Hawaii's Underground : Local Music | Art | Tattoos | Independent Businesses
A Printed and Online Publication

ISSUE 12

Interview with Hometown Heroes
Interview with Nabahe
CD Reviews - Crucible, Stoic, The Malcognitas, Matthew David Wheeler, Busekrus, Kupa'aina, Creed Chameleon

Interview with Hometown Heroes!

Current members:

Gj Ganotisi (frontman & guitarist). A true musician. Only one in the band that can play all instruments. He's kind of like our director at practice. Well, more like a dominatrix. And he really knows how to crack that whip, if you know what I mean...

Adriel Baluyot (Bassist & Vocals). What can I say about Adriel? He's one of the most geniune people you'll ever meet. His good looks and style are the reasons all of the ladies come out to see our shows. He used this weird contest with himself to see how long he could grow out his goatie. I'm glad he finally gave up on that.

Noli Boado (Drummer extrodinaire). Noli is one of the most kick-ass drummers I've ever heard. He's hardcore. It's hard to believe that he's still in high school. He's just a really cool guy and he's always HIGH on life, if you know what I mean.

Mike Timoteo (Lead Guitarist & Vocals). I'm not one to toot my own horn, so I'll keep this short. It was always my dream to be in a band, I just feel blessed to be able to live out that dream. I'm also the funniest and most sarcastic one in the band.

1. How long have Hometown Heroes been together?

1. Hometown Heroes started in the Fall of '04.

2. How did the band start?

2. Gj and I (Mike) met when he started going out with my sister (Mae) in the spring of '03.

When we found out that we both played guitar and were heavily influenced by Tom DeLonge (Blink 182 guitarist), we arranged a few jam sessions and really hit it off.

Later when I graduated from UH in the summer of '04, Gj rounded up some of his buddies from high school to play a show at my grad party. The drummer from that show would go on to be Hometown's first drummer (Jay Manuel) and Jay's brother Mark became Hometown's first bassist. Although we had played a couple of small shows, we weren't well received by audiences outside of our small following.

The following spring of '05, Mark dropped out of the band to focus on school and work and Adriel (long-time friend of Gj, Jay and Mae) reluctantly filled in for a couple practices. To his suprise and ours, he caught on real quick and the band's chemistry really started to unfold. Not to mention the fact that his style and good looks started drawing huge crowds to our practices.

After a string of good luck in the Spring of '06, scoring chances to play at venues like Anna Bannana's, Detox, Bliss and Moanalua High School's Project Grad, our old drummer and good friend Jay decided it was time for him to move away to Vegas to finish school and start a new chapter in his life. And so he did.

While on hiatus in the summer of '06, Gj invited a friend of a friend to try out as our new drummer. Again, the chemistry between the existing members and our (then new) drummer, Noli, was unreal. He totally changed our sound and has done an awesome job learning songs, virtually minutes before show time.

So long answer to a short question, that was how the current members of Hometown came to be.

3. What is the story behind your band name?

3. Gj was always inspired by the superheros in comic books. His self-proclaimed philosophy became the band's catch phrase: "save the world, lose the girl."

4. How would you define your music?

4. We always have a hard time answering that question. "Punk" is the only word we can use to describe it. We don't think that we really fit into any category.

5. How many originals/covers do you play?

5. We started out as a pure cover band. Our set lists have changed dramatically since. Now we usually play a mix of about 70% originals and 30% covers.

6. What's your favorite song or style of music to play?

6. I think "Take on Life" is our all-time favorite song to play collectively. It was our first original and we play it every show. People used to request it. By now I think most of our fans have heard it too many times. But it's our anthem, so we'll keep playing it even if everyone else thinks it's lame.

Style-wise, I think we collectively agree on what you hear in our originals. These songs best describe the fusion of each of our individual styles and influences. From punk to blues, jazz to hip-hop, reggae to screamo, we try to give everyone's musical ideas and experiences a chance to stand in the spotlight.

7. What was your favorite show you ever played?

7. I think the greatest shows we ever played were the Moanalua's Project Grad and the July 3rd Bliss show. Both venues we didn't bring in any of our own fans, but got real good reaction from the crowd there. It's an awesome feeling to get complete strangers "rocking out" your music.

8. What bands/musicians inspire you?

8. We draw inspiration from all bands and music.

9. Do you have any other hobbies besides music?

9. Gj's a boxer and a pretty good cook. Adriel skates and draws. I think he even does some photography and pornography (just kidding about the pornography, well maybe). Noli does video games and lifts weights. He kicks ass in Halo and pissing-off Gj in practice. As for me, philosophy, computers, art and being weird are my other pastimes.

10. Do you have any merch or recordings available? How/where can people hear your music?

10. We don't have a demo yet or any merchandise yet. The best (and only) way to hear our music is to just come to one of our shows.

11. What kind of music or what bands do you hate?

11. Hometown has nothing but respect for all bands/music. As musicians, we're all in it for the same love of the music. There's no room to hate.

12. Anything crazy ever happen at a show or to you while you were on stage?

12. We always seem to break something on stage. Other than that, I think being dry-humped by several members of Pacifica simultaneously were the only interesting things that ever happened while we were on our stage.

13. What are your longterm goals for Hometown Heroes? Would you like to become professionals? Get signed? Record an album? Etc

13. We'd like to get signed someday and maybe play for a much bigger audience. But we know that'll take a lot of hard work and patience. So until we can quit our day jobs, we're content with being part-time rock stars.

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Interview With Nabahe

It appears that you are blowing up as an artist locally. Do you think this is true? The owners of Prototype said your stuff is pretty hot right now and people are always asking about it. Comments? How do you feel about that?

Hmm. I don’t really know about blowing up. I hope it’s true though soon, but it really doesn’t seem like it. Other then signing a bunch of little kids black books, there isn’t much attention or money coming to me from art. My art is just out there I guess, but blowing up… I don’t think so.

Where CAN you get your art? You've recently teamed up with iKandy to make shirts. Any more plans in that direction?

You can pick my stuff up at Stylus (I have to thank Raven for pushing me and getting me where I am at now. Thanks!) Toogruvz in Puck’s Alley, and Prototype. As for stores, they all carry my art and tees, but myspace is the oc way of copping my shit. As for iKandy, I am not too sure if in the future I will be doing anything. Not Like I don’t want to but I broke one of the model’s hearts and it’s hard to talk to her (she cries a lot). But really, there has been talks about maybe starting up a split off brand from iKandy that caters to the urban youth for guys and girls and me designing it… but that’s just talk. It probably won’t happen. But who knows. I love iKandy and I am grateful for their support they have shown me.

Have you had exposure and interest in your art outside of Hawaii?

Yes. I have a couple of art shows coming up in Colorado, San Diego, and even Canada this year. Also, I am going designs for a grip of clothing brands in L.A.’s underground hip hop scene. The ATR Crew is putting out some gear in the next month for me amoung others. I’m stoked about that because I will have Nabahe panties for everyone’s girlfriends. Also, I have been selling paintings to fools out in the West Coast at shows, etc. I am also doing some art for some bands and rappers, too. Aamir of Escape Artist, Dead by Wednesday, Demune, David Ramos, and an Atmosphere 7 inch record that’s coming out next year on Net 31 Records. The mainland seems to be much nicer to me then Hawaii. Kinda sad, right?

What is one of your favorite projects that you have ever done?

It always seems like work to me. The ones where I am living painting and I hate it but I’m drunk on the stage laughing – those are always fun.

Now to the music.

How long have you been making music?

I have been performing/writing since 97. Started out at a church (just like Mox, lol). I would record little songs on a tape recorder. Dub my shitty music with friends, etc. I didn’t start doing anything or getting good until I met Kavet at a church camp. He turned me on to some other tape stuff. Before, I would only listen to Pigeon John and L.A. Symphony. Kavet and the Lightsleeper show introduced me to a whole new world, mainly in Hawaii hip hop I didn’t know existed. Back then, underground hip hop was like this secret. No one would tell me about shows. But Kavet, among others, welcomed me. Then that started the whole networking and progression.

What style do you prefer? How would you describe the music that you make?

Anything that get my attention. There’s a lot of music out there, but there is also a lot of crap. I listen to everything. You can find me at a jazz spot then the next night see me at a punk show or find me and Lofa at a Kanye West concert. But I will have to say I fall into that underground label. I listen to underground hip hop. I love hip hop underground, not that jiggy pop shit. I’m not saying all of the mainstream is trash, just most of it. I dig that good ol’ b-boy shit that makes me wanta go hit up a wall or gutter. The music I make, well, it can be very out there at times. I love trying to do new thing. I look at it this way, “If everyone is doing the same shit and they sound hella similar – what will I bring to the table?” I want to push the envelope, in other words. If you gonna do it, make a mark! Do something that hasn’t been done before. If you can’t or won’t do that, why even try? GO start a cover band! Create something new. I hate it when fools sound too much like Jay Z. Don’t get me wrong. That wasn’t a stab at Jay, no. I like his shit. He’s very talented. But you ain’t Jay Z. Get off the dude’s nuts. That also goes for producers, too. Get off Kanye’s and 9th wonders dick… or at least take it outta your mouth. Come on, people! Can we say progression! I would like my music to be something different – that thing that makes you turn your head, even it it’s for the bad.

You are involved in a number of music groups here. What are they?

In Hawaii, there are Dead Monkeys, Blackempty, and this Gorillas type of side project called Iguana. As for the mainland, there is No Friends Club.’ I am currently producing the Blackempty album. It’s a very slow process. There is like 12 people in this group, but it’s coming out great.

You have many roles in the local music scene. You're everywhere! What do you do in the scene?

I go out and hunt for vulnerable, depressed, low self esteem women. Like the Hell Caminos are only into music for the pussy. Young. Old. Pussy, pussy. Right, Nick Danger?

What are your inspirations for the music you make and the lyrics you write?

Honestly, all my songs and what I say in them are true. I people watch a lot. I write songs about people and my relationships with others. I am mostly trying to capture that moment. Music is pure emotion when I write. I try not to hide anything about myself or my subjects.

What is your favorite way to perform your music (i.e. freestyle, with a band, etc...)?

Hmmm. I love playing with a live band. I still freestyle, but mostly to look cool in front of people I don’t know. A live band is the way to go.

Do you have any recordings available?

Yes. I have 3 CDs. Pig in Jar & James Barrie are my instrumental CDs. Then I have Nabahe’s Beating Up Your Brother EP which is my teenage recordings.

You team up with lots of people, from Nick Danger to Obese Jesus, to perform and create. Do you have goals in mind or are you just having fun or just trying out new styles?

Well, Nick Danger is a key member in Iguana and we love trying out our half done music for all the haters. And Mermen, well, Mermen??? I don’t know why I perform with Mermen. We only have one real song together that he doesn’t even remember the words to. I guess it’s funny? Mermen makes my beats, so yeah, that’s why.

What other musicians inspire you?

TV on the Radio, Hood, Pigeon John, Rolling Stones, The Doors, Sean Lennon, Elliot Smith, Lily Allen (I will hook up with her soon!), Ceschi, and all my friends. I really don’t listen to hip hop lately.

Who are some of your favorite groups/artists?

Right now I been listening to a lot of Sean Lennon. Raven from Stylus doesn’t see why.

You just went to California on a mini-tour. How was that? How do you feel about the Cali scene?

Have you ever been drunk for a whole month straight? I love it.

What would you like to happen with your music? Or be a successful self-promoted underground artist? Or you just like to perform and write and you don't care about the rest?

I get Thermen Mermen, aka Obese Jesus, laid from it. I am signed. www.net31rec.com I want to live off of my music. That’s what I want without having to compromise the whole creative process. That’s a waste of time if I do that.

What have I missed?

I am poor and you should buy something from me or just buy me a glass of wine when you see me out.

As for my personal life, I live alone. I’m 23. I can’t swim or stop getting into fights. I like hapa girls. I am not rich. I’d rather go to a park and chill then be seen in the “scene.” I have a son named after Ghesoul and Kavet. I sleep until 3 or 5 on most days and up all night. I am not really into porn, but I will watch it if you have any. I can’t drink milk, but ice cream and pizza is my favorite food. I’m addicted to myspace. I love the color black. I had 4 lovers but only 3 girlfriends in my life. I am applying for EBT. I chill with Danny Tanga most of my day. I am always on the phone and a proud customer of Mobi PCS. I love going to the movies. I have really low self esteem that’s covered up by witty humor. I hate just about every one because I am afraid of rejection and commitment. I am a product of fear. I can’t drive, but yet I do. I love the bus. I use free internet at UH campus. I sleep with a body pillow. Lion King is a great movie. I can’t kiss. I always feel the need to wash my hands and I hate having to go to the restroom. I believe it is a curse from god. All of this shit I just wrote is true.

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CD REVIEWS

Crucible – Scars of the Hardened
	I saw a long-haired metal fan walk past wearing a Crucible shirt yesterday morning as I sat eating breakfast at Bogart’s. The shirt was old and fading, a testament to the 9 years that Crucible has injected the Hawaii music scene with hardcore and heavy metal. Their third and latest album, Scars of the Hardened, is one of the most professionally recorded and produced albums I have ever heard from a local band, right on par with any major label CD. The album comes in a little short at only seven songs, but if you are a fan of metal, especially local metal, you should really have this album in your collection. In fact, you probably already do. Crucible’s hard hitting, driving bass and drums are often balanced with melodic guitar riffs and sometimes heavy, sometimes eerie harmonized vocals. Most of the vocals are delivered in a deep growling scream, but unlike many metal bands, the lyrics are completely comprehensible. Odd-timings and fluid tempo changes combined with a melding of metal styles “forged… from the molten calderas of Hawaii's perpetual volcanoes,” as they say on their myspace site – www.myspace.com/crucible, keep things interesting, awakening the headbanger in us all.
Stoic– 4 Track Demo
	Stoic has been taking Hawaii’s rock scene by storm – developing a huge and somewhat rabid fanbase, working with Bad Dog Productions on a Made in Pain Records compilation album, and winning the $1000 grand prize at The 808 Scene Zine’s Battle of the Bands (organized by Blane Nishizawa) in December 2006. And they deserve it all. I, for one, was impressed from the first moment I heard them perform a few months ago. This hard rock band, with a hint of metal, a bit of a groove, and a romantic soft spot, has a real mass appeal to those into rock music. An excellent combination of harmonized vocals, heavy power chords, dark riffs, strong drumming, and magnetic melodies make this four song demo well worth having. It is lacking a lot of the luster of a finished studio album, but let’s give them time to get their full length CD together before we start criticizing. Besides, if you write to Stoic at www.myspace.com/stoicmusichi, they’ll send you their demo for free! Or, buy a t-shirt and support this soon-to-be-extremely-popular band.
The Malcognitas – love is fair
	When I think of The Malcognitas, the phrases “tragically hip,” “tragically cool,” basically tragically anything stylish, fashionable, fab, scene, mod, or disaffected come to mind. And yes, they are most certainly cooler than you. Love is fair is a dark tribute to love gone wrong, madness, sexual control, and other malcognitas (literally “bad thoughts”). Lead singer Ara’s steady, sweet, haunting voice floats on top of strong rock bass and drum lines, complimented by guitarist Yvonne’s slightly unsettling guitar riffs. The songs are just complicated enough to keep you continuously engaged, stories play out within the lyrics, and compelling melodies remain in your mind long after you’ve turned your off iPod. If your sensitive ears can’t stand a little dissonance, then this stylishly presented pop and noise influenced rock is not for you. If you’ve got a penchant for the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s or Blondie, this album is a must have. Find the Malcogs online at www.myspace.com/themalcognitas.
Matthew David Wheeler – along the way
	You know those acoustic albums that just inspire you to drive around on a sunny day with the top down and singing along at the top of your voice? That’s Matthew David Wheeler. His upbeat guitar riffs filled with raised sixths and major chords are so infectious, you just can’t help but smile. The melodies are so catchy that you’re already singing along the very first time you’ve heard them. MDW’s lyrics range from potential love to love lost to, well, love found. Actually, mostly to love lost. The album does take a bittersweet, quieter turn by the end, though you always hear that hope that is omnipresent amongst acoustic guitar playing romantics. The album stands out due to its sound quality alone. Clean, clear, pleasant. The folks at Vibe Asylum did an excellent job. This album could be sold at any Tower Rec… whoops. Let’s just say this album fits right in with the big boys on iTunes. Sample Matthew David Wheeler at www.matthewdavidwheeler.com.
Busekrus – 9 song demo
	Busekrus = Happy Rock! with a bit of reggae and punk mixed in. I’m not so sure that the lyrics are actually happy, but the music itself is upbeat, uptempo, and full of momentum. Once their songs begin moving, they never stop! Busekrus loves to start with a musical idea, say a quick rock segment, then introduce a new one part way through, like a reggae-influenced stanza, then follow to a slow break before returning to the original concept. While you’ll never get bored, I sometimes find it difficult to catch on and sing along since the songs change so much. In the end, I think Busekrus’s aversion to dumbed-down pop songs is a major strength, allowing them to construct engaging music that can hold the attention of masses and musicians alike. Two things stand out in this demo. One is lead singer Marcus Busekrus’s interesting voice. It’s the kind of voice you might imagine singing folk songs, with just a touch of vibrato. However, Marcus delivers his melodies with such strength and speaks with such emphasis that it translates very well to rock. The other is the excellent use of interesting percussion sounds thanks to the creativity of drummer Mike Jones and the electronic effects inserted by LJ Busekrus. If you like rock and you’re looking for something a little different than what you’ve been finding, then check out Busekrus at www.myspace.com/busekrustheband.
Kupa'Aina – Simple Island People
	Kupa’Aina wraps many wonderful styles around the classic Hawaiian making me fall in love with this album. Featuring slack key one minute, singing the blues the next, skanking over here, getting funky over there, singing a sweet love song, or reciting spoken word, Kupa’Aina does it all from the heart and soul. Kupa’Aina is translated as “Simple People of the Islands” but as the inner cover jacket of their CD explains “There really is no such thing. We are all extremely complex creatures. The poetry of this translation, though, speaks more about what is yearned for emotionally, a ‘simple’ yet meaningful form of expression.” Every Kupa’Aina song is meaningful. Some recall times past, be they historical times of Hawaiian kings and queens or hanging out at the shop down the street as a child. Other songs speak of ohana, surfing, and the aina. Singer Kevin Chang has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard and the members of Kupa’Aina are obviously extremely skilled and experienced musicians. Many guest artists such as Barry Flanagan of Hapa and Tiffany Cruz appear on the album. Also, the song 7th Generation was actually written by the students of Halau Ku Mana Charter School and proceeds from that song and Eo Mana Maoli go to benefit the school. If you are looking for good, diverse island music, this is a beautiful album to add to your collection. Go to www.kupaaina.com to learn more.
Creed Chameleon – Love Potion Cyanide
	One of my favorite qualities of Love Potion Cyanide is the diversity of beats that provide the sonic support for Creed Chameleon’s vocal delivery. The music incorporates everything from dramatic strings in “Eat S**t and Die” to a funky live band setting the groove for “Flesh and Blood” to haunting electronic melodies and quick techno-style beats in “XY Chromosome” to an all-out synthesized 80’s tribute in “Reaching Skies” featuring California artist Nocando. Creed’s flowing phraseology delivers intelligent messages touching on the drug and violence problems on Hawaii’s streets, not being responsible as a father, nostalgia for all the carefree times as a child and the people who have since moved away, and yes, Creed has a romantic side though it is always with a bittersweet aftertaste. Love Potion Cyanide is not mainstream hip hop. This album is more theatrical than hardcore, more musical than banging, more intelligent than bad ass, and more interesting than 75% of what you hear on the radio. I must have heard it 50 times in the last two days and I’m still into it. Get your copy at Borders and other music stores or find Creed online at www.myspace.com/creedchameleon.