix at 6 called the Plateros, and morphs them into the new Indigenous.

The Plateros singer/guitarist Levi Platero is someone I've been referring to as "Mato Jr." since I first heard them nearly five years ago. The young band will learn a lot touring with Mato and if the videos I've seen of the four playing together is any indication, the band won't miss a beat.

And for those of you wondering what will become of Mato's current bandmates in Indigenous, it sounds like they'll be just fine. Fellow guitarist Derek Post is on the verge of signing a management contract with a national company and plans to record and tour, possibly with drummer Kurt Olson. Meanwhile, keyboardist/drummer Charles Sanders will be touring the world on a cruise ship as part of a band. In other words, all these talented individuals will continue to do what they do.

Now we just have to be patient while we wait for Mato and Indigenous to bring the new incarnation of South Dakota's baddest blues band back to the area for another show.

Below are the interview, plus two videos from the show in Sioux City. The title track from Indigenous' latest release "Time Is Coming" which came out earlier this year and "Rest Of My Days"

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