What’s Popping in Hawaii Music Right Now
Keep up with the latest and greatest in Hawaii music. Find out what’s popping in Hawaii music right now.
Reggae
Reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word “reggae”, effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. While sometimes used in a broad sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that was strongly influenced by traditional mento as well as American jazz and rhythm and blues, especially the New Orleans R&B practiced by Fats Domino and Allen Toussaint. Reggae relates news, social gossip, humor, and political commentary. Reggae spread into a commercialized jazz field, being known first as ‘Rudie Blues’, then ‘Ska’, later ‘Blue Beat’, and ‘Rock Steady’. By the 1970s, reggae fusion had developed with rocksteady-influenced jazz jamming with Jamaican rhythms.
Hip Hop
The Hawaii music scene has been gradually growing and evolving over the past few years, and there has been a recent surge in the popularity of Hawaiian hip hop. There are a number of artists who are putting their own spin on the genre, and they are gaining popularity both within Hawaii and on the mainland.
Some of the most popular Hawaiian hip hop artists include Manifest, Ekolu, and J Boog. These artists are all from different parts of the island, and they each have their own unique style. Manifest is known for his conscious lyrics, Ekolu for his island-style beats, and J Boog for his laid-back flow.
Hawaiian hip hop is still in its infancy, but it is already starting to make waves in the music industry. It will be interesting to see how this genre develops in the coming years.
Electronic
The electronic music scene in Hawaii is thriving right now. You can find plenty of local DJs and producers making waves in the genre, and there are also a number of great venues that host regular electronic music events. If you’re looking to get into the scene, here are a few things you should know.
First, the most popular subgenre of electronic music in Hawaii right now is probably bass music. This includes styles like dubstep, trap, and drum & bass, and you’ll hear it being played at a lot of clubs and parties. If you’re not familiar with these genres, don’t worry – there are plenty of resources online that can help you get up to speed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the electronic music scene in Hawaii is very much community-oriented. There are a number of Facebook groups and other online forums where locals share information about upcoming events, new music, and so on. If you’re looking to get involved, these are great places to start.
Finally, don’t forget about the two biggest electronic music festivals in Hawaii: Time Warp Hawai’i and Decadence Hawai’i. These events always bring in top-tier talent from around the world, so they’re definitely worth checking out if you’re into this kind of thing.
In short, if you’re interested in getting into the electronic music scene in Hawaii, there’s no better time than now. There’s a lot going on, and it’s only going to continue to grow in popularity. So get out there and start exploring!
R&B and Soul
There’s a rich history of R&B and soul music in Hawaii, with artists like Ledward Kaapana, Henry Kapono, Braddah Waltah, and Cecilio & Kapono carrying the torch for generations. Today, a new generation of artists are keeping the sound alive and bringing it into the 21st century. Here are some of the most promising R&B and soul artists coming out of Hawaii right now.
First up is Honey Amina, who released her debut EP “The Bloom” in 2019. Honey Amina is a Soulection artist and her music blends R&B, soul, and hip-hop with a distinctly Hawaiian flavor. She’s been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and her song “Drive” was used in an episode of HBO’s Big Little Lies.
Next is Jarell Perry, who grew up on the island of Maui. Jarell Perry’s music has been described as “eclectic R&B” and his 2016 album “nectar wave” was praised by Pitchfork for its “sensual grooves [that] nod to everyone from D’Angelo to Frank Ocean.” He’s currently working on his third album, which is due out later this year.
Then there’s Jade Hendrix, who is quickly becoming one of the most buzzed-about singers in Hawaii. Hendrix got her start performing at open mics and clubs around Honolulu, and she recently released her debut EP “Nightsong.” Her music blends jazz, R&B, and pop with sensual lyrics that explore themes of love and lust.
Last but not least is Kimi Recor, who is a singer-songwriter from Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Kimi Recor released her debut album “Diamond Head” in 2018 to critical acclaim. Rolling Stone called her “one of Hawaii’s most promising young talents” and praised her for her “lush voice [that] recalls classic torch singers.”
Pop
The sound of contemporary pop music has changed a great deal since its inception in the early 20th century, but the term “pop music” is still used today to describe a wide variety of genres. In Hawaii, pop music encompasses everything from traditional Hawaiian music to contemporary hits. Here’s a look at what’s popping in Hawaii music right now.
Traditional Hawaiian Music
Traditional Hawaiian music is having a moment in the sun, thanks in part to the popularity of movies like Moana and TV shows like Hawaii Five-0. This genre is characterized by its use of ukuleles, steel guitars, and traditional instruments like the drums and dance. If you’re looking for something unique to listen to while you’re in Hawaii, this is it.
Contemporary Hits
Of course, contemporary hits are always popular in Hawaii. At any given moment, you’re likely to hear Drake, Ed Sheeran, or Justin Bieber on the radio. But there are also plenty of local artists making waves in the contemporary pop scene. Five-0 Redux is a popular local band that combines elements of rock, reggae, and pop into their own unique sound.
Rap and Hip Hop
Rap and hip hop are also popular genres in Hawaii. Local artist Bumpy Knuckles is making a name for himself with his mix of old-school rap and contemporary beats. If you’re looking for something new to add to your playlist, Bumpy Knuckles is definitely worth checking out.
Rock
Music has always been a big part of Hawaiian culture. From the traditional sounds of the ukulele and slack-key guitar to the more modern vibes of reggae and hip-hop, there is a little something for everyone on the islands.
This year, a new genre is starting to make waves in Hawaii – rock. With a few local bands already gaining popularity, it seems that rock music is starting to take off in Hawaii.
One of the most popular rock bands in Hawaii right now is The Green. Formed in 2001, The Green has been making music for over 15 years. They have released six albums, three of which have reached number one on the Billboard Reggae charts. Their most recent album, HawaiianFunkLand, was released in 2018 and debuted at number two on the Billboard Reggae charts.
Another popular band on the rise is Automatic Settings. Formed in 2013, Automatic Settings is a four-piece band from Kauai. They have released two albums, their self-titled debut album in 2014 and their sophomore album, Kauai Sessions, in 2017. Kauai Sessions reached number one on the iTunes Reggae charts and number four on the Billboard Reggae charts.
With a few local bands already making a name for themselves, it seems that rock music is starting to take off in Hawaii. With islanders’ love for music and laid-back lifestyle, it’s no wonder that this genre is becoming more popular. only time will tell if rock music will become as big in Hawaii as other genres such as reggae and hip-hop, but one thing is for sure – there are some talented bands making great music on the islands
Jazz
Jazz has been popular in Hawaii since the early 1900s when it was introduced by sailors and plantation workers. The genre has since evolved and now includes a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Some of the most popular Jazz musicians in Hawaii today include Kimo Cornwell, Jon Osorio, Noel Okimoto, Maurice Bega, and John Kolivas. These artists play a mix of original compositions and classic standards, keeping the genre fresh and exciting for both new and old fans.
If you’re looking to experience Hawaii’s vibrant Jazz scene, be sure to check out one of the many live music venues on Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island. Mahogany Jazz Hall on Maui and The Painter’s Wife on the Big Island are two great places to start.
Country
Right now, the big thing in Hawaii music is country. This may come as a surprise to some, but country music has been increasing in popularity in recent years, and Hawaii is no exception. There are a number of country artists that are from Hawaii or have strong ties to the state, and their music is resonating with fans.
Some of the biggest names in Hawaiian country music right now include members of the Sons of Thieves, who are from Maui, and Troy Pulani and his band T GP, who are from Oahu. Both of these bands are enjoying success with their respective albums “Good Company” and “All My Heart.” Troy Pulani is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year at this year’s Hawaii Country Music Awards.
Another artist making waves in the Hawaiian country music scene is Jody Kamisato, who recently released her debut album “Heart of Hawaii.” Jody’s album has been praised for its honest and personal lyrics, which offer a unique perspective on island life. She is also a talented musician, playing both the guitar and ukulele.
So if you’re looking for something new to listen to, be sure to check out some of the latest Hawaiian country music. You might just find your new favorite artist!
Folk
If you’re looking for a more traditional sound, you might want to check out some of the folk music that’s popping up in Hawaii right now. This genre often has a softer, more gentle sound, and is often based around acoustic instruments. If you’re looking for something a little bit different from the mainstream music scene, this might be the perfect sound for you.
Some of the most popular folk artists in Hawaii right now include John Cruz, Ledward Kaapana, and Raiatea Helm. These artists all have unique styles that make them stand out from the rest, and they’re sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment. If you’re looking for something a little bit different from the mainstream music scene, this might be the perfect sound for you.
