Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Engel Indo

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Engel Indo. Check out our conversation below.

Engel, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am 54 years old and I have a 10 months baby girl that fills my heart with joy and emotions that I had not felt in a while. I have now 6 children and 6 grand children to brag about… 🙂 🙂

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, everyone!!! My name is Engel Indo (pronounced “angel”)… It is always hard to describe yourself, so with your permission, I would like to ask AI about Engel Indo, I am curious to see if this is a good thing or a mistake. 🙂

Per Google AI:

Engel Indo is a Tucson-based advocate, actor, model, and musician known for his Latin Pop music and his performances with the band Chalako – The Band. He is an active community advocate, father, and grandfather who was born in Peru and is inspired by his family and a desire to make a difference. Engel has released albums like Memories, Vol. I and Memories, Vol. II and has performed at local events, including Pima County Fair and Tucson Music Festival 2025.

Background: Born in Peru, Engel Indo moved to Tucson in his 40s after serving in the military.

Roles: He is an advocate for veterans, a community supporter, an actor enthusiast, a model, a fashionista, a father, and a grandfather.

Music: He creates Latin Pop music and has released albums like Memories, Vol. I and Memories, Vol. II. His music often incorporates his Peruvian roots and is influenced by rock and roll, blues, and Afro-Peruvian rhythms.

Inspiration: His primary inspiration is his family, particularly his children and grandchildren.

Musical Endeavors

Albums: He has released several albums, including Memories, Vol. I and Memories, Vol. II.

Performing: He is known for his performances in and around Tucson, including with the band Chalako – The Band. He has played at events like Chillin’ at the Chul at Tohono Chul Park and the Tucson Music Festival 2025.

Recent Activity: In 2024, he released singles such as “Calamidad y Catástrofe,” “Ruta Sin Fin,” and “Tu Lealtad”.

Community Involvement: He is a community advocate who believes in the inherent goodness of people and strives to make a positive impact.

The End

Wow… this was interesting indeed, at least for me! 🙂 What I’m working on right now is a new side band called Engel Indo & The Tucson All Star Ensemble, where I pick some of the best musicians in and around Tucson to perform my original compositions, we have played a few fairs and currently booking other venues.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Interesting question! My earliest memory of feeling powerful is also the earliest memory I have in my life. I actually wrote a song around that called “Fifties Today” which I released in 2024.

It goes: “It’s funny how I remember dancing to She Loves You when I was five, grandma sitting on her couch about to cry, she must’ve been around 50 and me afraid she’d die. She’d looked at me and with a softer voice she’d say, ‘Don’t hurry boy for you’ll get old some day.'”

I felt powerful (even at five years old) because I somehow realized that my grandmother was feeling emotions that she could not control, emotions of joy and perhaps a bit of pride, as I danced around the living room showing off for her. These were emotions I was provoking in her heart.

In anything that you do, if you are able to create emotions in others, that is powerful!!!!

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Throughout my life, I have always had times where I almost gave up, one perhaps I could talk about here would be when I first joined the U.S. Army. I was 18, I had just arrived from Peru the year prior so my English was not very good… not good at all, actually. Needless to say, I joined in fear of failure even before starting.

I started Basic Training in fear of failure, major failure that is. My biggest fear was how I would be in a military where communication is key to success, I was very afraid.

My very first day, when 200 kids were standing in formation and the Drill Sergeant gave us his first loud command, “The Push-ups!” I had no idea what that meant, and so 199 young trainees dropped down to the floor to assume the front leaning rest position, and I stood there wondering what was happening. Yes, that was me, the last one standing, Literally!

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Principle! This is something I teach, and most importantly, show my kids to hold on to. Without principle, I would not be the person I am now. For good or bad, I truly believe that this, my journey of life, has always been driven on and by principle, right or wrong, this is who I have always been. It’s gotten me in trouble, but it has also given me many joys.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Praise is nice to receive, but certainly it isn’t and it has never been a requirement for me to do the best I can in just about everything I do. Certainly, in my line of work, helping veterans move forward (in many aspects) I can’t really stop half way, I have to do the best I can, and be the best I can be to be able to be there for them. I have to be the best dad I can be, to the best of my abilities, to show my kids and grandkids hard work and perseverance pay off in the end. Be the best person in general and good things will happen for sure. Challenges will always be there, work through them the BEST you can.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Serena Ruiz, SR Photography, Katrina Emmert, Brad Phipps, Jeff Sprytime, Jeff Miller

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