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Contemporary Hawaiian Music
Where else in the world would the term "contemporary music" include such a diverse field of talented musicians and musical styles than the islands of Hawaii? From the soulful sounds of Bruddah Norm to the innovative ukulele picking of Troy Fernandez, contemporary Hawaiian music marries traditional sounds with modern musical influences. No matter if you're listening to reggae, soul, R&B, or rock, the modern Hawaiian sound features music and lyrics set to the beat of island life. The next generation of Hawaiian music includes some talented singer-songwriters as well as several bands. One of the hottest young talents in the scene today is Justin Young. With many hit songs including chart-topping favorites like "Never Forget Where I'm From," "This Local Boy," and "Shake Me," and several Hawaii Music Awards under his belt, Justin is headed for international star status. Several different bands have left their mark on the new Hawaiian music scene. The girl group Reality earned a Hawaii Music Award for Best Reggae Album for "Movin' On," which features island reggae and the ballad which sent them to the top of Hawaii's music charts, "Like The Rain." Packed with seasoned musicians, Second Hand Soul, another popular show band, translates its live party experience to their "Aloha" CD, which encompasses reggae and pop with an island groove. Heart and Soul, with high energy ukulele rhythms, captured island hearts with the original songs "The Greatest Gift," and "Hele On Down to Hawaii Nei." Ka'ala Boys, one of Hawaii's busiest live performers, are best known for the way they mix contemporary island, traditional Hawaiian and island reggae in their live shows. Deadlines and traffic got you down? Listen to the Ka'ala Boys' album "Can't Get Enough," and let the stress of the outside world slip away.
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