Stories

Now available on digital platforms: Nova's 1980 LP. Nova, led by singer Checo Tohomaso, was one of several soulful party bands during the golden era of Hawaii's contemporary music scene in the late 1970s and early 80s. The band’s infectious gospel-funk-disco can be heard on their sole release, a self-titled 1980 LP that feels like one giant joy-loving frenzy recorded live in the studio. (Check out the Marvin Gaye-inspired “I Feel Like Getting Down”). Nova by Nova Nova (as listed on the LP):Checo Tohomas / Keyboards, Lead and Background VocalsLisa Long / Lead and Background VocalsSandy L. Wyatt II /...

Yesterday, on February 28, 2025, we picked up 1,000+ custom-made record mailers manufactured in Kapolei.  Since 2021, as a direct effort to avoid buying record mailers from Amazon (or U-LINE), we’ve ordered own custom-made ones from Rengo. Each order is at least a pallet’s worth, so it’s a sizable investment as a small business. But it’s worth it: we get to support another local business, help keep manufacturing on-island, reduce our per-unit costs, and cut out* the middleman.   In 2020, I noticed something on the underside of a custom-made cardboard box that was on its way to the recycling...

In response to the ongoing crisis in Los Angeles, we've curated a benefit compilation featuring 52 artists from Hawaii and around the world. Most tracks are previously unreleased — and several were recorded expressly for this project. 100% of proceeds will go to verified sources to relief efforts (see the Bandcamp release page for more details).  This was a huge effort to organize and we're grateful for everyone's participation. Last Tuesday, we started contacting artists on the label, friends we've made at record shop, and musicians we've connected with in-person and online over the years. By Saturday, 52 artists submitted...

Aloha Got Soul presents Mix Plate, a compilation of new music from emerging artists who call Hawai‘i home. These are the sounds of Hawai‘i today. Releasing November 29, 2024 on limited black vinyl and digital. Pre-orders begin on November 1st. Mix Plate grew from a desire to support emerging artists and young musicians from Hawai’i. Since its formation, Aloha Got Soul has existed primarily as a reissue label with a particular focus on the 1970s and 1980s; but those decades are becoming ever distant from our present day. So, while it’s been important for us as a label to shine...

In conjunction with our Japan Tour 2024, we teamed up with Japanese record label Ultra-Vybe for two special CD compilations: Sunset Drive and Seaside Vibes. Inspired by coastal driving in Hawaii, we curated one compilation for an uptempo excursion and the other for a mellow cruise. All local tracks featuring legacy artists, underground heroes, and new trail-blazers. The two CDs will be available in Japan starting September 18th.Artwork by Unko Riley (Riley Nakamura). ALOHA GOT SOUL PRESENTS SUNSET DRIVE (OTLCD5250) 1. House On The Rock / Rob Mehl (R.Mehl)2. Snake / Max High (M.Cuchet)3. Do A Lock Dance / A Change Of Pace (D.Mitchell-J.Peoples)4. Love Birds / Brother Noland...