Brother Noland
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Local musician and songwriter Brother Noland Conjugacion is an iconic staple in Hawaii’s music scene. He’s been doing what he calls “this dance” of music for 33 years, and by the looks of it, he’s not stopping anytime soon. Conjugacion recently released a new album titled Hawaiian Man.
“Hawaiian Man is a lateral career move and is added to the kaleidoscope of musical genres I love to work with,” says Conjugacion, who grew up immersed in Hawaiian music.“I often feel like I’m at a carnival and I know how to ride all the rides without fear.”
Conjugacion collaborated with Mountain Apple Company and Jon de Mello to produce this album, which he says is a return to his traditional Hawaiian music roots.
“For me and others who can see with the eyes of a hawk, this is a cosmology, a way of life, a style that is not just surface, but someone in the deep water learning how to stay afloat,” Conjugacion explains, saying this music is He Hawaii Au or “I Am Hawaii.”
“There are so many metaphors and hidden meanings in this project. If you take a good look, we address everything from the way you behave and view the world, to the way love and humor will always rescue you,” he adds.“Hawaiian music has got to be the most beautiful music in the universe to work with. I am so honored to play my kupunas’ music.”
Conjugacion, who appeared on MidWeek‘s cover in March 1992, has since - in addition to producing music - been working and partnering with numerous organizations, including Kamehameha Schools, Myron Thompson Academy, Palama Settlement and the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, among others.
“I try my best to stay active and creative, pay attention to what I am consuming in my mind and body, and pay close mind to how I share this knowledge with the people I love with goodness when I have the opportunity to inspire others with the arts,” says Conjugacion who’s also known as the “Father of Jawaiian Music” for his hit song Coconut Girl.
However, steering away from his renowned contemporary style, Conjugacion takes what he calls a back-to-basics approach on his recent album.
“All these songs have special meaning to me, because when you do art, there is a beautiful process that you go through as each song evolves. At least that’s how I approach it - nothing less than sacred.”
For more information on Brother Noland or ‘Hawaiian Man,’ visit http://www.mountainapplecompany.com/brothernoland.
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