Big City Indians started 1997 with a very outstanding intention: mixing together the original heritage of Native American sounds together with the fresh spirit of today’s pop and rock. Four studio albums, some CD compilations, DVD: "Live Rising Spirit" and lots of successful live shows in Europe are the proof for the magnetism of this concept. The band, based in Vienna, found a unique sound that has build a strong reputation and a loyal fan-base in an amazing way.

Big City Indians call their emotional energetic sound “Native Indian Power Groove”. The band has been presenting their Native tribal sound since 1997. The five-man group has adopted an original sound creating a wider range of melodies. Indian Tribal Music with a touch of Rock´n Roll and Blues flair, in lead vocalist Wolfsheart's own words. Big City Indian present a groove for all senses, full of strong sounds. We have stuck with the native intertribal basics, but added some more ethnic sounds, tribal beats, mystic ethereal keyboard sounds, rocking Riffs, Native American Flute, funky basslines, meditative sounds and grooving guitar to create a unique tribal-technological deep earth dance experience.

Wolfheart says “I think that it is very interesting for any European to explore a world which is for ever changing, like the musical sounds that have been created in the past together with the myths and legends.“ The aim of the group is music between energy and emotion, between ethnic elements and a smooth Rock´n Roll beat. A musical sound straight from the soul. Traditional drumming and the vibe of a modern rock band. The Native Indian flute creates harmony in the heart and mind touching the soul.

We are evolving everyday in our struggle to keep up with today's world. Our native sound adapts to the life and time we live in. Our Lyrics show a part of Native American life, their myths, their spiritual world and how we feel about it. This is a very important issue for us. The story of the Native American culture consists of ancient knowledge and their relationship to Mother Earth. All our lyrics tell the same story, speaking about Mother Nature. We also stand for freedom and acceptance of the Native American as a vital part of our world's historical culture.

The band’s talented members include:
Wolfsheart: (lead vocal / perc./native flutes)
Chris Pogats: (guitar / perc.)
Gigi Skokan: (keyboards / harmonica / perc.)
Werner Haller "Firefly": (bass / perc.)
Roli “Crazy” Reiter: (drums / perc.)
Native Guestdancer: Roy Pete, White Buffalo...
 

The shows are a modern/primitive multi-cultural celebration, a ‘melting pot’ unifying many musical genres and cultures, bringing audiences world-wide a reflection of today’s multicultural Native America. Big City Indians music has been widely & wildly appreciated by music lovers in many countries in Europe igniting audiences in clubs, festivals and other events. Big City Indians is an energetic, innovative and incredibly live act.

RV: Thank you Wolfsheart for your finding time to provide this interview. I am very honored and appreciative for you allowing me to share with readers information about your music. I think that your music is something that everyone should experience and find in themselves. There's been a few moment's where I was overwhelmed by the array of influences in your music that were very motivational. What do you attribute the great success that Big City Indian's has experienced? Could you also please provide a little background how the band formed?

Wolfsheart: I have been playing music now for a very long time. Even when I played with my previous band, which was not involved in any native issues, I always had the idea of bringing Native Indian music and contemporary western pop and rock music together. In 1997 the vision became reality: Together with two other guys from Vienna I founded Big City Indians. The band was very well accepted after short time. We played a couple of gigs and released our debut album called “Uncle Peyote”. (We donate one Euro for every CD for Radio Kili in Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. This radio station is the voice of the Lakota, their culture and their speech. Euro seems not to be big money, but a signal for survival.) We got very cool reactions from the audience, because people were very much fascinated with this unique sound. This gave me a lot of power to carry on. In 1999 there was a big change in our musical direction. At this time I wanted to give the band a new personality and sound. We incorporated more groove, more keyboards and more guitar power, because we felt that the music needed a refreshment. For this reason four new members joined the band. After some changes we now have a permanent line-up.

“Click to listen”

RV: You have amplitude in your voice Wolfsheart that really feeds the vibrant lyrics coming from your music that not only instills a sense of pride but a reflection of respect for your words. It’s truly a pleasure to indulge and respect the atmospheric blend of music that you have adopted. Could you please share with us what feeds your drive and creativeness when composing?

Wolfsheart: Thank you Raven, there are much energy, passion and dedication.

RV: There is a humbling message, a sharing of information that can be gained by listening to your music. Where does your affinity and/or Native American connection derive from and can you please share your compassion for sharing your music with other world cultures?

“Click to listen”

RV: Can you please share with us some information about the group's newest CD, Tribal Vision? How would you classify or compare this CD to the other great CD's that the group has released?

Wolfsheart: The album “Tribal Vision” has a tighter sound with much more variety. Of course you find all these native elements, but there is much more energy, there are more modern elements, and in addition you can also find some acoustic tracks. I think this album perfectly display the progression of my band. It´s more of a mature sound where a lot of people can find what they are searching for.

“Click to listen”

RV: Please feel free to add anything that you wish to share with readers that I haven't asked?

Wolfsheart: We would be happy if we could raise peoples awareness of what is going on in the world. Big City Indians means music and good time, and on the other hand it is considered something like a navigator to a different point of view.

I would like to thank Wolfsheart for finding time to talk to NativeDigest, it certainly is an honor. I would just like to commend Big City Indians for their donations to Radio Kili in Pine Ridge Reservation and wish the band continued success with their music. Please visit Big City Indian’s website at www.bigcityindians If you would like to preview more of Big City Indian’s music or purchase any of their music, please visit their play list at Amazon.com  Thank you again Wolfsheart.

RV:  Are there any projects that Big City Indians are planning or currently working on?

Wolfsheart: Yes, I´m planning a trip to the US Southwest from April to May, and the chances are good to play at the Zion Flute & Drums Festival in Utah at the four corner area. In Summer we play some live Festivals and Events in Germany and Austria, and hopefully some more around Europe. You see that we have a lot of plans. In case there is any promoter out there, reading this, please contact us and we will be there. Furthermore we planning a Acoustic "Best of" album!

RV: I really enjoy listening to the music and the gifts of all the member's of the group that contribute to the successful blend of aspheric and traditional sounds. What has the journey been like for everyone?

Wolfsheart: Every band member plays music of quite a different nature; it is the merging of all these different styles of music (rock, musical, western, jazz, funk and Native American) and creating this very interesting and unique mix which we call "The Native Power Groove". It is difficult to put a tag on our music and file it in any category; our sound is simply unique, it grooves, it rocks, it makes you feel good. Our sound also reflects on feeling the beat of the drum and on dancing to the heartbeat of Mother Earth. We collaborate and work with First Nations People and together we are dedicated to creating a better world.

RV: Wolfsheart, you stated "The aim of the group is music between energy and emotion, between ethnic elements and a smooth Rock´n Roll beat. A musical sound straight from the soul. Traditional drumming and the vibe of a modern rock band. Native Indian flute creates harmony in the heart and mind touching the soul." A mixture that not only pleasing but compelling. Where does the inspiration for writing lyrics come from. Is this a historical perception that motivates you or an enlightening perception of a path that is open to everyone to follow?

Wolfsheart: There is a very conscious message, but to make it clear: I don´t want to push my opinion, for I´m not a preacher. However, I would be glad, if the listeners shared some of our thoughts. Especially in this strange and chaotic times we should remember some of the old values and customs of the old culture. Remember, this a high-tech civilization where machines and computers sometimes are more important than human beings. We live in A world, where profit is the new god. The philosophy of Big City Indians wants to make people think about the real values of life. I speak of individuality, mother nature, freedom and an an awareness of who we are. I´m not against technical progress and the evolution of our society. But we have to keep a balance.

Wolfsheart: Since my childhood days I felt a close relationship to nature and freedom. I grew up in a surrounding, that accepted my personality. For me it was a natural development towards the Indian way of life. I feel a strong respect for mother earth and her gifts and I feel a strong respect for the dignity of every human being. As you can see, there is a strong link to the native philosophy of life. However, some people may claim that I am part of the western society and culture and of course, they are right. This is why Big City Indians is something like a melting pot of two worlds. I don´t pretend to be a Native American, but in my heart I´m an Indian.