Stories

Hawaii can be called a “mixed plate” of people. Diverse communities from all around the world have travelled to Hawaii since the days of sugar plantations and made it their home. This is reflected in many aspects of the mixed plate culture, from the wide assortment of pidgin words originating elsewhere to the plate lunches we enjoy that could be seen as random to outsiders. It reflects in our music as well, and one of the best examples of that is the unknown “faux-Polynesian” genre of Exotica. Let us dip our toes into this wonderous world of sound… Origins: Martin...

We're honored and happy to present "Hibiscus" on vinyl for the first time, with the instrumental versions on the B side (currently not available anywhere else). Hibiscus is a much-loved EP from producer Pana, with six songs featuring five singers in a laid back, lovers rock, local style session. Originally released it in 2020, this EP is full of joy and light — and has already made its mark throughout the islands (we hear "Your Lovin' Is Enough" on the radio all the time). We hope this vinyl release can help "Hibiscus" gain even more fans in Hawaii and across the...

Aloha Got Soul is pleased to announce Bitta Attack, the newest release from Jah Gumby. Based in Palolo Valley, Honolulu, the producer and multi-instrumentalist brings shimmering musical diversity and crate-digging sensibility to his four-track EP.   Two high-energy, progressive reggae tunes, “Dine An’ Dash” and “Influencers.m.h.", draw a link to his 2018 release Humility: The Vibes of Jah G (AGS-LP005), a double LP that presented Jah Gumby’s masterful ability to create rich arrangements with overwhelming instrumental density. The 2LP remains a crowning achievement in the vast universe of reggae music, in which Jah Gumby has created a galaxy all his...

Join us this Sunday 12pm-6pm for our shop’s 3-Year Anniversary and Release Party for Speaking Brown (AGS-082). 12-5pm EP Bar Pop-upSage Creamery on the house @sagecreamery Highballs on the house @epbarwith resident DJsGrantbe.illAnelaKamaluWinzel 5-6pm Brother Noland release partyLive performance by @brothernolandFree and open to the public! Speaking Brown (AGS-082) is Brother Noland’s magnum opus, an essential album that paved the way for modern Hawaiian music. Official vinyl reissue available on black vinyl and limited maroon vinyl.

Continuing our interview with Brother Noland, whose debut LP, Speaking Brown, helped to shape the sound of modern Hawaiian music.  In part 2 of this interview (read part 1 here), Brother Noland talks about specific songs, getting to know Gabby Pahinui and his three sons, working with Mountain Apple Company, what the musical landscape was like during the 1980s, putting the album together with the help of friends and family, and how he hopes Speaking Brown will be received in the 21st century.  Tell me what the song "Look What They've Done" is about.  If you listen to it today, if you’re familiar with...