​Singer-songwriter Blayne Asing, whose debut album “Young, Old Soul” quickly sold out of its first printing and is nominated for two 2016 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaii’s GRAMMY® Award), is releasing a new single on April 22, 2016 inspired by his love of the island of Molokai. Written for his Molokai family, “Molokai On My Mind” expresses his experience living the Molokai life, with references to family, fishing, hunting, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable people.
 
Asing has spent the last few years traveling back and forth between Oahu and Molokai, finding it increasingly difficult to leave the beautiful, unspoiled island with each trip. What were supposed to be two day trips stretched to five. One week trips stretched to two. Says Asing, “There is a mana about the island that most people disregard or cannot connect to. As the saying goes, “if you know, you know...” His lyrics reflect his longing to stay on an island heavily steeped in Hawaiian culture and natural beauty (“Should I stay or should I go to find my heart”), and the traditional Hawaiian way of life (“The ocean brings the taste of supper time...”)
 
Born and raised on the island of Oʻahu, Asing had no formal music training. He credits his ability to play with having a natural ear for learning. He taught himself how to play guitar by watching YouTube videos. He began playing ʻukulele at age eight; singing in the Kamehameha Children’s Chorus at age nine; playing guitar at age 14; and playing percussion in the Kamehameha Schools marching, concert, and pep bands from ages 12 to 18. Although he grew up loving the music of popular Hawai’i artists such as Ernie Cruz, Jr., Brother Noland, Gabby Pahinui, Olomana, and more, his own music is heavily influenced by country and folk music artists such as James Taylor and Jackson Browne.
 
“Molokai On My Mind” was produced by Bailey Matsuda (with Executive Producer Darren Tsuchiya), and recorded, engineered and mastered by Milan Bertosa at Island Sound Studios. In addition to his vocals, Asing played acoustic guitar and dobro. Guest artists include Bailey Matsuda (piano), Noel Okimoto (drums), and Mark Tanouye (bass).
 
“Molokai On My Mind” is available in digital format only, currently at Me Ke Aloha  and soon on iTunes, CD Baby, and other digital outlets. Here is a preview:

The finalists were announced today for the 2016 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. Ballot sheets will be mailed to voting members tomorrow, and the Awards will be announced  May  28th  at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

Click on  "download file" to open the list of nominees, or see below... (most readers will need to click the file link)​

​Good luck to all the nominees!

​The year 2015 marked 25 years in the music industry for multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano and Hawai‘i Music Award winner Herb Ohta, Jr. In celebration of that achievement, on April 1, 2016, he released My ‘Ukulele World - an album containing both original material and a variety of songs written by others, including Queen Liliʻuokalani, John Piʻilani Watkins, and more. He also includes vocals on two songs (‘Ulupalakua and Noho Paipai) – something he rarely does, but that is always requested by his fans.
 
Citing ‘ukulele masters such as his father (Ohta-San), Eddie Kamae, Lyle Ritz, Byron Yasui, Benny Chong and more for paving the way for the ‘ukulele players of today, with this album Ohta, Jr. hopes to not only continue following in their footsteps but to create new paths for the younger musicians who look up to him as he looks up to and has learned from the masters. Of the four original songs on the album, Ohta, Jr. includes Paradise, written about how lucky he is to be from Hawaiʻi; and Lēʻahi Morning, about his regular visits to Lēʻahi Hospital to perform for the senior residents. He dedicates the song to the residents and staff of the hospital.
 
Now a master in his own right, Ohta, Jr. began playing at age three and teaching at age nine. He was a member of the prestigious Honolulu Boy Choir, the Honolulu Children’s Opera Chorus, and the University High School Select Choir. Although influenced by Jazz, R&B, Latin, and Brazilian music, some of which is evident in his recordings and performances, Hawaiian music remains his favorite. He began his professional career in 1990, when his father featured him on one of his recordings. In addition to his solo albums, Ohta, Jr. has released twelve duets with artists such as GRAMMY® Award Winners Daniel Ho and Keoki Kahumoku, as well as Bryan Tolentino, Tony Conjugacion, and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and former Pure Heart front-man Jon Yamasato. He has also contributed to more than 40 other recordings. John Berger of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser once said of him, “For ʻukulele fans who prefer unpretentious technical proficiency over theatrics, Herb Ohta, Jr. is the undisputed master ʻukulele instrumentalist of his generation.”
 
Produced by Ohta, Jr. and DJ Pratt, My ‘Ukulele World was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Pratt at Blue Planet Sound Studios. Guest artists include: Randy Aloya on bass; Jeff Au Hoy on  steel guitar; Garin Poliahu on drums; Jon Porlas on percussion; DJ Pratt (guitar solo on “Shore Break”); Halehaku Seabury (Hawaiian language consultant and guitar solo on “Noho Paipai”); and Jon Yamasato (guitar and background vocals on “ʻUlupalakua”).
 
My ‘Ukulele World is available on Herbʻs website, and will be available soon at Me Ke Aloha , and other retail outlets.