2007 Hawaii Music Awards

[akrauth]

Aloha kakou. For those of you who voted online in the HMA, I wanted to know who some of the artists are that you voted for, especially in the Traditional Hawaiian category. I have to say that I voted for Keali'i Blaisdell because I love him and he deserves all the support he can get. For those of you who haven't voted yet, I would consider doing it if I were you. Yes, nothing is wrong with supporting whoever your favorite is, but I would love to see him receive the award. He has a great voice, is awesome at playing ki ho'alu, is a terrific haku mele composer, and even sings leo ki'eki'e! Heard of him before?

[pzarquon]

Re: 2007 Hawaii Music Awards Discussion

Previous discussion of the Hawaii Music Awards:

• What about the Hawaiian Music Awards?
• Hawaii Music Awards: Vote for your favorite artist

I don't take them too seriously, but they're a fun distraction, I suppose. So is "voting" open now or not? The website is a bit unclear as to whether it's started or if we're still just "previewing" everything. Says voting ends Feb. 12.

Haven't voted yet, but I guess I'd mention Pali, who just got a new album out and is headed by a great guy (and HT member). And if John Keawe hasn't been featured lately, I'd nominate him as well.

[akrauth]

Re: 2007 Hawaii Music Awards Discussion

Yes, the voting started on MLK Day.

[pzarquon]

Re: 2007 Hawaii Music Awards Discussion

Gotcha. Man, that website needs a lot of work.

Anyway. I see Pali is in there for "Tribute," so they'll definitely get my vote for "Contemporary Hawaiian" (I doubt Henry Kapono needs my help). The Girlas and Darrell Aquino are friends to local podcasters, so it'll be tough deciding in "Adult Contemporary." I'll similarly back Kenneth Makuakane in "Traditional Hawaiian." And Waitiki is nominated -- albeit the only nomination -- for the "Exotica" category. Even though that means they'll likely "win" by default, I'll vote for them as well, as they're great guys.

If I can figure out how, that is.

[Leo Lakio]

Re: 2007 Hawaii Music Awards Discussion

Man, that website needs a lot of work.

True; I spent a couple of days in e-mail corrrespondence with their webmaster, because there were all kinds of problems with the page when it was first launched, and for a day or two. I've been told the problems are all fixed now, and I was finally able to get votes in.

Apologies to Alex, however - but I'm keeping my votes secret. Yeah, it's not like it's the Hokus or Grammys, but still...

[achow]

Re: 2007 Hawaii Music Awards

I also voted for Keali'i Blaisdell for the Traditional Hawaiian category because I think that he deserves all the recognition because most of all I love him, I love his voice, he is a great haku mele composer, He is also great at playing Ki ho'alu. He deserve the award.
I also voted for Steven Espaniola for New Artist because he deserve the award because he is also great at playing Ki ho'alu also.

[pzarquon]

Re: 2007 Hawaii Music Awards

Oop. Found another podcast-savvy musician on the ballot, Steven Espaniola for "Ho'omaka" in "Traditional Hawaiian." So I've got to make a tough choice in that category, too.

[LikaNui]

Re: 2007 Hawaii Music Awards

The replies here so far have only served to confirm what I've felt in the past -- the Hawaii Music Awards are simply a popularity contest.
At least with the Na Hoku Awards you have to actually be in the business and a member of HARA before you can vote. Even then, personal friendships can (and do) skew the votes.

[akrauth]

Re: 2007 Hawaii Music Awards

I also voted for Keali'i Blaisdell for the Traditional Hawaiian category because I think that he deserves all the recognition because most of all I love him, I love his voice, he is a great haku mele composer, He is also great at playing Ki ho'alu. He deserve the award.
I also voted for Steven Espaniola for New Artist because he deserve the award because he is also great at playing Ki ho'alu also.

Me too. Whoa, you and I are so much alike.

[Leo Lakio]

Re: 2006 Hawaiian Grammy nominees

As for the Hawai'i Music Awards, they just announced the winners ---

Adult Contemporary: Manoa DNA Follow Me
Anthology: Kapena - Kapena Collection Vol 3
Classical: John Carollo - Ampersand
Comedy: Lanai & Augie - Radio Kings Back On the Throne
Compilation: Aloha From Paradise - Aloha Joe Radio
Contemporary Hawaiian: Pali - Tribute
Country Music: Ernie Cruz Sr. - Only Better
Dancehall Reggae: Zulu - Riddum Killah
Best DVD: Makaha Sons - Live At the Hawaii Theatre
Exotica Music: Waitiki - Charred Mammal Flesh
Folk: Peter Apo & the Rainbow Nation Band - My Back Pages, The Folk Years
Inspirational/Gospel: Misaki - Misaki
Hip Hop: Afatia - 5:54
International Hawaiian: Luka Kauhola & Kainoa - Kaoru Kainoa Blues Band
Island Contemporary: Kawao - The Secrets Out!
Jazz: Ginai - Jazz Island
Polynesian Island: Breeze - Gathering of the Kings
Pop: Keahiwai - Changing
Reggae: Ooklah The Moc - Koko Meets Ooklah the Moc
Rhythm & Blues: Lei - Lyrics From the Heart
Rock: Mark Coleman - Tunes With Love
Seasonal: Keali'i Reichel - Maluhia
Single: Steve Zuwala -Toes In the Sand
Ska: Upstanding Youth Still
Slack Key: Ledward Ka'apana - Grandmaster Slack Key Guitar
Steel Guitar: Legends of Hawaiian Steel Guitar Past Present and Future
Traditional Hawaiian: Manny K Fernandez - Hawaiian Memories
Ukulele: Brittni - Paiva Brittni
World Music: Emile Simon & Pierre Grill & L'Escargot - True Love
Hawaii Music Awards People's Choice for most popular New Artist -
1) Steven Espaniola; 2) Misaki; 3) Mana Poly All-Stars