A‘ea‘e - FYC
Tarvin Makia ☆ Jeff Lokomaika‘i Dayton
Keola Donaghy ☆ Kenneth Makuakāne ☆ Māpuana Makia
Submitted in Regional Roots
About A’EA’E
A‘ea‘e performs a refreshing blend of Hawaiian, country, and contemporary music in both Hawaiian and English. Their debut, eponymous release garnered two Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, including the prestigious Group of the Year award. A‘ea‘e is comprised of music industry veterans Jeff Dayton, Tarvin Makia, Keola Donaghy, Kenneth Makuakāne, and a fresh, new voice in Māpuana Makia. They are supported on the recording by former Rascal Flatts drummer Jim Riley (now touring with former RF vocalist Gary Levox), drummer Andy Peake (Don Williams, Delbert McClinton), and Los Angeles-based percussionist Larry Salzman.
The recording includes original Hawaiian language compositions by Donaghy and Makuakāne, one original composition by Dayton, “When The Ocean Sleeps,” and a Hawaiian reinterpretation of Dean Dillon’s “Tennessee Whiskey” for which Donaghy received Dillon’s blessing. Makia is joined by his daughter Māpuana, known for her role as Dr. Noelani Nakayama on the Disney+ series “Doogie Kamealoha, MD,” on a duet on “Ku‘u Ipo Ma Ke Kai Loa.”
Country music and Hawaiian music share the rich tradition of storytelling in their songs. The influence of country music on the music of Hawai‘i is unmistakable, and A‘ea‘e stands at the forefront of bringing contemporary country influences into Hawaiian music.
Video Lounge
A‘ea‘e is a new band on the Hawaiian music scene, playing a unique style of contemporary Hawaiian country music. Band members include Tarvin Makia, Jeff Lokomaika‘i Dayton, Māpuana Makia, Kenneth Makuakāne, and Keola Donaghy. Their eponymous debut EP released in 2022.
Track Listing: 1. Ku‘u Ipo Ma Ke Kai Loa, 2. Aia I Kīlauea (‘Ā Mai), 3. Tennessee Whiskey - Hawaiian interpretation, 4. When The Ocean Sleeps, 5. I Ka La‘i O Lahaina 6. A Hiki I Ke Aloha ‘Āina Hope Loa 7. Nā Wai Kaulana O Nā Wai ‘Eha
Track Listing: 1. Ku‘u Ipo Ma Ke Kai Loa, 2. Aia I Kīlauea (‘Ā Mai), 3. Tennessee Whiskey - Hawaiian interpretation, 4. When The Ocean Sleeps, 5. I Ka La‘i O Lahaina 6. A Hiki I Ke Aloha ‘Āina Hope Loa 7. Nā Wai Kaulana O Nā Wai ‘Eha
Project Credits
& Team Links
-
Produced by: Keola Donaghy, Jeff Dayton, Tarvin Makia, Kenneth Makuakāne
-
1. Ku‘u Ipo Ma Ke Kai Loa - Lyrics by Keola Donaghy, music by Gaylord Holomalia
2. Aia I Kīlauea (‘Ā Mai) - Lyrics by Keola Donaghy, music by Kenneth Makuakāne
3. Tennessee Whiskey - Hawaiian interpretation/lyrics by Keola Donaghy, music by Dean Dillon4. When The Ocean Sleeps - Lyrics and music by Jeff Dayton
5. I Ka La‘i O Lahaina - lyrics by Keola Donaghy, music by Kenneth Makuakāne
6. A Hiki I Ke Aloha ‘Āina Hope Loa - Lyrics and music by Keola Donaghy
7. Nā Wai Kaulana O Nā Wai ‘Ehā - Lyrics by Keola Donaghy, music by Kenneth Makuakāne
-
Keola Donaghy, Jeff Dayton, Tarvin Makia, Kenneth Makuakāne
-
What People Are Saying
“… a wonderful debut featuring a unique brand of country-flavored and contemporary Hawaiian music.”
Jon Woodhouse, Maui News.
“I love (A‘ea‘e’s) new song, “When the Ocean Sleeps.” Very smooth and serene, and it almost feels like I’m rocking on the waves. A really nice song and a very nice recording, too!”
Chris Leuzinger - Nashville guitarist who has worked with Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, George Strait, George Jones, Emmylou Harris, and many other country music legends.
“These shimmering guitars and tropical-flavored melodies really make me feel the islands! The voices are strong and you really believe what they are singing here.”
Kevin Bowe, Minneapolis-based musician/producer/songwriter who has worked with with Johnny Lang, The Replacements, Etta James, Joe Cocker, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Steven Van Zandt, and many other artists.