Summer is right around the corner and Kolohe Kai and Hirie are brining the aloha spirit with Feel the Sunshine. The song about being back on the islands and feeling the warmth and its energy. Hirie recently moved back to Oahu and remembers why it’s a special place. Kolohe Kai and Hirie (aka Roman and Trish) shows us that there’s still a bright side to all that’s happened. They remind us to stay grounded and take the time to feel the sunshine. It’s such a feel good song that will immediately put you in a great mood.
DJ Marlino had the chance to chat with them about their latest collab Feel The Sunshine, touring the Philippines and growing up Filipino in Hawaii. Here are some of the highlights from the interview.
2. Hirie believes that being back in Hawai’i has been a blessing in disguise
Last we talked with her, she mentioned buying a one-way ticket to Hawai’i for her and the family. “I think all of us got to really find that inner strength with our Ohana.” Her latest Instagram posts have us feeling a little bit FOMO with how much fun she’s having. However being back on the islands, it’s been a time to connect with herself and her family. Although Roman and Trish touch on how the islands’ tourism has been hit, both are still thankful and staying positive we’ll all bounce back.
3. They talk about the importance of sharing their experiences with mental health
Both artists are big advocates on bettering one’s mental health. Hirie shares recharging her batteries since she’s been back home. “My mental health, everything gets grounded again when I’m in the sand.” She says it’s an indescribable feeling and something you just feel. For Kolohe Kai, he shares advice from his mom. “…giving up isn’t an option. You’ve got to climb this mountain in order to see the sunrise.” Also, he shares that writing songs is an outlet for him to express the emotion he experiences.
4. The Hawai’i scenery doesn’t hurt when need inspiration for songs
Both artists are not only great performers, but amazing songwriters. Who hasn’t had a Kolohe Kai or Hirie song stuck in their head? They say in Hawai’i, it’s easy to be around each other and sounds and melodies run through your mind. From the beaches to the palm trees, it’s not a bad backdrop. However, they both agree that past and present experiences are what inspires them most. You have to see Kolohe Kai’s MV for Catching Lightning.
5. They’re proud of their Filipino roots and represent the Asian community globally
They’re proud of who they are and share the different experiences they had growing up Filipino. While Roman was raised in Hawai’i, Trish went to a British school in Italy. Fun fact, she had a British accent when she arrived in Hawai’i. However she did also talked about the rough transition. However, now they both know themselves as people and want to constantly promote positivity. This wouldn’t be possible without the influence their grandparents and parents had on them. To carry on the tradition of love and hospitality.
6. Feel the Sunshine is about feeling the energy after being away from home for a long time
People visit Hawai’i to get away on vacation right? That’s how Feel the Sunshine came about, wanting to be refreshed and the feeling of sunshine on your skin. The song all started with the melody then Hirie wrote her second verse on the spot. The bridge was written by both of them and the collaborative process came together smoothly. Kolohe Kai says it’s been one of the easiest set up he’s done and one of the first collaborations back since Good Morning Hawaii. When you listen to the song, it makes you reminisce about a care-free time and gives you hope that you’ll find better days again.
Kolohe Kai is a local Hawaiian reggae band, represented by singer/songwriter/frontman Roman de Peralta. In 2009, Kolohe Kai broke out on the music scene with its debut release This is the Life. Following that were songs Ehu Girl and Cool Down.
After a 3-year break to enjoy life’s experiences, Kolohe Kai came back strong with “Paradise” in 2014. The title track Paradise and Heʻe Roa captures the Hawaiian reggae sound that captures the audience.
Roman uses his experiences, both the good and the not-so-good, as inspiration for his music.
San Diego’s seven-piece band HIRIE brings the reggae vibe to the scene. HIRIE is poppy and purposeful, harnessing the power of accessible songcraft, social consciousness, world class musicianship, and the disarming and spellbinding qualities of reggae, the band exudes mainstream appeal without diluting its artistic vision. “Hirie is a lifestyle choice, it’s about healing the body, the mind, and the spirit. It’s a way to detach from the painful complexities of the world, and bask in joyous energy.”
Cover Photo Credit: Kolohe Kai Facebook
It’s the FEEL THE SUNSHINE OFFICIAL GIVEAWAY! Courtesy of Alaska Airlines & Kaimana Beach Hotel.
Win a trip to HAWAII! Includes airfare for 2 & hotel for 6nights, 7 days!
RULES TO ENTER GIVEAWAY:
1. Must be following @alaskaair @kaimanabeach @kolohekaimusic & @hiriemusic.
2. Post a picture or video of how you would “Feel the Sunshine” with hashtag #feelthesunshine.
3. TAG your SUN BUDDY in this post.
WINNER is chosen randomly in IG hashtag. Additional amazing prizes to be announced for runner ups!
CONTEST begins March 8 & ends March 22. Winner + runner up prize winners will be announced on March 23.
Kollective Hustle‘s Website Launch Party was lit! The event hosted by Romeo Marques Jr., had your favorite Filipino artists, DJs, and personalities all stopping by to show some love:
The Hustle Mission was the outline for the two and a half hour kickoff event:
Each section mixed interviews and DJ sets with conversations between SOSUPERSAM and Jen Deleon and our very own Roslynn chatting with Guapdad 4000 and Illmind. Plus we were stoked to see Passion and Gabe Bondoc singing the Filipino national anthem, Lemonade together! It was a reunion of half of #CatchingOneLemonade.
Kollective Hustle is all about “uniting the emerging generation of Filipinos in transforming their ideas into action, passion into profession, creativity into careers, and to inspire a global culture of collaboration.” We hope you were just as inspired as we are! Keep up to date with news or get involved at kollectivehustle.com
