BB Exclusive: Hawaiian Recording Artist Kalani Pe’a Chats Grammy Nomination

BeautifulBallad had the amazing opportunity to sit down with LGBTQ Hawaiian recording artist Kalani Pe’a to talk about his recent Grammy Nomination. The singer is nominated for “Best Regional Roots Album” for his album, “No ‘Ane’i”.

In our interview, we talk to Kalani about the nomination, being nominated two years in a row, “No ‘Ane’i”, his Hawaiian roots and so much more. Check it out below.

Congrats on the Grammy Nomination! How did it feel to see that you were nominated in the same category again this year?
I feel it is my duty to perpetuate Hawaiian language, music and culture and take it on a global scale. Here in Hawaii we are a tiny melting pot. Many, and I mean many, talented artists come out of Hawaii, you would be surprised. Bruno Mars was born and raised in Hawaii and he literally swept all major categories last year in NYC.

What are you looking forward to the most at this year’s Grammy Awards?
I would love to meet Brandi Carlie. I just fell in love with her. I’m also looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up at the awards show as well as all the incredible live performances. Meeting all of the recording academy members in person and networking within the music industry.

You were the first Hawaiian recording artist to ever win in the “Best Regional Roots Album” category, what was that like?
Well if you watch the YouTube video you will see it was crazy. When Mya called out my name (Kalani Pehhhh) but it is actually pronounced (KAH-LAH-KNEE PEH-AHH) we all were in shock we couldn’t believe it. I literally got up and just ran to the stage as fast as I could. Margaret Cho was the emcee and she kept saying through the whole show that if you win you only have 1 min to get on stage and speak so sit close! So, I just ran thinking I was following instructions and didn’t want to hold up the show. I did not have any speech ready, so I just spoke from my heart. They did not cut my speech off and ended up giving me 3 minutes to speak and my acceptance speech landed me jobs. It was a win for my debut album which was crazy enough but more, so it was a win for Hawaii as a whole. For our Hawaiian language, music and culture.

You can read the rest of our interview below the jump. Make sure to watch the Grammy Awards on February 10 to see if Kalani will win two years in a row!

Photo credit: Antonio Agosto

Did your win last year, help influence any of your creative decisions on “No ‘Ane’i”?
Not at all – I let the creative juices flow and give me the inspiration. I wrote a lot more on the new album. I was ready. I would go to coffee shops all week and just write and write and next thing you know I had all the tracks ready. It was very exciting recording with some legends on my new album including many of Hawai’i’s best like Amy Hanaiali’i, Willie K, Ho’okena, Moon Kauakahi and Imua Garza. Many of them are GRAMMY nominees as well. I was honored to have collaborated with them on this album. We recorded most of the record on Oahu and some of it on Maui.

Did you do anything different creatively on this album that you didn’t do on your first?
Just stayed true to being me and focused on that – a modern Hawaiian who sings in a R&B Style.

Your Hawaiian roots are a big influence for you, did you always know that they would play a big part in your musical career?
I grew up to Smokey Robinson and the Temptations, and also listened to Hawaiian music. My dad played the bass and was always jamming it out, so I was always surrounded by all different types of music. Hawaiian roots yes, I graduated from a Hawaiian Language School. Everything was taught in the Hawaiian Language, so the language is so important to me. It is important that the language lives on for the years to come. Another thing is that we don’t have enough Hawaiian Language content for children who are learning the language. We now have over 20k fluent speakers it is amazing.

Do you plan to tour in any other States besides Hawaii, California and Oregon next year?
Yes, I will be heading out soon starting in Portland on 1/25. Here are some more dates for you below!
Music for The Soul Tour 2019
1/25 – PORTLAND – @albertarosetheatre
1/26 – EUGENE – @the_shedd_institute
1/29 – BERKELEY – @freightandsalvage
1/30 – FOLSOM – @harriscenter
2/2 – FLAGSTAFF – @flagstaffarts
2/6 – PHOENIX – @mimphx
2/8 – IRVINE – @irvinebarclay

With the New Year already here, have you set any resolutions for yourself?
Nope! Haha. just trying to live day by day. The music business is not easy so I think it may be trying to find a good work life balance and make time in between to make sure we are living and enjoying when we can.

What can your fans expect from you in 2019?
We are excited to have just launched our online store. We also ship to Japan as well. They also can expect shows, shows and more shows! I will also take on my biggest show to date in Hawaii- May 3rd, 2019 at the Historic Hawaii Theatre. I’m honored to be asked to headline the May Day Is Lei Day Concert. It will be a show not to miss. I will have a full band and many special guests that night.