Pipeline 2 Paradise Radio-Broadcasting The Best In Hawaiian Island Music Worldwide From Las Vegas,NV

The Ninth Island (Dec. '05) Monthly Column Posted At Huimusic.com by Paul Pu'ukani Sebala

Goodbye crystal blue waters, hello white desert sands.  Farewell plush green mountains, stand tall commercial billboards.  Aloha Honolulu city lights, welcome to the strip and fabulous Las Vegas.      3 years ago on Dec 1st, my ohana and I traded Paradise city for Sin city.  "Is this the best move for my family and I; would I miss those 'ono plate lunches; would it be a culture shock?"  Well as it stands the answers were Yes, No, and Yes.  Recently my family and I purchased our first home here in Las Vegas, something we could have never done on a double income back home in Hawaii.  Places like L&L Drive Inn, Aloha Kitchen, and Diamond Head Grill found it's way into our weekly activities.  As for the culture shock, well let's just say after 3 years I'm still adjusting.  Maybe it's because I'm a true blue Island boy that I'll never get use to rush hour traffic minus the "Aloha spirit."  I will never fully understand the allowance of freely drinking alcohol in public and the acceptance of peddling porn brochures every 20 feet on the strip.  I could go on and on with the things I don't quite grasp yet, but why dwell on the negative.     Justin Young said it well in his song "You can take the boy from the island, but not the island from the boy!"  Boy does that hold true with the many Pacific Islanders that have migrated to this oasis in the desert and call Las Vegas home.  I've heard that approxiamately 45,000 tranplants have found their way to Las Vegas and in some estimates up to 60,000.  Whatever that figure may be one things for sure you can tell when someone is from Hawaii.  The way they talk, the way they dress, but most importantly the way they carry themselves.  When "Aloha Spirit" is expressed genuinely it can't be mistaken for something else.  The "Aloha Spirit" lives even right here in this desert called Las Vegas.  How you ask.... the people!      Many island people have chosen to live aloha and continue to share their time, talents and treasures with others.  This special breed of people continue to make a difference not only in their works, but in people's lives.  This is why Las Vegas has been dubbed "The Ninth Hawaiian Island."      Every month this feature - "The Ninth Island," will highlight people who not only make a living in Las Vegas, but make a difference! DJ Shakin Melodiz   Maui Mixer Stirs Up Sin City       Working in the music industry back home in Hawaii naturally made me curious to research the radio market in Las Vegas when first moving.  Although the radio dial has changed quite drastically over the last 3 years, when first arriving the noticeable format was Urban.  3 stations were dominant in Hip-hop and R&B and another 2 dabbled within the genre.      One of the first names that was brought to my attention was DJ Shakin Melodiz.  I was told in addition to him doing major promotions for corporate radio in town, he also did a mix show for them.  Immediately I vibed with his style, but what made me more supportive of his works was the fact that he was originally from Hawaii, Maui to be exact.  I later found out while promoting my own venture in Pipeline 2 Paradise radio that he also ran his own record label in Vizzun Records.  It was destined that sooner or later our professional paths would cross.  Time passed and eventually that notion came to pass.     I got to meet with DJ Shakin Melodiz and some of his business associates and what I instantly picked up from him was his true sense of humility.  I recognized his love passion for what he does and it was that qualities that impressed me the most about him.  Now I can continue to describe in my own words how dedicated and talented of a person DJ Shakin Melodiz is, but why not here it straight from the shaker himself.      When ask by Geebz of Huimusic.com to host such a column representing Las Vegas it was clear to me who would be the perfect candidate to annoint the first write up.  Without further due I, Pu'ukani Sebala of Pipeline 2 Paradise radio present to you DJ Shakin Melodiz as "The Ninth Island's" first feature. Hometown?   Pa’ia, Maui How did you get started in DJ’ing?   I opened my own mobile dj business at the age of 13 and started doing the local weddings, birthdays and small events. How did the moniker “DJ Shakin Melodiz” come about?    I felt as a mixer I was changing or shaking the Melodiz as I transitioned through a mix. What are your favorite formats to mix?   Breakz and Hip Hop What do you feel are your trademarks that set you apart from the pack? I can mix multiple formats of music in one set. but they sound like it all goes together. It’s all about the flow of the mix. Recall your most memorable gig.   Opening for P Diddy in front of 20,000 people at Sam Boyd Stadium and doing a DJ set with Lil Jon.   Recall your weirdest experience from DJ’ing.   Watching Jeanna Jameson trying to sit up on my turntables. What do you consider the perks and benefits of being a DJ? Meeting people and watching them enjoy your music. Are there any misconceptions about DJ’ing?   I see a lot of people who say they are DJ’s or look the part but they fake it, it’s hard work trying to move a dancefloor. What’s the difference in vibe from the Hawaii and Las Vegas nightlife?   I played throughout the U.S. and nothing is like Vegas, but it’s always nice to play for your hometown. How do you feel before a big appearance?   I feel a little nervous, but once I start everything comes natural. Do you feel being classified as a “Hawaii” DJ limits you in any way? I’m classified as a Vegas DJ Do you have any residencies at the moment?   I dropped my residencies and started booking DJ’s at Vegas clubs but I am currently looking at Entertainment positions at new clubs that will be opening soon in Vegas. Do you have any groupies? Some, but they are not as crazy as some other DJ groupies I know. Who are some of the big names in the industry you’ve worked with?   Kanye West, Damon Dash, Latin Prince, Kevin Black, Brian Samson and many more. List your latest projects.    Pana’ewa, Island Mixx, Reggaeton On Fire, Marty Dread, Zulu and Smash Up. Which do you consider your best work?    I'm most proud of Pana’ewa.  It definetly reminds me of home. What is the ultimate goal you want to achieve from DJ’ing? I want to become a Entertainment Director for a major club on the strip in Las Vegas. Any upcoming events or projects?   More CD releases. Any advice for aspiring DJ’s?   Be humble and enjoy what you do.  It’s the greatest profession on earth. Any mahalos (thanks) to the people who have supported you in your endeavors.   Much mahalo’s to GOD, The Riddler, DJ Speed, Jazzy Jim, DJC, My Family and everyone who gave me a chance. You can contact DJ Shakin Melodiz at the following links:   www.djshakinmelodiz.net   http://www.myspace.com/djshakinmelodiz    Mahalo nui to DJ Shakin Melodiz for the opportunity to share his experiences and thoughts to the visitors of Huimusic.com.