COURTESY OF YEMUN CHANG
Maila Gibson, opens for the Christian group Plus One, today and tomorrow.
Maila Gibson knows that the countdown is on, even though she can't be sure exactly how much time is left. It may be two weeks from now, maybe five, but sometime before the end of April, the first shipment of her solo debut CD will be delivered, and she'll hit the street to do that record promo thing. Leg work to
launch a solo CD
John Berger
jberger@starbulletin.com
That means public appearances in the form of early morning local TV news segments, CD signings and in-store performances, and free shows at shopping centers. It also means contacting the powers-that-be at the local radio stations and asking if perhaps -- maybe if they're not too busy -- they'll take time to listen to the album and maybe play a song or two.
Opening, with Shauna Chandra, for Plus One Maila Gibson
Where: Hawaii Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow
Tickets: $15 to $35
Call: 528-0506 or 923-7664
Also: With Ben Vegas 8:30 p.m. next Friday, Mar. 28, at Kincaid's, Ward Warehouse. Call 591-2005
Promoting a new album can be tough. Some local artists can't handle it. Gibson, on the other hand, can't wait.
"It's exciting. I'm ready. It's my first one. Hopefully, it will be out by Easter," she said over coffee last Friday.
"I've recorded before, but it's exciting to be doing something that's true to me, even though it may not fit some radio formats or whatever. I'm just excited to be able to hand somebody something and say 'This is me, this is my stuff and I hope you like it.' What really matters is that I like it."
She describes her music as "contemporary."
"It has a little bit of a country feel also, but it also has an island flair. It's pretty fun. It's all really happy, really inspirational. Even the sad songs give you a way out."
Technically, this is Gibson's second solo album, since she provided the vocals for a "ready-made" Japanese project back in 1995 ("I just went and did the vocals and got out," she said). This time, however, she's been hands-on all the way. All but one of the songs are originals; a remake of the Everly Brothers' classic lament, "When Will I Be Loved," is the exception, and since there's an entire generation out there who probably doesn't even remember Linda Ronstadt's 1975 remake, it'll be taken as "new" as well.
"I wrote seven of the songs with Ben (Vegas), and he's playing on it and doing background vocals and producing it. Michael Grande also produced it."
The record label she is on is Island Groove Productions, best known as the home of Hoku Award-winning Keahiwai. Gibson's album represents a new direction for the label, and perhaps entry into new markets, as well.
COURTESY OF YEMUN CHANG
Plus One.
Publicity for Gibson's upcoming album is certain to get a boost this weekend when she appears in concert, opening for contemporary Christian band Plus One, with Shauna Chandra, at the Hawaii Theatre tonight and tomorrow. Vegas will also accompany her when they perform "What If It's True?" -- their Christian-rock single from 2000.
"It's kinda scary, 'cause I'm normally always on stage with him, but this one is pretty much just me. He'll be with me for (only) two songs."
Despite any doubts, Gibson is ready for her new solo status. She was one of the stronger talents John Valentine featured in his Ladies Night project at the Hanohano Room, and she's also heard on Wade Cambern's "Blue Canoe" album. Gibson resigned from Ladies Night when her recording schedule got heavy, but she found another live venue or two working with Vegas at either Kincaid's or Gordon Biersch Brewery on Oahu.
Gibson and Vegas also perform three days a week on Kauai. The weekly gig allows Gibson to spend time with her mother there; Gibson lived on Kauai for four years after she finished high school, but currently calls Oahu home.
She says that when it comes to having a musical mentor, Vegas is it.
"Ben's awesome. He's helped me so much mentoring me and teaching me how to be a world class entertainer, and hopefully I will follow in his footsteps."
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