"Aloha Miles Away"

Hawaii's #1 Award Wining Pop Artist Making Big Moves With Latest CD

by HuiMusic

A few months before the Hawaiian Music Awards were announced; HuiMusic got a press kit/CD from artist Scott Katsura (pictured with Bette Midler).  The return address was New York and I though to myself that any Hawaiian out there pushing the music biz is serious about making it (brrrrrrrr)…..yet another Hawaiian artist out in the mainland taking the big time chances.

As I loaded up the CD, the first thing I noticed is that there were 17 tracks.  Looking at the CD cover, I though that maybe it was going to be a mellow AC project, but it jumped HOT out of the box form track one. 

The first track called Mahalo America slams a Tek/Hip Hop rhythm right in your face with some real cool performance and production.  As I sat through track one, I was getting ready for a LONG load of Hip Hop, but to my delight, it had a change-up of styles that really came off sincere to Scott’s talent.  Some artist try to do this and it sounds like their shooting arrows into the sky thinking that one might hit, but not Scott.

Once again, staying in touch with the importance of the web with today’s artists, Scotts website is a real dial into the stylings and personality of Scott.  Not to my surprise, Scott is multi talented and has paid his dues in the entertainment biz. 

You don’t just “knock-out” a CD like Aloha Miles Away.  It was obvious by the writing and production that there was a ton of time perfecting this CD.  The change-up of arrangements on the CD was very well written and presented and didn’t take away from the overall vibe. 

As sole producer for Aloha Miles Away, Scott called in the big guns like Martin Bejerano, this year's 2005 Grammy nominee for 'Best Instrumental Jazz Album' with Roy Hayne's Jazz Quartet. David Velarde, the Broadway lead in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' co-wrote and arranged all background vocals.   

Scott Katsura is totally celebrating his heritage as a Hawaiian in today’s Pop Music world.  Its strong representation like Scott that will bring Hawaiian artists the recognition that it deserves solely based on true talent.  I was NOT surprised when I hear that Scott and his CD won Pop Artist of the Year for the Hawaiian Music Awards 2005. 

As Passionate as Scott is about his music, heritage and dreams, look for Scott to break down the walls of status quo and lead a charge of more Hawaiian Pop artists to make big moves on the mainstream charts. 

Trying to nail Scott down for this story was a task because he’s constantly on the road.  Scott is a non-stop promotional machine and drives himself to perform every chance he gets.  Unfortunatly because of both our schedules, I haven’t had a chance to talk with him, but I did get a bunch of questions to him for a Q&A.  IN true form showing his details for perfection, Scott did a tremendous job answering my questions and after reading his answers, I got a great vibe form Scott Katsura, the spirit. 

Q&A – Scott Katsura – 4/24/05:

• Where we’re you born?

I was born in Honolulu Hawai’i on May 16^th – Queen’s Medical Center. I was raised in Halawa Heights – the town of Aiea from age 5 (we lived in Honolulu on Beretania Street before that…) 

• How old were you when you started singing?

I was about 5 years old, I saw “The Sound Of Music” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, I was inspired by the music and singing. On television, I would watch the “Partridge Family” and fantasize about being ‘another musical family member”. I could not get certain song melodies out of my head. I would sing to my self (by myself) all the time! As a kid, instead of “counting sheep” to fall asleep, I would sing certain songs from these musicals (though, only inside my head) until I fell asleep. As I was painfully shy all through my childhood, I would only sing in the bath and shower. My sister had an “Easy Bake Oven” toy that was made out of metal. As my head would “just fit” into it (from under the bottom), I would lay it sidewards, lay on my back (face up) on the floor and sing all types of songs. Inside of the “Easy Bake Oven”, it sounded like I had a microphone, and the acoustics (and reverb) always made me feel like I was singing on stage at my own “fantasy concert”. When anyone in my family would catch me “in the act”, they would laugh and think that I was nuts! Till this day, I’m not even sure they knew what I was doing with my “head in that oven!” 

• Did you have any formal training?

Besides my “Easy Bake Oven” self lessons (LOL!), bath and shower gigs, I NEVER, NEVER sang in public at all! Not even in a church, a school choir or anywhere else! I was too embarrassed to admit that I secretly loved singing – coupled with passionate dreams of aspiring a career in music some day. Immediately following high school, I immersed myself into the retail fashion world. With encounters of professional modeling, employed as a McInerny Ltd. clothes buyer, and a Visual Merchandiser for many retail stores (freelance), I gained a lot of confidence… eventually crawling out of my shell. In a few years I had a very impressive resume, of course, with no musical or singing experience! My plan was to find a credible voice teacher who dealt with professional singers. If this “would-be-teacher” accepted me after an audition, then it was not too late to pursue a singing career, I told myself. Somehow, fate led me to Eunice Demello who was an excellent voice coach (and teacher) in Manoa Valley. I trained with her twice a week, 30 minutes per class. Eunice even chose me as one of her choir singers at St. Clement’s Church in Punahou (where she was the Choir Director). I sang in my robe in church every Sunday for about 2 years. Once I relocated to New York City, I continued to train with the late Thurman Bailey, and Kenny Hicks (vocal celebrity coach for artists like Sting, Vanessa Williams and Crystal Waters).

• What other (if any) arts do you participate in the entertainment industry (modeling, dancing, musical theater, acting etc.)?

I have some small acting credits to my name. I starred as a lead in America’s Most Wanted; a core actor in “Scenes From A Mall” with Bette Midler and Woody Allen – Directed by Paul Mazursky; I was an extra in the film “Jungle Fever” with Wesley Snipes and Annabella Sciorra – Directed by Spike Lee. Recently, I was asked to write a song for a Broadway play titled “Sonnets For An Old Century”, the soundtrack was titled “Songs For An Old Century”. The song that appears on the CD is “In My Heart I Know” – this song also appears on my recent CD “Aloha Miles Away”. Currently, I am reading a script for an independent film – with the possibility of writing some songs for the soundtrack. Also, just for leisure and fun, I will be taking hula classes in New York City (from Keo, one of Robert Cazimero’s hula dancers from the Men of Waimapuna) through the Hawai’i Cultural Foundation. I have also agreed to be Co-Directors of the Mrs. Hawai’i USA International, Miss Hawai’i USA International and Miss Teen Hawai’i USA International Pageants with franchised partners Carolyn Kawano and Gerard Caruso. 

• Was anybody in your family in the biz or have musical talents?

Allan, my dad, always played the acoustic guitar and sang to us as I grew up in the Katsura household. He’d sing classic folk songs and some Hawaiian. Many weekends, we’d hang out at my Grandma Mary’s house (in Aiea) with my Dad’s two brothers who’d sing and play like a band. Often, we would have visitors from Tahiti who were musical also. They’d share Tahitian songs with us. Cecile, my mom, had relatives of all sorts (blood and calabash) in the entertainment industry. Uncle Sonny’s (my Mom’s brother) wife is Joni Albao, professional hula dancer and choreographer (over 25 years) with Danny Kaleikini at the (then) Kahala Hilton. Uncle Peter Moon connected us to the Cazimero’s when they were still the Sunday Manoa. Julian Ako (Kamehameha Schools), Former Judge Wendell Huddy (Huddy Ohana), and Noehelani Cypriano (Rachel Igarta Ohana) are also connected to my family.

• What is your connection to Hawaii?

I was born and raised in the beautiful aina of Oahu. I have many relatives (including Dad, Mom, immediate and extended family on all islands, especially Kaua’i). I do have Hawaiian blood, along with Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Spanish, Irish, English and German.

• Where did you attend High School?

I graduated from Aiea High School.  I clicked with so many different types that ironically, I did not really “belong” to any one particular group. You’d find me hanging out with the surfers, athletes, student government, band students, locals, haoles, Hawaiians, Samoans, Japanese and everyone in between!  On my recent “Aloha Miles Away” CD, I wrote a song called “Where I Belong”, in a way, it references to my unusual disposition growing up. My experiences were the same at Aiea Intermediate, Gus Webling Elementary and Aiea Elementary (Kindergarten and first grade only).

• Who were you early musical influences?

I grew up listening to a large range of music. From Frank Sinatra; Jackson Five; Three Dog Night; Glenn Campbell; John Denver; Cecilio and Kapono; Kalapana; Peter Moon and the Sunday Manoa; Gabby Pahinui; Melveen Leed; Earth, Wind & Fire; America; Stylistics; The Temptations; Tom Jones to Englebert Humperdink.  

• Is “Aloha Miles Away” your first CD?

No. It is my fourth full length CD-album. My first three, “Eruption” (produced by Mark Kamins/man who discovered Madonna), “Supernatural” (produced by Grammy recipient Cynthia Daniels and Lou Reed’s drummer, Tony “Thunder” Smith) and “Family Jewel” (produced by dance producers Giuseppe D. and Mickey Garcia of Mic Mac/21^st Century Records) were released under my previous stage name, Scott Allan (Allan is my middle name/named after my Dad). My very first release was a Spanglish 12” vinyl disc titled “Give It All To Me (Damello To Do Ami)” and the B-side was “Forgive and Forget (Per Do Nar Ye Olvidar)” that was targeted for the Latin market. My second release was a danceclub 12” vinyl record and cassette of “Penetration” (produced by Mike Brown, producer of artists like SWV and Christina Aguilera) targeted for the R&B market. In addition, I was the very last person to record with the late Mackey Feary (produced by Kirk Thompson of Kalapana, ten days before Mackey died). Brudda Macs appeared as background vocalist and lead guitarist on my CD-Single, both songs, “Island Man” (original song) with the B-side “Don’t Laugh At Me” (cover tune by Mark Wills, country singer). My only #1 song was “Supernatural” that held the #1 spot for four consecutive weeks in the U.K. Upon the devastation of September 11, 2001 (9/11), I took the only break ever in my long recording career (3 years off!). I lost about 100 friends in the World Trade Center and questioned my residence (and purpose) here in the Big Apple. I redefined my life, priorities and outlook… I realized a deeper sense and value of my Hawaiian heritage and background, hence, SCOTT KATSURA was born, again (my real name!!!) and “ALOHA MILES AWAY” was given birth to!!! I’m sure it goes without saying… I am most proud to be an American from HAWAI’I!!! My mission is to now spread the ALOHA SPIRIT… Which is… SINCERE LOVE and GRATIUDE… ALOHA is… DEEPLY EXPRESSING the BEAUTY of our SPIRITS!!!

• When did you get into the studio for your latest CD?

I began composing songs for “Aloha Miles Away” around the summer of 2003. I was in the studio recording (and all other related work situations) approximately January thru October 2004. I officially released the CD in late October/early November 2004.

• Self released?

Yes, Airtime Recording Company, Inc. is my own independent label. I do have a small staff (in NYC and LA) that operates it while I’m on tour as “the artist”. Right now, I am in the works of negotiating a ‘Mechanical Licensing Deal” and/or “Distribution Deal” with some major record companies. So far, it looks good overseas and here in the United States too.

• Producer and engineer – recording studio?

For the very first time (relating to the 9/11 paradox moment!), I produced myself, and the entire CD-album project. Before that, I never felt satisfied with any of my previous vocal recordings, as I am my own worst critic. I was never pushed to my limits and always felt rushed in the studio. This time, I wanted to be as relaxed as possible and to “finish and be done with it” when I said so. There is much to be learned, and always room for improvement. But at the least, I’ve never been happier with any of my previous recordings than with “Aloha Miles Away”! I hired Martin Bejerano (pianist for jazz instrumentalist and Grammy nominee, Roy Haynes) for orchestration and engineering. We recorded the entire album at Strutters Recording Studio in New York City. The album was mastered by the legendary ears of Gene Paul (son of Les Paul, godfather of multi-track recording and founder of Gibson guitars) at DB Plus Recording Studios in Times Square).

• How much of the CD did you write?

I wrote 2 songs single-handedly “Beginnin’ With Me (Get The Funk)” and “In My Heart I Know”. Besides the 2 covers (original revisions) of “My Hawai’i” by the Young Rascals and “Brother’s Got A Problem” by Olomana, all the other songs were co-written by David Velarde (Broadway Star/Lead “Jesus Christ Superstar”) and Myself.

• Who handles your promotions?

Airtime Recording Company, Inc, many industry colleagues and friends, and of course, myself! I’m still looking for a really good and trust worthy agent and personal manager!

• How was your experience winning Best Pop Album from the HMA’s?

It was the most exciting moment in the span of my entire career! Hawai’i is my home, my heart and my spirit!!! Just to be at home amongst familiar faces, some of my childhood idols like Danny Kaleikini, Dick Jensen, Danny Couch, Andy Bumatai and so many others, I was proud and humbled at the same time! To sing in front of my inspirational colleagues, even American Idol’s Jasmine Trias was an absolute trip! All I could think of was… “Boy, I’ve come a long way from singing with my head in the Easy Bake Oven!” I was most happy to see my Ohana and close friends! My baby sister gave birth to my newborn nephew, Kaeden, just days before I got home!!! I also managed to grind my ono plate lunches, ono Hawaiian goodies and my usual Zippy’s engagements!!!

• Have you made any head-way in getting a single on rotation here in Hawaii?

Actually, most of my fans live away from Hawai’i. I am receiving airplay in many parts of the world, on many different formats, especially because “Aloha Miles Away” is very diverse with songs for Pop, Adult Contemporary, Dance, Top 40 and Hawaiian Island Contemporary formats. Prior to me winning the Hawai’i Music Award for ‘Pop Album of the Year’, Hui Music and the Lava Lounge was already supporting me by placing “Mahalo America” on rotation! After I won the HMA, another great exposure came from Aloha Joe at the Aloha Radio Network – he has the largest audience worldwide of all Hawaiian-type radio stations. I don’t know what it will take for me to get airplay within the State of Hawai’i. I guess maybe do heavier promotions? More live appearances? It’s a real tough market out there… I hope they give me a chance someday!

• What does your summer tour look like?  Where?

I will be heading out to San Jose for a concert at the Ho’ike Festival in May. In June, Mexico City (lots of fans out there, who knew?), then I will be traveling to Tokyo and Bangkok for back to back concerts in July. In between of these events (and after), I intend to do heavy promotional appearances and concerts all over Europe and Asia. Hopefully, I will get to South America and Canada too! “Aloha Miles Away” has many interpretations, but in regards to touring, I am taking our ALOHA to foreign lands that are MILES AWAY from Hawai’i. Unfortunately, most people from around the world will never get the chance to actually visit our aina in physicality. Therefore, I shall do my best to bring “us” to them! And of course, if Hawai’I should help me in some capacity, then I will have every reason to tour Hawai’i also (of all places, I hope so!)

• How is the mainland receiving your CD?

They are loving it! It seems that once they “hear it”, they are embracing my songs, voice and the ALOHA SPIRIT!!! My biggest fan base so far is coming from New York, New Jersey, Michigan, California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Overseas, my biggest fan base is Japan, Australia, Mexico City, U.K., Thailand, Philippines, China, Korea, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic, France and Italy.

• What’s the coolest thing about being a Hawaiian artist?

Because EVERYONE LOVES HAWAI’I near or far!!! It gives me an extra edge… People tend to be openhearted and warm to me just because I’m from Hawai’i. Either they’ve been there to Hawai’i, dreams of going there, got married or honeymooned there, no matter what, it’s always pleasant thoughts of tropical paradise!!! Also, with all the self-righteous attitudes and phonies out there from other mainland artists, people tend to believe that my friendly and spirited ways are genuine… especially because us locals are known for that type of persona. Mostly, there is a certain warmth, compassion and sincerity that strongly emanates from WE the PEOPLE of HAWAI’I, that is… THE SPIRIT OF ALOOOOOHAAAAAA!!! J J