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

Pipeline 2 Paradise Radio is privileged to have the inside scoops on the re-release of "Ho'omana'o," the debut album by Keola Santos.  I've had the opportunity to stop by the recording studios up here in Las Vegas to peep out many of the tracks that will be a part of the re-release.  The break out hit is definitely "Old Hawaiian Style" featuring Hawaiian Soul, which you can hear exclusively in rotation right now on Pipeline 2 Paradise Radio.  By the way "Ho'omana'o" is available NOW through digital download from Islandbeats.com.  Click the banner below and support Keola's project!   Below is the online interview I did with Keola when "Ho'omana'o first dropped about a year ago.  Enjoy revisiting his music and mana'o! -Pu'ukani Sebala

The Ninth Island (Jan. '06) Monthly Column Posted At Huimusic.com by Paul Pu'ukani Sebala

Keola Santos   "From Keolu Hills to Desert Sands"   One of my favorite island songs has to be Justin’s “Never Forget Where I’m From.”  The lyrics, “You can take the boy from the islands, but not the islands from the boy” holds true for so many transplants living here in Las Vegas.  I for one made the decision that no matter where I resided I would always “ho’omana’o” or “remember” my roots.      Thinking back to my high school days it was probably during my sophomore year when I really started to embrace Hawaiian music in all forms.  It was no surprise being that I played the ukulele practically my entire life that Hawaiian music would soon become a passion of mine.  Now brace yourself as I share an  “Are you serious” fact from my past.  Although my current pictures might not lead you to believe it, I wrestled back in high school all 4 years; Respects to my alma mater Aiea High.  Oh those good ‘ole days back when I was sporting a 6-pack and might I say looking quite studly.  Well at least I thought I was a stud.  I remember before tournament matches several of us from Aiea, Farrington, and Waianae would gather on a wrestling mat, form a tight circle and sing some a cappella.  I always wanted to impress, so I made sure I knew all the words to any Island hits that were hot on the radio.  “Pu’ukani” which means “Sweet-toned or sweet- voiced," was the name given to me by my Hawaiian language teacher at the time.  Unknowingly, this period in my life was really the seed planted to this venture called Pipeline 2 Paradise.        Now you’re probably wondering why I shared all of the above memories.  Well the memories that I shared is the perfect segue way for this month’s feature on “The Ninth Island.”  How you ask?  Well for one, the wife of this month’s feature was actually my wrestling manager back in High school.  Secondly, the first group that this month’s feature first performed with professionally was a group named “Pu’ukani. “  And third we both have a deep understanding that to “Ho’omana’o” or to “remember” our roots and culture is so important even more so now living away from the islands here in Las Vegas.  Ironically, this person’s lastest mini music project is entitled “Ho’omana’o.”  Now how’s that for continuity!      It was at last year’s Ho’olaule’a here in Las Vegas that I got to first meet this month’s feature, Dwayne “Keola” Santos.  We clicked instantly as we both shared our mana’o on the Hawaiian music scene here in Las Vegas and found out that we had many things in common. (See above)  I noticed Keola carried himself with true humility and believed strongly in the talents he had been both taught and given.  After speaking with him for a bit and keeping in contact with him via e-mail over the last year, I realized that Keola would be an awesome person to feature on “The Ninth Island.”  As you’ll quickly see, Keola’s roots go deep within his culture and it’s those roots that he humbly presents whenever and wherever he performs.      On behalf of Huimusic.com, we kick off this brand new year with high hopes and “Big dreams” and proudly present to you a proud parent; a loving husband; a grateful son; a loyal friend; a gifted artist; a humble Hawaiian Soul:   Dwayne “Keola” Santos Represent Your Hometown. Born and raised in Kailua Oahu. Specifically Enchanted Lakes/Keolu Hills. Who do you consider your biggest musical influences? I would say it would be a toss up between 2. Pop’s Gabby Pahinui and The old Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. Recall some of your earliest memories playing Hawaiian music. I remember when I was about 5 years old and my mom who is a hula teacher had me sing "He Aloha Mele" for her little girls at a show. My first concert that I ever did was in Moloka’i with a group called Pu’ukani. Name some of the different people you’ve played music with.  I’ve played with Gary Haleamau, Wayne Francisco, the girls from Na Wai Ho'olu'u O Ke Anuenue, Uncle Ledward Ka'apana, Uluwehi Guerero, Darlene Ahuna, Aunty Marlene Sai, Uncle Bill Kaiwa, Martin and Cyril Pahinui, and The Pandanus Club. Tell us about your most memorable gig. I would have to say that the most memorable gig I have been involved with would be when I performed on the same stage as the legends of Hawaiian Music here in Las Vegas. The Pahinui Brothers- Martin & Cyril, Marlene Sai, Bill Kaiwa, and Nina Kealiiwahamana. What brought you to Las Vegas? A change in pace and a good chance to afford to get ahead with a house and hopes of some day going back home so my children can experience the life that myself and my wife had living in Hawaii.  Compare the Hawaiian music scenes in both Las Vegas and Hawaii. In Las Vegas the Hawaiian Community is longing for traditional Hawaiian Music. It is something that now that I live in Las Vegas, I can see the things that we took for granted. There is a huge following here in Las Vegas. Back home Hawaiian music is there and most of the groups back home are into the Jawaiian scene. There are a few groups that still play traditional Hawaiian music. Ie… Makaha Sons, Ho’okena, and Maunaloa. What do you consider the major obstacles, if any, being a “Hawaiian” labeled artist in Las Vegas? Getting the music that we record up here in Las Vegas in the main stream back home. Also getting our web pages on the local music pages back home so that even the Hawaiian community back home can see that Hawaiian music is still alive and strong here in Vegas and the mainland. What are your hopes in the future for the Hawaiian music scene in Las Vegas? That someone somewhere opens a place that the Hawaiian community can go and enjoy Traditional Hawaiian music. And that even the mainland recognizes that Hawaiian music is not just for the Hawaiian Islands, but for all to enjoy.  What other personal talents do you feel have contributed to your success? Well dancing hula for my mom and just volunteering my musical time for other Halaus here in Las Vegas as well as California. What advice can you give aspiring artists who want to make an impact within the industry? Believe in yourself! Don't let what other people say bring you down. Dream big, ‘cause some day it may even come true.  What impact do you feel you’ve made personally within the Las Vegas’ industry? Just the fact that I keep playing and loving what I’m doing. Helping out with the Las Vegas May Day concerts and performing. Any current projects? I am currently in the studio working on my 1st solo CD due out in April with Na Paia Records. “Finally” Any mahalos you want to send out? First of all to the rock in my life, my beautiful wife Ro for just being there and never letting me quit. My son Keola Jr. and my daughter PohaikalakaIlimanani, my mom  dad for my 1st guitar and all the times I got sent to my room and forced myself to make so much noise playing any kine music and finally understanding Hawaiian music, and my extended family for all the support. Na Paia Records for believing in me and Hawaiian Music, Ocean Breeze Records Steve Ventic, all the guys that help me on a regular basses Braddah Wayne Francisco, Willy Lau, and Janoe Kalawa.  Any final words of wisdom? "Dream Big, reach for the stars ‘cause some day your dream may come true." Read more on Keola Santos at his official homepage:   http://members.cox.net/keolasantos/index.htm   or you can e-mail him:   keolamusic@hotmail.com   Mahalo nui to Keola Santos for the opportunity to share his experiences and thoughts to the visitors of Huimusic.com.