Pipeline 2 Paradise

Paul Pu'ukani Sebala Is Heard Around The World.  Brings Hawaii's Music Industry MAJOR Global Exposure

By HuiMusic

There are many people from Hawaii that are doing everything they can to continually support local music.  Some have relocated but in their heart, Hawaii and its people have a permanent home.  I recently came into contact with one such person; Paul Pu’ukani Sebala.  

Paul runs one of the best internet radio shows supporting Hawaii and its artist called Pipeline 2 Paradise coming from the ninth island, Las Vegas.  I heard about P2P while surfing around the blog site called MySpace.  For a while I was watching P2P and their programming and really took notice on how “on-top” of things they were.  

P2P has the fattest collection of music on their play list.  Supporting all of Hawaii’s artists from every style there is, their play list boasts hundreds of songs from artist’s old school traditional to current pop/contemporary.   

Of course through the time that I was watching, I was also listening to his show periodically and realized that there was a pro at the mic.  After seeing the dedication of P2P to Hawaii and spreading the Aloha around the world, I decided to make contact.  

Now I have to say, I though it might be kind of weird contacting P2P for an article because we (HuiMusic) do have “sort” of a radio program, but it really falls short of the constant 24/7 programming and personality of P2P.  But in a truly Aloha kind of way, I made contact and Paul was the coolest!  We talked for about an hour and shared enthusiasm for our passion to spread the Aloha of Hawaii’s artists and their music.  

But as we turned our attention to P2P as an internet radio show, to no surprised to me, Paul has strong experience in the radio biz (find out more in the Q&A below).  It takes somebody with the experience and passion that Paul has to execute and maintain something like P2P.  

During our conversation, it was easy to see that Paul was in love with the fact that he is able to support Hawaii in a way that is very personal yet share it with the public.  “I want to make a real difference for Hawaii and its music” said Paul.  And you know what, he’s doing it.  Pipeline 2 Paradise ’s global listening rate is of the top 3 in the world for Hawaii music.  

There’s so much more I can tell you about Paul, but he answered some questions with great detail which will give you a true sense of the mission Paul is on.  Paul loves Hawaii, his family and its musical heritage and he’s going to make sure it flourishes utilizing today’s technology; the internet.  By the way, if your one of my subscribers who own a record company, make sure that you send P2P your CD!  

After hanging up the phone, I got a great sense of power through humility based on his love of life, family, music and most of all, Hawaiian honor. It was a real pleasure talking to Paul and hearing is child-like excitement when he talked about all the possibilities that there are with P2P and the non-ego approach to helping others.  Truly a good man (and a good sense of humor too as you’ll read in the Q&A).  

Pipeline 2 Paradise is one of the key s to the future of Hawaii ’s music.  Sure, the big 3 in the radio world monopolized the airwaves, but soon they will become infomercials and internet and Podcasting shows will rule the world within 5 years. I look forward to working together with Paul to keep on doing what we would do for free; SUPPORT HAWAII’S MUSIC!  

www.pipeline2paradise.com

Here’s Paul Pu’ukani Sebala:

• Where were you raised?  

Picture a short, chubby Filipino kid that looked Chinese, acted Hawaiian, and grew up around Samoans.  That was me, Paul Pu’ukani Sebala being raised in the projects known as Halawa Housing – building 8-E to be exact and I’m very proud of my roots!     

• Did you graduate high school in Hawaii ?  If so, Where?

We pledge to thee our loyalty

To our colors green and white

Majestically she stands above

Pearl Harbor

Our strength, our might

On, on, through the years

We strive to meet our goals

And honor Aiea High

Our Alma Mater dear...

Hail, hail to thee Aiea

Thy name we proudly bear

We'll cherish Aiea High

Where memories linger on!

I’m proud to be an Aiea alumnus! Go Na Ali’is! Class of 19nevermind! OK for the sake of ratings I’ll say it: Class of ’88! Hey stop counting in your head.  I know you’re probably thinking, “Pu’ukani you don’t look a day over 25!”

• How old were you when you had your first experience with the music biz? 

Well I always say my roots in radio started back in the hanabatah days at 7 years old.   I would alternate playing 2 cassette radios and pretended to be a DJ.  I would have a full on show with dialogue between every song.  If only I taped those sessions.  I probably sounded mo betta back then. 

• Are you a performer?  If so, are you a singer, musician or both?

I grew up playing the ukulele.  Me and the boyz would cruz all day on the steps of building 8, singing and strumming that axe until the sun went moe.  Boy I remember my old faithful Duke Kahanamoku ukulele that would go flat after each song.  Those were the days. 

Throughout the years I had a few real kine gigs playing with fellow building 8 alumni Peter Milo who won the Brown Bags To Stardom in 1990.  My claim to fame though was being the entertainment for Patricia Ford’s backyard birthday party.  Guys I know you remember who Patricia Ford is.  I was the only one who brought my ukulele and on that one blessed night I lead a pack of over 20 guys and 3 girls in the meanest kanekapila jam ever!  The night ended with a peck on the cheek from the Playboy Playmate herself Patricia Ford and a big mahalo.  Oh happy days!  Anyways, back to earth… most recently I had the opportunity to play with Sid Liufau and Polywood Entertainment here in Las Vegas .  I don’t consider myself professional at all.  I just simply love to sing and play the ukulele for ohana and friends.  

• When did you get started in radio? What Radio station?

My first real show came when I attended UH Manoa.  The “2 Scoops Of Aloha” show was born on a Saturday night from 3AM – 6AM on KTUH 90.3 FM.  I featured back-to-back songs from the same artists throughout the entire 3-hour shift.  What an experience that was.  I had 2 callers all morning and both were drunk.  Not to mention numerous dead-air stop sets.    

• Who was your mentor(s)?

The blessing in disguise having a show on KTUH is that it landed me an internship with KCCN FM100.  Remember back in the days when Billy V and The Pau Hana Posse ruled the afternoon drive.  The original “Aloha Morning Show” featuring Brickwood Galuteria and Kimo Kahoano woke the islands up in the morning, Ola Souza did the mid-days, but for some reason quit on the first day I started.  I believe Davey D stepped in and the rest as they say was history. I looked towards all of them as models, but mostly Billy V as a mentor.  I’m sure he doesn’t remember, but he shared with me one piece of advice that till this day I remember and apply.  He said, “You can be local, but still be professional.”  Meaning Pidgin English is cool, but remember your job in radio is to relate to the masses so know when to turn it on and off.  That’s how I received his advice.   

• What has been your primary position when you worked radio?

My primary position working in the radio industry was actually behind the scenes and not on-air.  I worked my ‘okole off in the Traffic department.  No, I didn’t fly with Captain Erwin in the helicopter or work for the State department of Transportation back then.  I dealt with broadcast Traffic, which included the scheduling of commercials, billing of clients and working of 10-hour days.  Don’t worry; I’m not bitter at all.  God knows why I STILL work in Traffic.  Currently I’m employed here as a Traffic Director in Las Vegas for the Beasley Broadcast Group.   

• How long were you in radio before you moved to Las Vegas ?

I originally started with KHWY, and then moved to New Planet Radio, who later was bought out by Cox Radio, who in turn purchased KHWY.  Full circle!  Go figure.  Before moving to Las Vegas I had 8+ years experience in the radio industry.  

• Why did you move?

I’ll try to get through this one quick before my allergies start acting up.  My wife and I were gifted with a son whom we named Kamakana “The Gift.”  He was born 3 months pre-mature weighing in at only 1 pound 7 ounces.  He struggled to survive and fought for his life everyday.  By God’s grace and through the prayers of my ohana, friends, and co-workers Kamakana “our miracle child” was discharged after 3 months from Kapiolani Hospital .  God bless his guardian angels (the nurses) for all they did.  Just before his 1st birthday we decided to move to Las Vegas where my mom, sister Lisa and other family members resided.  God is so good! 

• What brought you to start P2P?  Did you start it yourself in your own studio?

Well first let me say P2P doesn’t stand for peer-2-peer as explained in Huimusic’s last month article.  It stands for Pipeline 2 Paradise!  Once in Las Vegas I realized how much I loved not only hearing and playing Hawaiian music, but also presenting it. I did my homework and decided to create my very own Internet radio station via LIVE 365, the world's largest Internet radio network

• How long as P2P been online?

Technically I created Pipeline 2 Paradise Radio on December 12th, 2003 .  That’s when I signed up for my license to broadcast through LIVE365.com.   It wasn’t until 7 months later on July 7^th 2004 to be exact when I seriously launched this “Wave Of Aloha” accompanied with a skeleton website: (www.pipeline2paradise.com) So this month marks my 1st year anniversary!  Happy Birthday Pipeline 2 Paradise radio!

• What’s your fan base and public participation like on P2P?

I’ve been truly blessed with faithful daily listeners from literally all walks of life.  To date Pipeline 2 Paradise radio has gained listener ship in 62 countries around the world.  My second biggest country audience behind the U.S.A is Japan , followed by Hong Kong , Spain , Canada , Guam , and the list goes on.  My biggest state audience in the U.S.A. comes from mainly the West Coast.  California logs the most hours daily, followed by Nevada , Arizona , Washington , then and Hawaii .  What’s up with that?  Hawaii people I need your support and I aint to proud to beg!  Log on and listen for yourself.  Like Kapena promises, “Satisfaction IZ Guaranteed!”  Show me some aloha Hawaii !  Utah , Alaska , Texas , North Carolina , Florida , and New York have also shown steady daily support.

• P2P is live 24/7 now.  Tell me how that works.

It’s very humbling when listeners send messages to me asking where my station is located and if we are hiring.  Many listeners continuously send e-mails addressing Pipeline 2 Paradise radio as a staff.  The staff is Me, Myself and I!  I’m Creator, Webmaster, and Host!  I guess it’s a good testament to the sound and image of Pipeline 2 Paradise radio I’ve put forth.  Mahalo to the Imaging master himself Rob Flajnik of Arizona for his kokua.    

As mentioned earlier LIVE 365 (www.live365.com) provides the structure.  All I do is upload the music into the server and strategically arrange it in a virtual studio.  Though many think the station is broadcasting “LIVE,” the reality is I voice track everyday for the next day’s show from my home computer. I then upload the tracks; place it in its respective slot and walllah!  Is that even a word?  I’m working on going “LIVE” for certain parts of the week.  Stay tuned on that!  

• What is your primary play list like in regards to music style (Traditional, Reggae, Contemporary, Pop)?

I’m very proud of the music mix I present.  The music styles I feature are Urban Island , Contemporary Classics, Traditional Hawaiian, Reggae, Slack Key and even Comedy. I’ve also introduced a few Hip-Hop ands R&B selections as of late.   What I truly pride myself in presenting is Island Gospel music.  To my knowledge not one Island station really brings attention to this format and it has been a goal of mine even before creating Pipeline 2 Paradise to one day do so. Well I’m doing it and my humble listeners have expressed great gratitude to me for not being ashamed to stand up and express my Faith through these means.   So not only can you tune in to enjoy the latest and greatest music to stream out of the Hawaiian Islands 24/7, but also be blessed by the true spirit and message within the music.  Again I profess, “God is good all the time!”

• What are your hopes with P2P?

My hope is that the music of Pipeline 2 Paradise radio continues to entertain and inspire on a daily basis.  I know in the Hawaiian Internet radio realms there are “Giants” whom have walked before me and put time and much aloha into bringing the music of the islands to the world.  AlohaJoe.com, IRH.com, HawaiianRainbow.com, not to mention professional streaming stations like The Breeze Hawaii, Hawaiian 105 KINE and KCCN FM100.  Add in outer island stations and the challenge to get more audience in a niche format to begin with becomes even tougher. 

My ultimate goal is to translate Pipeline 2 Paradise radio into a full-blown FM station here in Las Vegas .  The 9^TH Hawaiian Island deserves a FM station dedicated to catering towards the Pacific Islander community.  I truly believe there’s great profit potential and tremendous appeal in a project like this. The strike must happen now, when the iron is hot!    

I’m very open to discussing such a venture with corporate or business that agrees with the above statement.  In the meantime, an estimated 60,000 plus here alone in Nevada stands by in great anticipation.   

• Do you believe that the Internet and shows like P2P give great opportunities to both the listener and the artist?  Why?

When a Pacific Islander e-mails and tells me they are in sub-zero temperatures, living in a foreign land, listening to Pipeline 2 Paradise radio and wishing they were in Paradise , how can you not believe and understand that this is a great thing!  Once you experience Hawaiian music, it stays in your blood. 

Transplants worldwide search the Internet everyday yearning to hear Hawaiian music.  They want to know whose the latest artists making waves back in the Islands .  “Who is singing the song you’re playing and where can I buy that song?”  That’s the most common question I constantly get asked.  So to answer your question …. Hell yeah Internet stations like Pipeline 2 Paradise gives great opportunities to both the listeners and artists!  

• Has there been a heavy obstacles being an Internet radio show?

“I really enjoy what I do!”  I put great passion and aloha into my work.  Still I have heavy obstacles.  The 2 biggest are:

1)     Getting the word out on my station!  When I first started streaming, my station’s website wouldn’t show up on the radar at all when doing an Internet search on Hawaiian music.  Because my finances were tight, I decided to search the Internet for material on “HOW TO GET TO THE TOP” of a search engine.  I studied up, and then applied my newly found knowledge.  A day later I typed in “Hawaiian Island Music” on a MSN search and to my surprise there Pipeline 2 Paradise radio stood - #1.  I typed “Island music station  “ on a Google search and there I placed in at #3 and #7 out of nearly 4 million sites with related keywords.  The word is slowly getting out on Pipeline 2 Paradise radio, but the keyword here is “slowly.”  Patience Pu’ukani son!

2)     Getting Record labels and Independent artists to send their material.  I’m a strong supporter against illegal Internet music downloading.  I can easily get the latest Island hits from any peer-to-peer website, but I choose not to. Honestly, it’s quite frustrating when I take time out to introduce myself through an e-mail to record labels and artists and no one bothers to return my e-mail.  I e-mail a second time and again no response.  When that happens the “housing” in me wants to take over, but then I think, “the lost is theirs.” 

You would think that labels and artists would jump at the opportunity to get their music heard in over 60 countries daily, but sadly that’s not the case. Maybe they see no power in Internet radio?  I understand Pipeline 2 Paradise radio is just a small papio in a big ocean, but mark my word, soon Pipeline 2 Paradise radio will roam with the whales!  Oh well, like they say in the biz, “The show must go on!”  

• Anybody out there you want to give props too?

First, Praise God for his goodness.  Without the Lord I am nothing.  I also want to personally recognize John Iervolino and Eric Lagrimas of Quiet Storm Distributions,  Pati St. John of Neosproductions, Shawn Santana and Kekoa Quipotla of Vizzun Entertainment, and the small group of independent artists who took the time to send their material to me.  Your music inspires and that’s what making and distributing music is all about.  To the West Coast and Japan listeners I say mahalo nui for your faithful support.  I send props to my 3500+ friends of Myspace.com for their continued support.  You guys are the best!  Remember, I gave you all props, now return the love by listening on in daily!”  Huimusic.com I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to be covered by such a well-respected and known source in the industry.   Words can’t express the gratitude I feel from this gesture.    

• Finally last but not least, family names (wife and kids).

To my entire family, both blood and extended, I say mahalo for all your support.  I especially send alohas to my wife Laura, my son Kamakana, and my mom.   Thank you for putting up with me and all those late nights on the computer recording voice tracks and music.  “I LOVE YOU GUYS” and I appreciate you so much.  One day I know this radio venture will allow us financially to move back home to Hawaii .  What a feeling it will be when the day comes!   

And to you my new friend, I welcome you into the family and say “Mahalo in advance for logging on and making Pipeline 2 Paradise Radio “Your #1 Source for listening to Hawaiian Island music on the Internet!”