MighTy J - Calling Out
Del.icio.usTo break it down, MighTy J is symbolic of the three young ladies who make up the group, Mailani Makainai (Migh), Tiare “Tiki"Suan (T) and Jenn Wright (J). However, it isn’t just the play on their names that make this group unique, it’s more about pushing the boundaries of local music and hopefully opening a portal for creativity to enter the mainstream music scene.
“Going into recording this album we took it all the way and did what we felt like doing,” says Wright, a Castle High graduate (and former MidWeek employee). “I think we wanted to just give the people something new. I mean, you listen to the radio stations now and everything sounds the same. Personally, I feel like this is the sound that I’ve always wanted to do, but couldn’t because the industry said this is not acceptable and we aren’t going to play it.”
As some may recognize, Makainai,Wright and Suan are all members of local groups already established within the local music scene. Makainai is one-half of Keahiwai, Wright is half of Kanalo and Simple Souls, and Suan is a member of the group Milo Shade. The three met through the music business and mutual friends, and eventually found themselves co-hosting a podcast together. They connected on a musical level, decided to try their hands at a song, and Calling Out got its legs.
“I think this CD is a true collaboration of each of our songs and styles,“says Suan, an Iolani grad. “It’s something a little more edgy.With this project we want people out there to know that there’s more than the same rhythmic pattern, the same subjects, because none of our songs is about just me loving you, or me on the beach.”
Makainai adds,“We are practically doing this album for free. Our live shows we are willing to do for free and pay our band (Ka’imino’eau Brede on electric guitar, Kapono Haynes Na’ili’ili on drums, Matt Nakamoto on keys and Kalei Rapoza on bass) because we are so passionate about this music and we want to be a part of this change.”
Q’n A
What qualities do you look for in a friend?
Jenn: Honesty is probably one of the most important things. And trust, which goes hand-in-hand.
Tiki: A friend who knows when to listen and when to speak.
Mailani: For me, I want my friends to understand me. I just want my friends to take me as I am. I am not perfect - I am extremely imperfect. My friends who love me, on whom I can unleash me and my goofiness.
If you could only sing one song for the rest of your life, what song would you choose?
Jenn: Doo Wop by Lauryn Hill. That’s just my all-time favorite song because it’s singing and rapping, and I can give as much attitude as I want.
Mailani: Waikiki or Do You?
MighTy J: Jenn Wright, Mailani Makainai and Tiki Suan
What was the happiest moment in your life?
Mailani: There’s a lot of moments. One, I remember being so happy the first time I was kissed. I was 12, but it was just a peck. The second time, I was working out like choke, choke, choke and I got down to 127 pounds. I remember being super happy with that. And I also remember after I gave birth and looking at Ha’e and feeling overwhelmed that I’m a mom, but just loving her. Tiki: There’s so many, but I would think the first would be graduating from college because it was super big for my family. I was the first to do it, and I’m like one of the older ones in my family, so it was like if I can do it everyone can and the flood gates opened.
What clothing or accessory would you never be caught wearing?
Mailani: A boa.
Tiki: I would never wear MC Hammer pants.
Jenn: You would never see me with tank tops or anything sleeveless. I would wear a mu’umu’u before I wore anything sleeveless. That’s how much I don’t like it.
What’s your best joke?
Mailani: The best jokes that I get laughs out of are racist jokes, so I can’t say them.
Jenn: Mailani, you talking is a joke.
M a i l a n i : Yeah, I’m a cornucopia of jokes. I have to discipline myself not to think out loud too much.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Tiki: I believe in lust at first sight, but not love.
Jenn: I believe in soul mates, but I don’t necessarily believe in love at first sight. I definitely am all about energies and stuff like that, where you can just feed off of someone and just get them without saying anything. I believe in connections, but I haven’t found that person - so I’ll let you all know.
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