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In The Mix
Jason Genegabus
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Indie label is pipeline to mainland
IT'S NICE TO see that local recording artists aren't the only ones benefiting from the Grammy Awards' new Hawaiian category.
Local indie label Hawaiian Express Records hitched its trailer to Jack Johnson back in March, when its "Roots Rock Reggae" compilation featured an exclusive track the singer recorded on Maui. In return, Hawaiian Express designated Johnson's Kokua Hawaii Foundation as sole recipient of all proceeds raised from sales of the album.
The inclusion of "Wasting Time" caught the attention of the Mountain Apple Co., who realized the marketability of the track in the wake of Johnson's two recent Grammy Award nominations. As a result, Mountain Apple entered into an agreement to market and distribute "Roots Rock Reggae" for Hawaiian Express.
Not only will the deal make it easier for mainland fans to find the album, but it will also help increase the visibility of other local acts. The Crud, Microscopic Syllables, Kupa'aina, Ooklah the Moc and Living in Question are also featured on the compilation.
But don't get it twisted -- no matter what you might have read elsewhere, "Roots Rock Reggae" is an indie release. Congrats to Jason Miller on getting some big-time recognition for the compilation and his label ...
NOW THAT the Ala Moana Hotel has changed owners, I hope some money is being set aside for the Hawaiian Hut.
While I've seen more people packed inside here than there were for last weekend's Natural Vibrations Christmas concert, the heat (and aroma) generated by Friday's 18-and-over audience was no match for the venue's air-conditioning system.
After waiting twice as long as promoters said it would take for the band's second set of the night to start, we had to make a hasty exit. It was unbearable ...
LOOKING AHEAD: Tonight's final "Pussycat Lounge" at the Wave Waikiki should be a good one, with former Hawaii resident MC Bugsy Lane and Asian songstress Brooke Taylor performing live ... If hip-hop isn't your thing, check out DJ Adam Freeland tomorrow at the Wave. Hawaii house DJs G-Spot, Sovern-T, Betty and IKON are slated to open ... Santa's making a return visit to Magoo's tomorrow. Get down to Puck's Alley starting at 5 p.m. for a ticket that gives you a chance to win a brand new Kegerator, to be given away at midnight by the big man himself. You must be present to win ...
In the Mix drops Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Star-Bulletin.
Contact Jason Genegabus at
jason@starbulletin.com.