Various Artists - Big Teeze 808 Jams Vol. 1 Island Vibin’ - Released: Dec. 23
Del.icio.usQ’n A
How did you get the name Big Teeze?
My name is actually Terrence Hallums, which I never liked, so my boys used to just call me T. In high school I used to play around and tease everyone, so then they started calling me Teeze. Then after high school, my waistline got a little bigger, so it was Big Teeze. So there you have it.
How did you decide on the artists featured on the album?
My friend Lau Togafu, who is featured on the first song, is a really good friend of mine and he won the Hawaii Stars competition a few years ago. Nothing happened with that,so I wanted to record him. The others are co-workers and friends who I knew could sing.
What are you currently working on?
Mostly just working on the radio show, http://www.808jams.com. It’s still in its infant stages, but that’s really my baby right now. It’s Hawaiian island music worldwide.
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What are the most popular songs you’re playing right now?
Right now it would be J-Boog’s Until One Day and Ooklah The Moc. I try to focus on the songs that the radio stations are not playing right now. It’s really interactive. They can text their request and stuff. It’s actually working pretty cool right now.
Where do you think Hawaii’s music scene is headed?
You know, it’s getting better now. It’s not about just radio love, but more about utilizing the Internet. A lot of people move, and they’re not able to listen to the island music or what’s coming out of Hawaii anymore. Thank goodness for iTunes, for the artists and people in the music scene right now. It’s getting a lot more exciting.
What do you think about the quality of music coming out from Hawaii artists?
It’s great, depending on who you are listening to, though, because a lot of people have their own little home studios now and they’re abusing it. Overall it’s getting better, and a lot of new bands are proving that they can hang with the heavy hitters.A lot of songs are standing out.
The 411
With years of experience in the music business as a recording artist and radio DJ on Island Rhythms 98.5, Big Teeze is taking his musical talents to the producer’s chair with the release of the album Big Teeze Presents 808 Jams Vol. 1 Island Vibin’.
In this effort, Teeze gathered some music acquaintances to lend their voices on a variety of island reggae tracks. The album features three cover songs and 10 originals - all written by Teeze. The song list includes Next To My Baby by Lau Togafu, Come With Me by Ikena Dupont, It’s Alright by Kalola Ka’uhane, Good Lovin’ by Crystal Akana, Let’s Drink Beer by Ikena featuring Big Teeze, Squeeze My Head by Smitty, I Don’t Want You by Kalola featuring Big Teeze, Waiting by Ikena Dupont, Sweet Summer Girl by Anela featuring Ikena, When I Dream About You by Lowie Boy, Dey Donno by Shango, Thug In Love by Big Teeze featuring Micah G, and The Royal Hawaiian Hotel by Kiki Keala aka Mount Keala.
For Teeze, this album is just one of the many musical endeavors on which he’s currently working. He’s also busy teaching audio recording at Waianae High School’s Searider Productions, and is spearheading a new recording studio at the Boys and Girls Club of Waianae that is scheduled to open this week.
“It’s a full-blown recording studio and it’s a blessing for the kids,” says Teeze, who is a graduate of Waianae High. “It’s good to get them off the street, and plus there’s a lot of talent out here.”
His biggest project right now is his new online radio show, called 808 Jams (http://www.808jams.com). The show features a broad playlist of island and reggae music from throughout the world. And Teeze says it’s been really catching on.
Back into the CD realm, Teeze has a whole series of albums to follow this 808 Jams Vol. 1 release. Already in the recording stage is Vol. 2 - a collection Hawaiian hip-hop. Also in the works is a contemporary Hawaiian, alternative and rock ‘n’ roll album.
“It’s all the same concept,” he says,“up-and-coming artists with a few veterans and featuring majority original music.”
For more on Teeze and his many musical ventures, visit http://www.myspace.com/bigteeze.
Tuning In
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If the thousands of firecrackers blasting simultaneously at the stroke of midnight didn’t cause any permanent ear damage, then Duke’s Waikiki’s Concerts on the Beach jam session will still make for a suitable night out.
The happy hour (well, two hours) of live entertainment has proven to be a real crowd-pleaser for tourists and locals alike. Happening from 4 to 6 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the food, sights and sounds are attracting a lot of attention.
The lineup for January is: Maunalua Friday Jan, 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; Kawao Saturday Jan. 10 and 24; Kapena Saturday Jan. 3, 17 and 31; and
Henry Kapono Sunday Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Don’t pass up on a chance to catch of Hawaii’s top entertainers - for free.
Duke’s Waikiki is located beachside in the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Other music options on hotel grounds include live contemporary Hawaiian entertainment at the Barefoot Bar.
On the bill are: Ellsworth Simeona on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 p.m. to midnight; Haumea Warrington on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to midnight and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m.; and Lawrence Kidder on Thursdays and Sundays from 10 p.m. to midnight.
For more information, visit http://www.dukeswaikiki.com.
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