Music of the Islands: A New Hawaii Traditions Series on Hawaiian Music

“Music is what feelings sound like.” – Unknown Author

This quote captures the power of music. To feel music is to have experienced life in its many particulars. Music is a powerful trigger of emotions, taking us back to a time and place where life changing events rocked our world (no pun intended). Music marks the passage of time and reminds us of better days when life was simple and predictable. Think of the music of your youth and you will be immediately transported to a time when feelings were new, raw, fragile, untested but incredibly alive. With every moving event came a song that helped us cope with our situation. I associate certain songs with great and not so great moments of my life. Whenever I hear the song “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins I…….I just can’t talk about it.

In this new series, Hawaii Traditions will explore the music of our islands. We’ll take a look at past artists that have helped shape Hawaiian music as well as contemporary artists who have established themselves. C & K, Kalapana, Country Comfort, Keali’i Reichel, and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole are just a few who have had a powerful impact on Hawaiian music. We’ll explore their artistry as well as take a look at old venues such as the Ranch House and Top of the Shoppe, venues that once housed old school Hawaiian music. These venues helped many local artists breakout into the mainstream. The Grammys have also helped make Hawaiian music more accepted and widespread by finally adding a “Best Hawaiian Music” category to recognize a genre that is uniquely local. What is Hawaiian music? Let’s explore it here at Hawaii Traditions.

What local artist has shaped your musical life? Share them with us at Hawaii Traditions.

Photo Credit: gochie on Flickr