Kapala | Hawaii RED Magazine

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KAPALA
MAKING AN IMPRINT ON HAWAIIAN MUSIC

Kapala’s music is like dinner at Roy’s. It’s those same Hawaiian classics that you love, but with a contemporary twist brought on by the veteran chefs that throw it together. In Kapala’s case, the veterans are those of the music world, and the spices they use range from Jazz riffs to Latin beats. Just like Roy’s dishes, Kapala’s tunes retain that authentic Hawaiian flavor while opening it up to a wider crowd in a fun yet sophisticated way.

About three years ago, Kimo Artis and Zanuck Lindsey both found themselves playing music at the Honolulu airport. The two hit it off, and started to jam. They decided to meet up with Kimo’s brother, Kai, and another friend, Lopaka. Together, they ate and laughed for four hours, eventually realizing that they were all united by a common interest. That was to be involved with something that was more than just a weekly gig. They were ready to create a group that was fueled by friendship and love, rather than business and money.

Members of Kapala

From that sentiment, Kapala was born. The four each gathered some friends, and in a trick of Hawaiian magic, everyone already seemed to know one another. Kimo and Zanuck became the defining link in a perfect ring of old friends, as well as the un-offical leaders of the band. The eight person band now consists of Hawaiian music veterans Kai Artis, Kimo Artis, Lopaka Ho’opi’i, Richard Heirakuji, Shawn Ishimoto, Abe Lagrimas, Adj Larioza, and Zanuck Lindsey.

While every member of the band has Hawaiian blood and a deep appreciation for traditional Hawaiian music, Kapala is attempting to bring that music a fresh taste. After performances, the most common question they receive is, “What kind of music is that?” With eight unique musical backgrounds to influence the sound, the best way to describe it, just as Roy might describe his food, is “Hawaiian Fusion.” One might also call it “Hawaiian music with a groove.” It’s those old Hawaiian tunes, but done in a way that makes you want to get up and dance like never before.

The second question that the band usually receives is “How can you be so large?” Kimo admits that its not easy to get gigs or schedule rehearsals with an eight person band, but it makes no difference to them. They cherish their time playing together so greatly that they’ll host their own gigs if they must. One doesn’t have to look farther than the band’s name, which in English means “blessed,” to realize the appreciation that the band members feel for one another.

The word “Kapala” also refers to the tool used to make imprints on kapa, Hawaiian paper. The band took this as a cue for their first album, Imprint, which they hope will have just that effect on Hawaiian music. Released on December 8th, 2009, this charismatic and innovative yet charmingly familiar album is nothing short of an instant classic. Imprint is a compilation of five originals and eight of the band’s favorite Hawaiian songs “Kapalacized.” Each song has its own spice, and as a whole, they make a real treat. It features many special guests including Keali’i Reichel, Augie T, and Robert Cazimero.

All together, Kimo says that the members of the band have probably been on about fifty albums, most having been in the music biz for three decades, now. Each of them knows, however, that Kapala isn’t just another band for any of them, and Imprint isn’t just another album. For the guys in this band, this CD is something special, something huge, and they want it to be just that for the music world as well. “Aside from the birth of my kids,” Kimo says, “I’m more proud of this than anything.”

Story by Sarah Burke
Photos courtesy of Kapala

Imprint can be found at most music stores as well as on Itunes.
www.kapalamusic.com
www.myspace.com/kapala7
http://www.reverbnation.com/kapala