In this episode of Broken Boxes recurring host Cannupa Hanska Luger gets into conversation with Oglala Lakota artist Mato Wayuhi who works in both film and TV as an actor, producer and musical composer, as well as writing his own music. Mato reflects on how he first came to music as an artistic outlet and his creative inspirations and challenges as a young person honing his craft. We hear about Mato’s dense and varied approach to realizing a creative vision from filming music videos, to cross discipline collaboration with other artists to activating his family's archived tapes on his recordings. Mato speaks about being the composer for the award-winning FX/Hulu series Reservation Dogs, what impact that project has had on his relationship with his music and acting and how it has built lifelong friendships. Mato also gives a vulnerable and deep dive behind the making of his new album, STANKFACE STANDING SOLDIER, reflecting on the grief and healing that took place through the process of putting together this layered, timely and entirely self-produced record.

Featured song: STANKFACE (feat. A$h Da Hunter) from STANKFACE STANDING SOLDIER by Mato Wayuhi

Mato Wayuhi is an Oglala Lakota artist originally from South Dakota. He works in film/TV both as an actor, producer and musical composer, as well as writing his own music. Most notably, Mato is the composer for the award-winning FX/Hulu series Reservation Dogs. He is also featured on the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Hollywood & Entertainment.

His most recent album STANKFACE STANDING SOLDIER is an entirely self-produced record, which Forbes calls a "masterpiece that revolutionizes Indigenous music into a new era."