"If you don’t reach for the stars
then what are the heavens for?"
(June 2007)
 Believe it or not, it wasn't until nearly 5 years after Paradise Most Wanted #7 bursted onto the Hawaiian
music scene that I got a chance to hear her perform live. Residing on the 9th Island of Las Vegas I was thrilled to
find out that the legends of Hawaiian music - The Makaha Sons were coming to town. It was my first Ho'olaule'a that
I attended since moving to Las Vegas. I was feeling home sick, but I knew all I needed was a good dose of Traditional
Hawaiian music to bring me home. The stage was set and no one in attendance really knew what was about to
hit them. The Makaha Sons took the stage and and usual wow'd the crowd! Then half way through their performance
they called up a little, soft spoken and humble young lady from Moloka'i named Raiatea.
Being in the radio industry I've heard her music here and there, but never really took time to really sit
down and listen to it. Well on that night, as I sat there on the lawn of good ole Lorenzi park I experienced the music
of Raiatea. You heard me... it was an experience! I was totally blown away the very moment she opened her mouth
and belted out in her beautiful falsetto voice. I literally stood to my feet in amazement. In fact, for a few
seconds I looked around and almost the entire crowd was shaking their heads in amazement. Thundering applause followed
every song she peformed. In all due respect to Uncle Moon, John and Jerome, I wanted Raiatea to continue singing for
the rest of the night. What a sweet and lovely night of Hawaiian music it was. Ironically, I had the chance
to finally pick up her 2nd release (Sweet And Lovely) that night.
Since then Raiatea's music have graced the airwaves of Pipeline 2 Paradise Radio around the clock in high
rotation. Selections from her debut release "Far Away Heaven" and "Sweet and Lovely" continue to amaze listeners worldwide as it did for me. Indeed, her heavenly music
instantly becomes a pipeline to paradise when heard. All her fans ,including myself are truly excited for her success
and highly anticipate the release of her third cd entitled "Hawaiian Blossom" set to hit the streets on June 26th. Hawaiian Blossom is a stunning new collection of Hawaiian classics
and original compositions by Raiatea Helm. If you can't wait, you can get a sneak peek of this album by visiting her
Myspace page here.
With a very tight schedule and on the brink of launching her new release, Raiatea still was gracious enough
to make time to answer the call to be featured on Pipeline 2 Paradise. As she simply puts it, "Humbleness leads to longevity."
With that it's humbling for me to present to you the interview with Paradise Most Wanted # 7 - The Sweet and Lovely
Hawaiian Blossom - Raiatea.
There
have been several tags placed on your style of music. In your own words,
how would you describe the musical vibe of Raiatea?
I would describe my musical like my personality. Fun, fresh and
friendly…something that everyone can listen to.
You
burst onto the Hawaiian Music scene at a young age and have been tremendously successful in many ways. What advice do you give other young ambitious artists who are trying to break into the scene?
Well that’s easy… Don’t let anyone tell you other wise.
If you feel like you’re destined to sing, what’s NIKE’s slogan?
Just do it!!!
In
what ways do you feel you have matured since your debut recording “Far Away Heaven” to your sophomore release
“Sweet And Lovely?”
It makes a huge difference when I sing more and more. The maturity
of my voice came out in the second album.
Both
recordings have brought you great recognition in both the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and The Hawaiian Music Awards. Share with us all of your accomplishments.
I’ve accomplished a lot in such a short time. Traveling has
been a huge thing for me from my music. I traveled all over America and In
Asia, like Japan and China. I can’t wait to sing in Europe. Music is huge. It takes you places. I’ve established myself by also meeting people, being recognized, receiving cool awards, still I
remain grounded. Being nominated for a grammy changed my whole perspective of
Main Stream Music. I’ve learned so much in the music business. It’s crazy!!!
From
the above, which honor means the most to you and why?
I would have to say the Na Hokus, since I was against Legends…it’s crazy to be recognized in such
a way. What a great accomplishment.
Whom
(artists, family, friends, etc.) do you consider your biggest influences on your musical journey and why?
My Dad and Mom, Mainly my dad, because he’s the entertainer in the family and he taught me a few pointers,
Plus they teach me a lot about the business and go out on my own.
You’ve
had the opportunity to perform with many legends in the Hawaiian music industry such as the Makaha Sons, Auntie Genoa Keawe,
Keali’i Reichel, and the Brothers Cazimero just to name a few. Who within
the Hawaiian music industry would you love to collaborate with, but haven’t done so yet?
I was supposed to do a duet with Don Ho...Sadly it never happened. He’s
the only person I could think of.
If
you could collaborate with any artists worldwide in any genre who would it be and why?
Misia..she’s a Japanese Icon. The reason being is that she’s
different and singing with someone in a different language, well I think that’s kind a hot.
Is
Hawaiian music your first passion musically? What other type of musical styles
have you ventured into or want to explore?
Hawaiian music will always be my first passion. Though right now
I’m performing with Mick Fleetwood (Rock and Roll) and I’m collaborating with Tribal Seeds (Reggae) of San Diego. It’s been crazy for me lately. But
I’m really enjoying every moment. I really want to get into more jazz later.
I
understand you’re currently putting finishing touches on your highly anticipated third recording entitled “Raiatea – Hawaiian Blossom.” Tell your fans
what they can expect from this release.
It’s a new me…though I don’t want to waste such a surprise.
The people will love it.
I’m
sure it’s going to be a tough choice, but from all your selections, including the upcoming “Hawaiian Blossom,”
which song would you say best reveals and reflects you and your life?
Wow, that’s a hard one. For me each song has it’s own
story. I’m a different person when I’m on stage, I’m in my
own element. Though I can’t really choose a song that best reveals my life because I haven’t written any music. I will soon…haha…sorry
With
your first 2 CD projects being so accomplished, do you feel any extra pressure with the high expectations of your fans?
No pressure at all. They love my music, it’s pretty much
just a matter of getting new music out to them as soon as I can…LOL…they want more!!!
With
success come critics. How do you personally handle negative feedback?
I don’t let it bring me down…I’m a strong person.
What’s
the mindset of Raiatea
before hitting the stage? Is there any rituals or set procedures you go through?
No not exactly, I just get nervous then once I go on stage I’m all good.
Where
do you see yourself in 10 years?
Acting in movies. Singing in huge venues. 2 kids…married…all that stuff. Hey, it’s
ok to dream…hehehe.
What
are your thoughts on American Idol and have you ever considered auditioning?
No, never thought of it. I just like to sing karaoke sometimes
with some friends…lol.
What’s
your current outlook on the direction of the Hawaiian Music scene? What advice or message do you have for your colleagues
in the industry?
People in the Industry need to stay humble…then young ones will look up to them…well that’s
what I think is important…humbleness leads to longevity.
What
are your passions or hobbies outside of music?
I’m trying to find another hobby. I been so busy with music. I’m thinking about taking pottery classes and beading, I want to try and create my own jewelry. I think that would
be fun.
If
you were placed on a deserted island for a month what 3 things would you want to take with you and why?
Food and Water…and I also need some company…my boyfriend!
Any
other mahalos for ohana, friends, industry members, etc.?
My Family and my friends, for always keeping me that same local girl that I am.
People in the Industry, for keeping my eyes and ears open at all times. Thanks
to my fans for their continuous support. I love you all.
Favorite
Phrase:
If you don’t reach for the stars then what are the heavens for?
Celebrity: Jennifer Lopez
TV
show: Ugly Betty
Movie: Pretty Woman
Restaurant: My Boyfriends House…LOL!!!
Beach: The Sheraton Mo’orea,
Tahiti
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