Jon Yamasato
Friday - November 16, 2007
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Age: 29
Hometown: Hawaii Kai
High school graduated: Kaiser
Musical occupation: Producer, vocalist, guitarist
Claim to fame? Vocalist for Pure Heart, producer of various local acts.
How did you get into the music business?
I started by playing weekends in coffee shops around town and grad parties. We played every opportunity we got, even if we were not invited. (laughs) We did that for about four years before we recorded the first Pure Heart album. From there it’s pretty much history. The road was longer and harder than I think people make it out to be. There were a lot of disappointments along the way, and we really put everything into making the music tight. We would usually do about three to five gigs a week, twice at the coffee shop and anything we could grab on the weekends. Most of the gigs were done for free. If we did not have a gig on the weekend, then the guys would usually come to my parents’ house and we would practice for a few hours, recording our practices on an old karaoke machine. I always wanted to get into production and was lucky enough to befriend Aaron Kimura, who has been my business partner since 2000.
What has been your biggest musical accomplishment?
Winning a Hoku award. Pure Heart won five (Most Promising Artist, Group, Contemporary Album, Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year).
What are you currently working on/doing musically?
Producing a group called Short Story, whose CD will be released in December. (www.shortstoryband.com)
What is the best musical compliment you’ve received?
We did a rendition of UB40’s Bring Me Your Cup. While on tour here they heard it on the radio and went to buy the CD.
Are you working on producing any albums?
I have plans on releasing another solo project in 2009.
Any upcoming gigs?
I will probably be touring with Herb Ohta Jr. next year on the West Coast and Japan.
Contact info? www.jonyamasato.com or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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