Happy Mōhalu: Updates Every 30 Moons from Singer/Songwriter, Izik
Currently listening to Settle by BAYNK, Sinead Harnett Hilo, Hawai’i
Grand Naniloa Hotel
Happy Mōhalu!
These past 30 moon phases were so awesome. I had so many opportunities to connect with so many people as my new music starts to take on a life of its own. It was especially cool to see the reactions to the videos of my Pau Hana Artist Talk and my First Friday Performance. If you haven't seen them yet, check them out below!
I wanted to start this month’s newsletter off by introducing my new Spotify playlist that will be updated at the rising of every Mōhalu moon: Mōhalu2Mōhalu. You can find it through my Spotify Artist Page.
There will be 30 songs on there to take you from one Mōhalu to the next. This playlist features artists from all over the world. Some of my new favorite songs this month came from local Hawai’I musicians: Johnny The Third, Evan Khay, Tyke James, Punahele, I.A., Nu’u, Sean Cleland, Maryanne Ito, Nick Kurosawa & Ohtoro. There are also songs I lifted from a playlist from my friend, Michael Fronda who took a trip to Vietnam and Korea. He curated a playlist for his train rides while in those countries. I love learning about new music through the playlists people create!
Congratulations to my friend Chan and her new husband Will!
On the 11th of November, my beautiful friend Chan married her husband Will in beautiful Waimea on Hawai’i Island. The wedding was small and intimate. It was so much fun getting to spend time with my good friends Kimie & Noah and getting to know Anuhea who was also in attendance!
Congratulations to Greg and Melissa Garchar!
On the 23rd of November, I had the opportunity to perform for the wedding of Greg and Melissa Garchar at Café Julia in Honolulu. I'm so fortunate to be able to do events like this. The fact that people ask me to be a part of such a special day means a lot.
Death to Minimalism
In the last Happy Mōhalu, I wrote about speaking at Kumu Bryan Kamaoli Kuwada’s class at the University of Hawai’i. This past month he celebrated his birthday so he asked if I would come down and kanikapila (play music) in his backyard at his house in Kahala. It was a themed party and you know I’m here for a good theme!!!! The theme was to dress up as your alter ego from the future. In my future everyone who wasn’t a Pisces dies and as a result minimalism also dies. We can wear whatever we want without feeling judged for it. My lewk was inspired by my bedroom floor. I was so grateful to be able to share that special moment with Bryan and his friends. They let me sing whatever I wanted and really created a safe space for me to be vulnerable through sharing my voice and music. Hau’oli lā hānau, Bryan! So much love for you and your friends. I felt so energized and clear headed the next day.
2nd Annual Hawai’i Island Fashion Showcase
As the Huna moon rises and we come to the end of this particular cycle, I was given the opportunity to perform at the 2nd Annual Hawai’i Island Fashion Showcase at the Grand Naniloa Resort in Hilo. It. Was. So. Much. Fun. The hotel renovations look amazing and they took such great care of me and Evan Khay (who killed it as the Music Director/DJ for this gig). The show featured designers from all over Hawai’i, including my friends Kini Zamora and Baba Kamohoali’i. All the designers presented their lines to songs from my albums &bougainvillea and Obsidian.
I had a moment of gratitude while on stage, realizing how awesome it is to work with other creatives who are making positive contributions to the various communities here in Hawai’i. Even while I sit here in silence in the hotel room with my sliding door open, listening to the distant Coqui frogs and the waves crashing on the rocks, I can’t help but be so grateful for this gift of song and voice that I was given; so grateful for the places it has taken me and for the places it will take me. Mahalo piha Kini Zamora for introducing my music to the creators of the fashion show and for believing in me. And Mahalo Hilo for showing me such a great time! I can’t wait to come back during Merrie Monarch week to do the next fashion show!
That’s all for now! Hope you enjoy the next 30 moons. See you in 2020!
