Interview: Kalani Pe’a basks in a bright Grammy glow

Winning a prestigious, shiny golden gramophone can often foster a sense of ego for many. But not Hawaiian musician and folk storyteller Kalani Pe’a, who is still cresting the wave of his 2017 Grammy Award win in the Best Regional Roots Music Album category (for his splendid debut, E Walea). In the wondrous shadow of such a career landmark, an esteemed distinction he doesn’t take too lightly, he constructs a bridge over troubled waters in upholding his rich cultural heritage and wealth of heart on the follow-up. No ‘Ane’i, which marks continued commitment to beautiful compositions, also sets out as a striking and plaintive library, adhering to conventions of traditional music while drenching his poetry with a signature bellowing timbre and perspective.

Cherishing and celebrating his roots and familial history has never been more vital than it is today. Startling, only a small fraction of Native Hawaiians still speak their native tongue, and Pe’a both bares that cross and honors it, drawing such tragedy and burdensome grit into himself for strength. “We must continue to teach others and share our language and arts to the world,” says Pe’a, whose trembling gut instincts are woven into the album’s vibrant, breezy fabric, casting all doubt to the wind. Make no mistake, however, he’s hyper-aware of the reality raging around him in dark circles and puffy clouds. He continues, “It’s been a struggle for the Hawaiian people when our language, government and land were stripped illegally by the US government. But it is our duty now to educate people why we stand the way we stand.”

The young talent crafts the “music, chants, and stories” of his people into an exuberant, contemplative and sometimes brittle story. “We have history, facts, resources to share to the world about who we are as the first settlers of Hawaii. We must protect our cultural and natural resources. I am proud to be a Hawaiian language, cultural practitioner and college graduate. My duty is to educate the world. That is my significant factor,” he tells B-Sides & Badlands over email recently.

Furthermore, No ‘Ane’i (which has been nominated for a Grammy at this year’s ceremony, deservedly so) speaks to remembrance of the past’s ghosts but always eyeing a brighter, more liberated future free from oppression and hatred. “The intention to creating this album was to bring awareness of Hawaiian cultural values, practices and identity,” adds Pe’a, who turns once again to long-time producer Dave Tucciarone to wield the album with architecturally-sound steeples and other sweeping adornments. “The foundation of cultural learning and practices starts at home, the foundation is created at home. We must hold the teachings of our ancestors and forefathers and share it to the world.”

It certainly helps that Pe’a has enlisted a smorgasbord of accomplished, legendary players to bring his poetry to life, including Imua Garza, Wailua Ryder, Amy Hanaiali’i and Willie K. “I loving building bridges and networking with Grammy nominees and valuable people. I totally idolize Willie K, Amy Hanaiali’i and Ho’okena. They paved the path for the younger generation,” he says. “They bring some unique blend between Hawaiian, contemporary, soul and R&B to my music. They’re motivating and inspiring. I learned to be ‘me’ and speak my mind from them. They’re real Hawaiian musicians, and I honor their legacy.”

No ‘Ane’i (featuring eight originals and four covers of classics) bounds far beyond cultural and social borders. It’s enriched by the world’s pain but not trapped by it. Instead, Pe’a offers compassion and unmistakable evidence that love defies all, his arrangements speaking a universal language in a way only he could deliver. As gay man, his voice is a glorious one and breaks down the barriers which have imprisoned us for far too, long. His magical touch is one we can no longer avoid, and despite powers devoted to ruin, he stands tall.

The 2019 Grammy Awards are slated for February 10.

Below, Pe’a discusses his LGBTQ+ identity, finding beauty in tragedy, seeing people as a key resource and flourishing vocal abilities.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, what’s been your journey? Was your identity something that was easy for your family and friends to understand?

I am beyond being a member of the LGBTQ community. That is my ‘Ohana (family). I am a proud Hawaiian, Filipino and English gay man. Allan is my life. Allan told me to carry the foundational teachings from my parents and apply it to my music. He told me to record my music and live my dream, and this was in 2016 before my debut album. Allan is my life ⏤ my handsome German-Samoan beauty. I call him my queen. I am a full-time musician because of him. He produces music videos, does all the digital marketing content, advertisements, etc. We are an independent music company, independent music label, publishing and entertainment label. We do everything on our own. Allan is also a professional makeup artist for nearly 15 years. He styled and created looks in New York fashion week last year and does makeup for different Hawaiian celebrities. So Allan and I run the show. I have six to seven people in my full piece band. Allan works with 10-15 videographers, photographers, digital marketing consultants. We work hard.

We work endless hours as entrepreneurs, and it’s been a wonderful three years so far. We have sold out concerts across Hawaii, Japan and the West Coast of the USA. Our family and friends supports us. Our family supports our vision and mission to provide Hawaiian language content ⏤ music and art. We are proud gay men of the Hawaiian community. We have a great support system. In fact, when we get married, the world wants to come, but we need to plan accordingly. My parents are extremely supportive and have been from the beginning. Being gay is accepted in the Hawaiian culture and has been for 1,000 years. Everyone has their own beliefs and values. I respect that, but when certain people start to sequester us from society, I get exasperated, and I always put these people in their places. I have to. I have the best parents and siblings that love every bit of Allan and I. Allan and I have loved each other for 10 years now. He is my best friend. My family, friends and Allan are part of my foundation.

This album is lush and bright and hopeful. How did you begin writing and putting this together?

It takes me five to 10 minutes to write a song in Hawaiian first, and then English translations come in after that. I don’t grab an instrument; my voice is my instrument. I sing the arrangements, harmony and progression chords in my head and then chart it on paper following my lyrics. I am that type of musician ⏤ using ear training and music theory creatively hearing chords and key changes in my head. My brain is like that machine that continuously spits out “ideas,” creative ideas to make a song. This may sound uncouth.

In working once again with producer Dave Tucciarone, how has your relationship shifted and changed with this album? How did you challenge each other in the studio?

I love working with Dave Tucciarone. The musicians call it the “School of Dave Tucciarone.” My nickname for my producer is #davethemainsoundwave. We have a great working relationship. He and I are very transparent, and when we articulate certain things, we do it. We are close and work well. Dave is among Hawaii’s finest engineers and producers of all time. I am all about pushing the envelope and being creative as a Hawaiian, contemporary and soul artist. I am Dave’s first Grammy win since we won in 2017.

Your backstory is incredibly inspiring, especially in how music helped you with a speech impediment. Over the years, how has music continued to heal and propel you forward?

Music is beyond healing. Music is free medicine. Music is life. Music is essential for us all. I am the happiest when I’m writing music, entertaining the audience and educating people about my music. Music changes lives. Music should be incorporated in all educational systems. We need more performing arts centers in the Department of Education and private institutions, and we can incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) standards and curriculum with music. Music helped me as a I grew out of stammering and stuttering as a child. Music saved my life, and now, I hear stories from families and fans around the world. They said music helps their child’s speech impediment; music brings confidence to my children or music allows my children to tell their story.

I know you wanted to explore your roots and how you got here with this record. What did you learn from your ancestors and what did you ultimately bring into this music?

I am fluent in Hawaiian language and a proud Hawaiian immersion graduate. I learned everything ⏤ algebra, biology, chemistry, the Shakespeare play, all in Hawaiian as an official language. Our college prep tests (SAT and ACT) were done in English, but I am proud to be a bilingual. When I hear whispers, I know those whispers are my ancestors guiding the way. When I get this “gut feeling” or “urge” to do something in music, I know it’s my ancestors guiding me along the way. So I embrace that, spiritually and mentally.

In your journey of tragedy and struggles, how did you come to find beauty?

My music is about people I love, people that exasperate me, places that I love, cherished Hawaiian royalty, natural and cultural resources of Hawaii. There is beauty in every obstacle or challenge. There is beauty in achievements, hardships, trials and tribulations. There is beauty to be around people who are proactive and productive and reactive and lazy. There is beauty all around. I surround myself with valuable resources, people who are productive, likeminded and productive. I love to be around winners ⏤ hard workers, envelope “pushers,” innovators, creators and much more. These people inspired me each day. I just love every dynamic in these type of people. They say I influence and motivate them, and it’s mutual. I love working and collaborating with good people.

You voice has a transcendent power. In your career, how have you come to learn how to use it in the melodic choices you make and how you employ your talents?

I hear various progression chords and changes in my head. Like the brain cells in my head are like music notes (crescendo, half quarter, eighth notes, half steps, major chords, etc.) and whether I need to hit a falsetto in pianissimo or fortissimo, I hear it. I have to write it out or record it before I forget these progression chord changes. I am inspired by anything to help me compose a song.

Even when times are tough and seemingly insurmountable, does spreading love come easy to you?

Love conquers all. Times are always tough ⏤ whether I’m performing in front of 100 people to 31,000 in a stadium. I am always anxious, nervous, always preparing myself. I’m a normal person. Once I hit that stage, the word “slay” comes to play. I am all about entertaining and educating the world about Hawaiian music composition I love my family, my close knit of true friends and family. I hang out with good people, valuable people and people who inspire me. My other half, manager and fiancé Allan Cool is my best friend and the love of my life for 10 years. Together, we shake the world and share our art to the world.

You’ve previously spoken about how you perceive people as a vital resource. How do you balance that belief in today’s world? What comforts you most, outside of making music?

We are all prominent and profound resources of Hawaii, and whether you’re in California, Texas or Canada, you’re a resource for the communities you serve. I think we need to be more confident about owning our skill set or proficiency. We must understand that we all possess a certain talent or gift. Each and everyone of us are prominent and profound resources, and it’s our duty to share to the world. I’m all about seeking balance and doing what is right like building bridges and not walls. I am comfortable to know that when I live in a peaceful community ⏤ a community of police officers, lawyers, musicians, doctors, nurses, it is safe to me.

People are reserved, yet they’re all trying to make a living here in Hawaii. I’m full-time in music, and I’m a touring musician, yet I’m all about advocating and protecting rights for Hawaiian language and culture and LGBTQ rights. Those two topics (cultural and gay rights) mean the world to me, and I go to bat for any of these topics. I support all gay men and women who are gifted and talented in everything they do. I love to attend concerts all over the world. I love to listen to classical music, soul music, Motown music, music of the ’90s and more. I am a 35-year-old man who loves to bake Paleo bread, attend Beyonce concerts with Allan, make music videos and YouTube on my down time. Music often becomes work, so attending concerts and just being in the audience is all I want sometimes. However, you can’t take the mic away from me. I am always inspired to sing even when we’re in a karaoke bar.

What did you come to learn about yourself through making No ‘Ane’i?

I wanted to focus on cultural identity, values and practices and the significance of embracing that. I wanted to write and sing about people I love, places I love, people that annoy me, cherished Hawaiian Kings and Princesses, natural resources and cultural resources and tell my story. I’m so grateful to receive a second Grammy nomination. When I explain the hidden messages or poetry of each song, I am compelled to tell my story. I love to see the audience’s reaction, and they come to me during the meet and greet and share their personal connection to my story or songs. That means the world to me.

Standout cut “Superstar,” a Delaney & Bonnie song, made famous by The Carpenters and later covered again by Luther Vandross, feels like a pretty important moment on the record. What is its meaning for you then (in the past) and now?

The beauty of growing up in Hawaii is that we get to listen to all types of music, from Hawaiian, classical, Rock and R&B to contemporary and soul, pop, rap and gospel. I can sing all types of music during my concerts. “Superstar” was done by wonderful music icons of mine, The Carpenters and Luther Vandross. My mom would sing to me this song as a child. I fell in love with Karen Carpenter’s voice as a child. I could sleep to her music. So, I had to honor these Grammy Award winning musicians and music icons in doing “Superstar” my way. I did it in Hawaiian and English. It was the only classic done on my this album. I recorded Heatwave’s version of “Always & Forever” and Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful” on my debut both in Hawaiian and English. I’m a modern, contemporary and soul artist, and I had to.

Photo Credit: Antonio Agosto

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