ABOUT JO-AN:
Joan Kahaiali’i (Pronounced Jo-An) is a a Hilo, Hawai’i raised, Philippines born artist, who started singing at the age of 4. It wasn’t until the age of 15 that she picked up a guitar, learned it, and shortly after started writing and composing her own music. She finds an escape in composing and writing music because it is the rawest form of self expression.
Her love of music started early. In the Philippines her dad would take her to his bar gigs, where she would watch him sing the very best of folk music from under the pool tables. Her influences stem from these experiences and also include, John Mayer, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Billy Joel, and James Taylor. More recent music Influences include, Bruno Major, The Paper Kites, Emily King, Allen Stone, LEON and Snoh Aalegra. Although she listens to all genres of music, her favorite to and sing is folk and R&B.
She is now living on the island of Maui, Married to Jerome Kahaiali’i of Jahtomic Studios and has a daughter, Stevie. She has been playing music here for over 10 years and appreciates clients who love her non-traditional song choices and style, especially here on the Hawaiian islands.
You can catch her live every Friday night at Kimo’s Restaurant, Lahaina from 6 to 8pm.
PIECES
Written By: Joan Kahaiali’i
Inspired by her hometown, Hilo, this song is about the struggles she faced growing up, as well as a cluster of other short stories from her past. It is also reminder to herself that trusting and loving yourself is the most important trait to have, especially in this hard life we live.
COUNT ON ME
Written By: Joan Kahaiali’i
Written after a family member who struggled with mental health issues, It talks about the importance of that relationship between parent and child. As a child you rely on your parents for everything, especially that emotional comfort, not realizing that your parents also need to have that from you too.
PARADISE.
Written By: Joan Caro
Dedicated to her grandparents ; it’s about the sacrifices families had to make in order for the rest of us to have the life and opportunies we have now here in America.
Mike Tulba, who is a direct descendent of “The Sakadas,” the first group of filipinos who migrated to Hawai’i, encouraged her to record and release this song written over a decade ago because he believed that sharing the story is important, to not only our culture, but to many others who had to leave their home countries in order to provide for their families.
You can find the song “PARADISE” on Mike Tulba’s Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominated Album “Here I Am.”
“The dream of a good life, their unforgotten sacrifice...leaving home across the sea. Hopes of a healthy life, headed to this paradise, to support for the love of family.”
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Song list and Contract upon request.
Looking forward to working with you!