Hi
Lea,
We're definitely on a "break". The full time music lifestyle started to take a
toll on us, so we're making a conscious effort to focus on our family lives and
"real jobs". The reality of the situation is you can't support a family and make
a living as a full time musician anymore. With advances in technology, lack of
support from mainland run radio stations, consumer habits/trends changing, and a
flood of releases every year, it's extremely difficult. After 8 years of playing
together we decided to take a break.
In addition to Kale's new job at OHA, he does play bass with Sean Na'auao and a
bunch of other well known musicians when they need a fill in. Chad and I work
for the Kamehameha Schools, on the corporate side, in the Community Relations
and Communications division. Chad helps out a bunch of Halau, and gigs with
different people 1-2 times a week as well.
I moonlight every now and then with Holunape and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole. Every
once in a while we get together and do a gig with the three of us, but it isn't
anything formal or serious.
Perhaps we'll "formally" get back together in the future, but right now we just
needed a break from it all. Thanks for your unending support and undying love,
it really means a lot to us.
Hugs and Aloha, Gonzo Ryan
'Gonzo' Gonzalez, Chad Takatsugi, Kaho`okeleholu Hannahs
Together are known as Alea winners for The '05 Nâ Hôkû Hanohano Awards with
their newest release "Kaulupono"
for Contemporary Hawaiian Album
of the Year. Fanaddicts would like to extend our Congratulations to the trio on
their nominations and following award win. Making
the final ballot
Ale'a's Ryan Gonzalez had to be shaken out of sleep with the news.
"My mom woke me up and showed me the article in The Advertiser," said Gonzalez,
27, recalling news of 'Ale'a's first-ever Na Hoku Hanohano Awards nominations —
seven of 'em, to be exact — in 2001. "I think she was actually a little more
excited than I was."
Gonzalez still reflects on the quarter-century's worth of Hawai'i music legends
who stood behind the Hoku awards podium before 'Ale'a did.
"Just following in the footsteps of the people you grew up listening to and
idolizing. The Peter Moon Band. The Makaha Sons. Israel (Kamakawiwo'ole)." said
Gonzalez. "Words can't really describe that feeling that you get."
'Ale'a Best Contemporary Hawaiian Album of the Year '05 The terrific harmonies of the
(now) trio were nominated for the categories Group of the Year and Contemporary
Hawaiian Album of the Year walking away with the prestigious Hoku Award in that
category June 3. Fanaddicts (pleased to feature this group online) would like to
introduce you to this versatile and vocally talented band.
"Gonzo" has added his bit of personalization to our site by graciously adding
his interview and Aloha to Share on behalf of 'Ale'a. It was an honor to meet 'Ale'a
at this years Award Celebration.
I've had
the pleasure of seeing and hearing Alea several times on my trips to Hawaii but
one in particular stands out. That one took place at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel
Lava Stage, when the boys really let it rip, and the audience went wild. This
was shortly after their "Take Me Home" CD was released and nominated for
nine Hokus. Their song Take Me Home, and Cupid received a standing ovation, and when
they played Chris Deburg's Lady in Red I was more than convinced to add this CD
to my collection.
Ryan "Gonzo" Gonzalez sets your hair on fire with Dueling
Banjos" as he plays both banjo and uke. A must hear!
'Alea's Hawaiian Harmony is Awarded
for it's excellence at the Hokus
This page was
developed to introduce you to this versatile and vocally talented band. They are
a versatile band with harmonies very similar in type to other artists such as Ho‘okena or the Makaha Sons but minus the traditionality. This group seems to
draw a younger crowd with their contemporary style. A touch of contemporary
styling goes a long way for these boys!
I'm
thrilled to have received this interview from Ryan "Gonzo" telling us a bit more
insight about Alea. Mahalo for taking the time for fans that are
interested in your group, but most of all in your music. Alea's
website is found at
http://www.aleaonline.com/
(they even furnish lyrics to their songs)
Ryan, Chad and Kale together 'Alea
How long have you been involved with music?
As a group
we’ve been together for over 8 years now. Time flies when you’re having fun! We
can all remember our first rehearsal up at Kale’s house when we first started to
get into the swing of things. As individuals, Kale has been a part of the Hawaii
Youth Symphony, and the Kamehameha Schools Concert
Glee Club & KS Orchestra. He’s a classically trained musician, and he’s been
playing the upright bass since the 5th grade (he’s 27 now). Chad has
always been a big fan of music in general. He got a late start in the Hawaiian
Music scene... I think it was around his senior year in high school. Before then
he was an avid rock and metal fan. Go figure... In High School he was part of
the Concert Glee Club, and was also a Hula Dancer. Music has played a big role
in my life as well. My dad likes to tell me the stoires
about when I was still in my mother’s womb and he’d play the stereo or the drums
on her tummy so I could “get the beat”. I fiddled around with piano for a while,
but I lacked the discipline to see it through. Spent a year with the violin, 7
years on percussion, and picked up the guitar and ukulele at around age 17.
How long have you been attached with the group Alea?
8
wonderful years.
How did you meet?Although
we all went to the same high school, we didn’t really hang out with each other.
Chad was a year older, Kale and I were classmates but we didn’t travel in the
same social circles. It wasn’t until we all ended up at the University of Manoa
in 1997 that our paths crossed again. Kale and a Saxophone player
(a KS 96 alum) were playing at a small coffee shop in
Kapahulu. Kale invited a bunch of friends down to
catch the gig. The shop owner had an old ukulele lying around, and during the
breaks Kale and I played and the audience sang along. Ian
Custino, who was also in attendance, was looking to start a music group
which focused on the traditional and contemporary music of Hawaii. He gave us
his card, said “he had another friend in mind (Chad), and we set up our first
rehearsal for that weekend at Kale’s house.
Where have you been involved with music? Have you had an influx on the
Mainland? Has there been an attempt? We
travel to the mainland once, maybe twice a year. We get a lot of inquires from
transplants. People that come to our islands on vacation and hear our music also
make up a big portion of our fan base. Across to the other side of the Pacific
Ocean, Japan has really accepted us. Hula and Hawaiian Music has become
extremely popular. We travel to Japan three to four times a year and manage to
sell out every show that we perform in.
How difficult was it to set up? And how hard is it to run the group, gigs,
schedule?
It wasn’t very difficult to set up. We dove right in. Besides the music aspect
there’s the business side that many people overlook. That’s been the greatest
challenge for us; Setting up the business, filling out all 1,000,000 forms that
the IRS requires you to every year. Booking and scheduling isn’t that difficult.
We have excellent communication between the members of the group, so we always
manage to figure something out. Throughout our 8 year career we’ve never missed
a date or flaked out on someone.
Where
does your music reach? Approximately how
Cd sales? Our
music has been heard around the world; China, Japan, Europe, and the U.S. to
name a few. Our CD sales our modest, but always manage to be among the best
sellers in the local Hawaii market every time we release.
Are
there any hurdles you still need to accomplish?There’s
always something to shoot for. We’re constantly striving to improve, to look
ahead..but at the same
time we always remember where we came from, and those who have come before us
and made it easier for everyone.
Are
there any drawbacks to being part of a group? It
takes a certain kind of person to be in a group. Humility is the most important
thing a person could have. Certain people do well within a group dynamic, while
other artists thrive in a solo situation. Your personality is just as important
as your talent.
Have you worked with other performers as well? Singers?
Live Broadcasts? Shows such as PK?
We’ve
been lucky. Growing up listening to a bunch of legendary groups and performers,
then getting your chance to share the stage with them..it’s a dream come true. The best part of being in our
group was the chances we got to work with our idols and influences..people like the Makaha
Sons, Nina Kealiiwahamana,
Keali’iReichel, Mahi
Beamer, Bobby Ingano, Troy Fernandez, The
Cazimeros... Getting to “jam” with people like Jeff
Rassmusen, Ernie Cruz Jr., John Cruz, D.J. Pratt,
Kata Maduli, CyrilPahinui... it’s been amazing!
What's
the best and worst part of being involved with your profession?The
best part is the people you get to meet. You meet influential musicians and
scholars. You get to meet the Governor..the Mayor... so many people you wouldn’t be able to
meet otherwise. It’s such an eye opening experience.
There are some drawbacks to this profession, but the positives out weigh the
negatives...we hardly notice that it’s there.
Could you tell me a little bit about your feelings towards the
Hoku Awards? What does it feel to stand at that
podium receiving the recognition you deserve? Any
time you receive recognition for your work..in anything you do, it’s a wonderful feeling. There
are many artists out there that go unrecognized by the awards who are just as
deserving as any of the winners. I believe that the Hoku
Awards are good for our business... it’s a great guide for the general public
who don’t get a chance to hear most of the music thats
released in any given year.
Have you known Danny Couch, have you met him and if so where did you meet him?
Unfortunately, We haven’t really got a chance to meet Danny Couch. We hear his
great music all the time, everywhere we go though! We
don’t get out much, and haven’t yet had the privilege to catch any of his shows.
What was the first Danny song you recall hearing or reviewing? What was your
first impression? I’ve heard
alot of his stuff, but my favorite is
definately “These Islands”. It somehow manages to
catch all of the wonderful things you experience in our beautiful state.
Do you have many people you receive feedback from about your live shows?
CD's? Any particular ones stand out?
It’s
nice to receive feedback from our listeners and the general public. There are
always a few nice letters that make you feel warm inside because our music
managed to touch someone, or help someone get through some hard times.
About how many e-mails do you get a day? Anywhere
from 5 to 15.
Mahalo
nui loa Ryan "Gonzo" for taking the time to help me with this interview! I
enjoyed meeting the group at the Hokus, Stay tuned for photo-op.
2000, `Ale`a
earned 9 Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominations. Categories it won in were,
Haku Mele, Group of the Year, Most Promising Artists, Island Contemporary
Album of the Year. It was also the winner of 2 Hawaii Music Awards. 15
Tracks
(Hawaiian souveneirs/Straight
From Hawaii to You/ Hawaii Calls)
Hula o Makee
Long as I Can See the Light
Guest artists include: Nina Keali`iwahamana, Keali`i Reichel, Makana, Aaron Sala, Greg Sardinha, John
Cruz , & Kata Maduli.
2004 'The word 'Kaulupono' means "to grow in a way that is both progressive
and still respectful to those who have paved the way before us". A fitting
title. The group made a spiritual trip to Cape Kumukahi to experience the
sunrise, and to Polihale Beach on the island of Kauai to view the sun set
over Ni`ihau and Lehua. They recorded those moments and included them on
this CD. 14 Tracks
Many more samples of their
CDs on the Official Website.
Sweet-voiced trio
"Origins/Kinohi"
Label: Poki Records
Artists: 'Ale'a (Chad Takatsugi,
Kale Hannahs, Ryan Gonzalez)
Genre: Contemporary, traditional
Hawaiian
Please say Aloha to Alea on our
Guestbook, I'll make sure they get it.
Please take a moment to Vote
for Alea's Information on StarPages
Ryan
'Gonzo' Gonzalez, Chad Takatsugi, Kaho`okeleholu Hannahs
Together are known as Alea winners for The '05 Nâ Hôkû Hanohano Awards with
their newest release "Kaulupono"
for Contemporary Hawaiian Album
of the Year. Fanaddicts would like to extend our Congratulations to the trio on
their nominations and following award win.
Making
the final ballot 
