Guitar Girl Magazine’s Diversity Editor, Gabriella “Guitar Gabby” Logan sat down with some of her industry sisters to celebrate the cultural influence of Black history in music. This series highlights the amazing womxn that continue carrying the torch while using their platforms and music to spread positivity in a changing world.
What is your name, what are your pronouns, where are you from, and what instrument do you play?
My name is Indigo Una and my pronouns are She/They. I’m from Westchester, NY. I’m currently based in Washington, DC, and I play guitar and sing.
How long have you been playing and when did you know you wanted to be a musician?
I’ve been singing for my entire life, since the time I could form words, and I’ve been playing guitar for five years but I’ve always wanted to be a musician.
What is the best part about being a musician?
The best part about being a musician is the lifestyle of musicianship. The practice, the travel, the collaboration, and the artistry that your life becomes centered in. It’s all part of something bigger that I want to contribute to.
What do you think of when you hear “Black History Month”?
I think of the words “not enough.” A bandaid placed on a gaping wound, centuries in the making.
Is there a specific Black creative that inspires you? Why?
I am inspired by my Soul Sista Ekep Nkwelle and Halo Wheeler. They represent what I love about living a musical life, the commitment to craft, and the understanding of true collaboration. They are trailblazers and true artists.
Why do you think it is important to pay homage to the Black creatives that came before us? Why do you think the world needs to learn about our Black History?
It is important to honor and know the Black creatives that came before us in order to know who we are. To be Black is to be creative. I mean creative in every sense of the word.
Generally speaking, I believe the most important thing to know about our Black History is that most of what we are taught are blatant lies. The concept of “America” is riding on you not knowing who you are. Be skeptical of everything you read and hear and everything you think you know. Talk to your elders. Travel back to Africa if and when you are fortunate enough to go back home. I can’t wait to get my chance.
What is your current studio and (when we get back to live shows) live performance set up? Is it any different? (Feel free to address one or both of your rig setups).
I detailed my current home studio and rig set up in the “Tone Talk” I did a little while ago. I am in the process of building an entirely new set up and I cannot wait to show that in detail soon on social media. Follow me at @indigouna on any platform to follow the build.
What does it mean to be a Black womxn to you?
Being a Black womxn is being the ultimate creator. The original. Yeah, it’s that deep.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to your eight-year-old self looking up to the adult version of you?
I’d tell my eight-year-old self to trust her instincts. I’d tell her she was right the whole time. I’d tell her that being herself will always be and has always been more than enough.