Womad NZ: Makana
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In the first in a series of quick QnAs with artists performing at Womad NZ 2014, we hear from Makana from Hawai‘i.
Makana's solo performance is a ride through the breadth of slack key, folk, rock, bluegrass, ethnic and jazz and his distinctly original songs are infused with the spirit of Hawai‘i.
From the 200-year old slack key tradition, rooted in a very personal folk music expression of beautiful surroundings and Hawaiian way of life, Makana has evolved his own dynamic, high-octane style, coined “Slack Rock,” or slack key infused with elements of bluegrass, rock, blues and raga.
What are you reading at the moment? What’s currently playing on your iPod / CD player / tape deck / record player?
I am currently reading J. Krishnamurti: The Years of Awakening by Mary Lutyens, as well as True and False by David Mamet. Music-wise, of late I’ve been enjoying being back at home after much touring, so the sounds of the ocean, wind through the palms, birds, geckos (at night) and my aquaponics system (fresh running water) are the current soundtrack to my existence.
Can you give a brief account of the idea behind your music?
To inspire curiosity, the seed of transcendence. To create, rather than mimic, in honor of our ancestors. To blur the lines of genre. To incite emotional release.
Do you have any upcoming releases before March 2014?
My newest album Ripe just released worldwide on iTunes and other online retailers. It was 100 per cent fan-funded via Kickstarter, and produced by legendary engineer and multi-platinum producer Ron Nevison (The Who, Led Zeppelin, Heart) and Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Los Lobos, Crowded House).
Will this be your first visit to New Zealand?
This is my first visit to New Zealand.
Do you have any artist/ cultural/ personal connections with New Zealand already?
I’ve met a few artists from New Zealand, and many of my friends from Hawai’i have toured there.
What are you looking forward to most about coming to New Zealand?
Connecting with the native culture, and experiencing the outdoors.
Is there anything you’d like NZ audiences to know about you / your band before you get here?
Check out my philosophy - I’m an avid writer:
Where do you live currently, where did you grow up?
Born and raised on the island of O’ahu in Hawai’i, and still happily residing here!
What is your family background?
My father is from Minnesota and is Eastern European, Irish, Norwegian and Native American. My mother is from Hawai’i and is Chinese, French and English.
What languages do you speak?
I am only fluent in English, however, I understand basic ‘olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian), and basic Japanese. I sing in English, Hawaiian and Portuguese.