Ukulele Lead, Guitar, Beats

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: I’m especially proud of two Kanekoa albums. Tales from the Fruit Stand Mystic (2017) won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for Reggae Album of the Year, and The Great Disruption gave me the chance to collaborate with incredible artists like G. Love, Amy Hanaialiʻi, and Jake Shimabukuro. On both projects I served as engineer, producer, and played lead and rhythm ukulele.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I’m currently working on my funk ukulele album, featuring collaborations with artists from Tower of Power, Prince’s New Revolution, Cory Wong’s band, and Mark Lettieri of Snarky Puppy. I’m also producing new Kanekoa albums, including one with longtime Los Lobos member Steve Berlin. On the production side, I’m mixing a remix album for rapper Alex Malani (LaBelle Music Group) featuring artists such as Lil White (Three Six Mafia), Saigon, Henry AZ, JL, JL Smooth, and Joey Kool.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Yes — I’d recommend Alex Bone for saxophone, Phil Lasseter for horn sections, and Jonathan Mouton for R&B/soul vocals. All three are incredible musicians I trust and have worked with.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I love both, and if you can afford to combine them, that’s ideal. But digital is more portable and practical for mobile sessions.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: To deliver a quality product that enhances your song and serves your vision.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Being creative and making music every day. Also, working with other talented musicians.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Most often, clients ask if the ukulele will fit their genre. My answer: absolutely — it’s a versatile instrument that can add a unique flavor to almost any style.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: That the ukulele is only for traditional or contemporary Hawaiian music. In reality, it can cover a wide range of genres — from funk and blues to hip-hop and beyond.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: I usually ask how involved they’d like me to be — do they already have exact parts in mind, or would they like me to create custom ideas? For mixing, I ask for references of artists or songs they want to match sonically, so I can aim for the sound they’re envisioning.

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: For ukulele or guitar tracks, it helps to have a clean demo and a clear idea of what you want. For mixing, send clean sessions without distortion and be prepared with references of the sound you’re going for. The clearer the direction, the smoother the process.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: MacBook, Apollo Twin, ukulele, small MIDI keyboard, and a Shure Beta 58 mic.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: I’ve been a professional musician since age 12, starting on guitar and later mastering ukulele. By my early 20s I was touring with legends like the Allman Brothers. Also, opening for Aerosmith, Willie Nelson, and The Doobie Brothers. Over the years I’ve collaborated with artists such as Anuhea, Los Lobos, Amy Hanaiali’i, Jake Shimabukuro, Eric Gilliom, G Love, Tower of Power, various members of Cory Wong and Princes band, Michael Ruff, Mark Lettieri, and Steve Berlin, while continuing to perform and record with Kanekoa, a Hawaiian jam-rock ukulele band. With decades of stage and studio experience, I bring both performance and production expertise to every project.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: My style is eclectic — a blend of blues guitar, funk, island reggae, Hawaiian traditional and contemporary music. On the production side, I draw heavily from classic hip-hop influences while keeping everything rooted in groove and soul.

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: John Mayer — his songwriting and guitar work have always inspired me. I’d love to learn more about his collaborative songwriting process.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Create a comfortable environment for your musicians. The best performances come when people feel at ease, and experience will always teach you more than any piece of gear.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: For ukulele and guitar, I usually work on island reggae, Hawaiian jam-rock, blues, and funk. On the mixing and production side, I often work in hip-hop and related styles.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is playing both lead and rhythm ukulele and guitar, adding soulful solos or solid grooves that give a track its character.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring whatever serves the song best—whether that’s subtle textures, a standout solo, or a solid rhythm foundation. My goal is always to elevate the track and help it feel complete, natural, and true to the artist’s vision.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I start by listening closely to your song and any references to lock in the vibe and pocket. I map where uke/guitar will best serve the track, dial in the right tones, then record multiple takes and variations so you have options. I deliver clean, clearly labeled stems and adjust as needed.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Manley Reference Gold Mic → VoxBox Preamp → Apollo Twin → Pro Tools for clean, pro-quality recordings.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Cory Wong, Jimi Hendrix, Tower of Power, Fat Freddys Drop, The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers, Dr.Dre, John Mayor, Jake Shimabukuro, Bella Fleck, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Dave Pensado, Jaycen Joshua, Leslie Brathwaite, Vulfpeck, Dirty Loops, Prince, Ka'au Crater Boys,

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: I’m most often hired as a lead ukulele player and guitarist, blending island, blues, and funk. I also provide mixing, beat-making, and arrangements, helping artists bring their songs from idea to finished track.