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Paradise Picks" is a feature on Pipeline 2 Paradise
radio where every often I will select a cd that I received and give it a complete review. If you're a record label
or artist and would like to submit your material to Pipeline 2 Paradise radio for airplay and a possible review please contact
me here for a mailing address.
The future holds great promise for Pipeline 2 Paradise radio as we continue to spread the
music and reach listeners in foreign lands. Believe me when I say 139 countries reached this year is just
the beginning. Success to all Island artists!
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** CD available in stores now! 4-1-08
"Hawaii & Beyond"
(Feb. 2008)
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In January 2008 Pipeline
2 Paradise Radio achieved record breaking numbers for listenership. Not only
did P2P reach all 50 states in the USA, but recorded listening hours in 139 countries worldwide! How amazing is that! Here’s who
tuned in to Pipeline 2 Paradise Radio: Algeria American Samoa Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Belize Bermuda Bolivia Bosnia
and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Cambodia Canada Cayman Islands Chile China, People's Republic of
Colombia Costa Rica Croatia/Hrvatska Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia Fiji
Finland France French Polynesia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Honduras Hong Kong Hungary
Iceland India Indonesia Iran (Islamic Republic of) Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Korea, Republic
of Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia, Former Yugoslav Republic Malawi
Malaysia Maldives Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritius Mexico Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Morocco Mozambique
Namibia Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman
Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Island Romania
Russia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saudi Arabia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovak Republic Slovenia South Africa
Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom United States Uruguay Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (USA) Zambia.
The
success of P2P Radio has been incredible. What makes me even more excited is
all the music by artists on our playlist is getting major global exposure. The
true winners are the artists and finally after all the blood, sweat and tears put into their projects, their music is getting
the worldwide exposure and airplay it truly deserves. I guess you can say their
music is moving the masses not only in Hawaii, but beyond.
How
ironic and appropriate it is that as this news is shared our latest chosen “Paradise Pick” happens to be entitled
“Hawaii & Beyond.” This highly anticipated 2nd solo release of
Ryan Hiraoka is set to hit the streets on April 1st, 2008. Pipeline 2 Paradise Radio has been privileged to receive an advanced copy and also given the green light
on an exclusive release on this project. Currently P2P has 4 selections from “Hawaii & Beyond” gracing our
worldwide stage!
Continuing with his unique
sound and distinctive harmonies and in follow up to hits off of his debut album like “Big Island Ladies,” Live
Everyday,” and “Give Yo Aloha,” Ryan once again delivers a homerun with “Hawaii & Beyond.”
The ladies man himself
smoothly opens up his cd proclaiming bold statements dedicated to all the ladies.
“Every Girl" should be treated like a
princess, Every Girl deserves hugs and kisses, Every Girl should smile everyday, cause Every Girl deserves to feel this way!” Talk about winning over the female demographics right out of the blocks! This empowering song sets the positive tone for the rest of the project.
My favorite selection
off of “Hawaii & Beyond” occupies the 2 spot. “Living
Off The Aina” begins with strong harmonies painting the reality of many island people who face the day
to day struggles of living in Hawaii. It’s called
paying the “Price of Paradise” by many. It’s a humbling song
for this very “Price of Paradise” was the very reason I decided to move beyond Hawaii
and to Las Vegas. I’m
sure this reason holds truth for majority of the transplanted islanders worldwide.
Bursting
forward singing about another situation relatable to many island families is an anthem for single parents. “Single Mom” is
another song many can relate to and definitely one I can personally relate to. My
mom did whatever it took to raise 3 children on her own, including working 3 jobs simultaneously. She was the rock for our family and her loving and hard working qualities I’d like to believe has
transferred to myself and my ohana. R.I.P. mama.
Yet another song showing respects to the ladies.
Loyalty
and trust is said by many to be 2 of the most important factors required in any relationship.
This is why I gravitated to “Someone That Loves You”
as it talks about a girl playing with the hearts of 2 mans. To
all my braddahs out there, “what would you do?” What also inspired
me to add this selection into the broadcast was its Urban Island
appeal which I believe has strong possibilities to crossover into mainstream R&B. “I’m Sorry”
and “Just Friends” are also other
songs that carry this same vibe and potential.
Listen for the first 4
songs mentioned currently playing in our broadcast along with other past Ryan favorites.
As you bob your head to every one of these selections, don’t forget to listen to the message that’s embedded
within. Like myself, I’m sure at least 1 or 2 of these songs will be speaking
your story.
Congratulations Ryan on
what I deem a successful sophomore release. You can purchase “Hawaii &
Beyond” by clicking the album cover NOW! Mahalo!
Purchase
"Hawaii & Beyond" Here!
Paradise Picks Dolphin Rating 1-5:
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"There's No Place Like Home" |
It's almost certain that the first question I always get asked after someone finds out that I'm from Hawaii
is "why did you move and why would you choose this desert called Las Vegas over heaven on earth?" My answer: "The Price
of Paradise!"
I've heard many estimates of the number of Pacific Islanders transplanted and residing here in Las Vegas.
Whether it be 40,000+ or over 80,000+ I guarantee that the reason most islanders left Hawaii was to give themselves or their family a better start in life. To achieve the
American dream of owning their own home and several cars for a young family in Hawaii is
almost impossible with the high price of living. And so it remains, thousands of transplanted islanders continue
to make a good living in Las Vegas, myself and ohana
included.
It’s no wonder that Las Vegas is nicknamed "The 9th Hawaiian Island." Of course another question
I often get asked is "are you homesick?" Naturally I miss family and friends, but it’s almost certain that at least
1 family member or friend will visit Las Vegas every month.
What I really miss is swimming in the Pacific blue ocean being that my childhood days were filled with many memories of spending
long days at the beach. Call me bias, but Lake Mead just doesn't cut it for this Island boy when comparing it to
the beaches of Hawaii.
I've mentioned many times before the reason I created Pipeline 2 Paradise radio was to help with my homesick
factor. The music keeps me closer to the language, closer to the culture and closer to the people. This holds
true with many artists also who have moved away from Hawaii
and now call the mainland home.
While navigating the great networking site called Myspace I a came across a group out of what some call "The
10th Hawaiian Island" -Arizona. They call themselves
Mikioi. Lead by the voices of 2 young ladies originally from Hau'ula
and Kona, but now residing in Phoenix and Tempe, Lehua Dayondon
and U'ilani Yeepoong provides a fresh new sound in the Island music scene. It's
always been refreshing for me to hear female harmonies and what's more exciting is the same sentiments I hold about
being away from Hawaii is passionately expressed in their
music. In fact, their debut album confirms this as its simply entitled "Homesick."
"Homesick" packs a solid variety of Hawaiian Island
selections. On their Myspace profile Mikioi describes their musical sound as Jawaiian-style reggae, backyard kanikapila,
contemporary and traditional Hawaiian music, country, acapella, and whatevahs else we feel like tryin'!
The album kicks off with the first song Pipeline 2 Paradise radio added into rotation, "Mikioi
Music." Basically, it's their calling card song making sure no one forgets who they are. Backed
by a smooth island melody, I guarantee the lyrics M-I-K-I-O-I music will linger with you throughout the day. Definitely
their signature break out song.
The album goes on to reveal Mikioi's versatile style as they showcase their falsetto talents in one of Hawaii's
all time favorite traditional songs, Alekoki. So nahenahe and beautifully
presented, Mikioi's rendition of Alekoki definitely provides temporary relief to the homesick blues.
Another original song on the album that jumped out to me ironically while listening to the cd on a
recent visit back to Hawaii was "Hawaii, My Home." Mikioi's smooth harmonies and reggae rhythms
are complimented by an oli that is introduced at the opening and chanted in full at the close of the song.
Kumu Kaimikahu mesmerizes you with her haunting chant leaving you with visions of home.
For those who have supported Pipeline 2 Paradise radio over the past years you know I'm a big supporter of Island
Gospel music. A traditional Hawaiian hymn on "Homesick" is given new life by U'ilani and Lehua. Their heavenly voices
give praise to their higher power in their rendition of Kanaka Wai Wai.
A split arrangement between Hawaiian and English lyrics sung simultaneously provides a nice new touch to an old favorite.
Great job ladies!
I finally got to meet Lehua and U'ilani along with drummer Chanse YeePoong and bass guitarist Danny
Knapp at the Las Vegas Ho'olaule'a. One thing that truly stood out was the support that followed them from Arizona
and other states. Halau members, group dancers, ohana and friends all provided impressive support for Mikioi.
It was really something special to see and beautiful to witness. This type of support tells me that Mikioi will be around
for a long time.
I
had the opportunity to record Mikioi's performance in Las Vegas
and for your viewing pleasure I've done my best to showcase their Sunday Hololaule'a set. You can check that out below.
You can also view and hear more of Mikioi's music from their Saturday set at Alohavalley.com.
Congratulations
to the group Mikioi on a successful debut album release. You can reach Mikioi and pick up their cd by contacting
them through their Official Myspace profile.
Paradise Picks Dolphin Rating 1-5:
Mikioi - Las Vegas Ho'olaule'a 2007 |
When I first created Pipeline
2 Paradise Radio nearly 3 years ago one of my intentions was to create a playlist that I would enjoy listening to. It
consisted of mostly Contemporary Hawaiian and Urban Island
music. I told myself even if my family and close friends didn't listen at least I would enjoy the music selection. With
a few exceptions and for the most part till this day not many of my ohana members or close friends listen to my station.
You know what, I don't take it personally. In fact "not listening" is an ongoing joke with my family that
I throw into conversation every now and then. Here's the thing, although most of them don't really listen to my station,
they ALL still support me 100%. That's the thing with family... when the dust settles they will always be there
for you! At least that's the case with my ohana. It's the old saying, "blood is thicker than water!" For
me having family close is very important. I guess that's the reason my wife and I moved to Las Vegas... to be closer to both of our families.
Since moving to Las Vegas my family relationships have definitely strengthened and so
has my playlist for Pipeline 2 Paradise. As I have grown and solidified relationships within the Hawaiian and Pacific Island community up here in Las Vegas so has my musical taste. If you've been a constant listener of Pipeline 2
Paradise Radio over the years then you know that my playlist have changed a lot since launching. My musical taste has
evenly turned towards Traditional Hawaiian Music. I started appreciating the cultural experience that the music
provided. My playlist continues to celebrate more old Traditional artists and favorites as well as welcome new,
exciting and fresh artists and selections.
Speaking of new artists,
I received our current Paradise Pick's self entitled debut cd about a month ago. It was a stressful period for me and
incoming cd's, many of which I didn't recognize the names started to back up in the studios. Still I held to my original
promise made to myself that I will always take the time to listen to every track on every cd that came across my desk.
When I finally reached the cd of PIlioha which means "a family relationship," I listened to it and I was completely
blown away.
I listened to the entire
cd about 4 times throughout the day. It was truly a breath of fresh air that packed an old Hawaiian punch.
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