HAWAI‘I RECORDING ARTISTS COLLABORATE ON JAPAN BENEFIT SONG
Watch the video and support the effort…
Amy Hānaiali‘i and Henry Kapono compose “Together Hawai‘i” and records with Hawai‘i’s top vocalists.
HONOLULU, HI – April 08, 2011 – Hawai‘i’s top vocalists have come together to lend their voice of support to the victim’s of one of the world’s most tragic natural disasters in modern times. Hawai‘i’s highest selling female vocalist and five time GRAMMY® nominee Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom had an overwhelming feeling to help with Japan relief efforts the best way she knew how, through song. “Japan and her people have been so supportive of my career and music, when this tragedy took place I knew I had to give back in some way. I know a song will not build a home, or bring back a loved one, but I hope it calms their souls and to remind them that their brothers and sisters in Hawai‘i are always here to help,” Hānaiali‘i said of her inspiration to do something on behalf of Hawai‘i.
After penning some lyrics Hānaiali‘i contacted long time friend Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue and collectively they wrote “Together Hawai‘i: A Song For Japan”. Within a week’s time and between Hānaiali‘i’s and Kapono’s contacts they had Palikū Theater donating the space to record, award winning producers Milan Bertosa and Shawn Pimental donating their expertise, OC16-TV came to document the collaboration of all involved and they were able to put together a slew of Hawai‘i’s top vocalists. Joining Hānaiali‘i and Kapono to vocalize Hawai‘i’s support for Japan is Raiatea Helm, Steve Jones on bass, Kapono’s niece Hilo Ka‘aihue, Robi Kahakalau, Lloyd Kawakami and his sons Alex and Nick of ManoaDNA, Danny Kennedy, Mailani, Chino Montero and Sean Na‘auao. The song is rounded out by a spoken dedication to Japan’s people by slam poet extraordinaire Kealoha.
“Japan continues to be in our thoughts and we hope we can send them positive vibes, prayers and our mana (Hawaiian for spiritual strength) – we have placed all of this into our song and we hope they feel our aloha,” Kapono said.
100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Hawai‘i Red Cross, Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund. The purchase and download of the song is available for $.99 and the accompanying music video will be available for $1.99. To preview, purchase and download the song or music video visit http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/togetherhawaii.
ABOUT THE COMPOSERS
Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom | www.amyhanaialiigilliom.com
Amy Hānaiali‘i has undoubtedly established herself as Hawai‘i’s most respected and loved female vocalist, songwriter, composer and performer. Hānaiali‘i is a classically trained vocalist which allows her to embrace many genres of music. Amy’s success as a recording artist speaks for itself and is evidenced by the multitude of awards and acknowledgements including five GRAMMY® nominations for Best Hawaiian Music Album. Amy’s albums have also garnered 16 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai‘i’s equivalent to the GRAMMY®), including the prestigious Female Vocalist of the Year (4 times), Album of the Year (2 times), Hawaiian Album of the Year (3 times), Song of the Year, Group of the Year, most recently Contemporary Album of the Year and even Christmas Album of the Year. The artists for whom Amy has opened are legendary and include Carlos Santana in Germany, Willie Nelson, Diana Krall, Joe Cocker, Wayne Newton, Arlo Guthrie, The Beach Boys, Ernie Watts, Boz Scaggs, Earth, Wind and Fire, Sergio Mendes and many more. Hānaiali‘i has toured extensively on the East and West Coasts of America, Germany, China, Tahiti and she often frequents Japan.
Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue | www.henrykapono.com
Henry Kapono Ka’aihue is an award winning and GRAMMY® nominated singer/songwriter. He has taken home numerous Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawai‘i’s equivalent to the GRAMMY®) including Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year, Single of the Year, and Album of the Year. He is also the author of the award winning children’s book, A Beautiful Hawaiian Day, has appeared in the films Damien and Waterworld and has made many television appearances.
Media Contact:
Adrian Kamali‘i
PAC-PR
(P) 808.529.9580
(E) adrian@paeainapr.com
