Not Your Typical Teen Sensation Tani Lynn Fujimoto

Tani Lynn Fujimoto is both an atypical and typical teenager — atypical because she’s a budding entertainment star, one potentially of the first magnitude; typical because she often describes herself as being “a dork,” “weird” or just plain “strange.”

Bill Mossman
Wednesday - January 27, 2005
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Tani Lynn Fujimoto is both an atypical and typical teenager — atypical because she’s a budding entertainment star, one potentially of the first magnitude; typical because she often describes herself as being “a dork,” “weird” or just plain “strange.”

“If I’m out in public and I feel like going ‘aaaaaarrgh,’” growls Tani Lynn as she opens her mouth wide and contorts her face. “I’m definitely not afraid to do so. I can be the biggest dork.”

Upon making her point, the recording artist/actor with model good looks relaxes her facial muscles and smiles warmly. “I’m very straightforward; I’ll say whatever is on my mind. And if I see something (funny), then I’ll definitely have to tell those with me that I observed it. I’ll be like, ‘Look everyone, that lady’s thong is sticking out!’

“I’m really weird,” she continues, her gaze suddenly shifting from the table in front of her to her toes down below. “Right, Nancy?”

Seated near Tani Lynn in an exercise room at the Hawaii Athletic Club is her manager, Nancy Bernal, who sighs in sort of a motherly way before responding, “Well, I wouldn’t say that you’re weird.”

“But I am!” insists Tani Lynn, her eyes suddenly looking up at Bernal and pleading for agreement.

Bernal, however, isn’t convinced. “I would say that you’re just not afraid to express yourself.”

And that’s something the loquacious teen has never been shy of. Take, for example, the leap in expression she’s about to take. Fans awaiting the release of her second CD, tentatively titled Gate 76, may be surprised to hear the new Tani Lynn, whose music has undergone a dramatic change from a pop heavy sound to one saturated in folk and rock. The alternative sound, she claims, more accurately reflects who she is. But it’s precisely that type of sound —that kind of expression — that could spell commercial death for her here in the Islands.

“Something tells me the CD is going to be received weird (there’s that word again!),” says Tani Lynn, adding that her latest production should hit record stores some time in the spring. “On the Mainland, there are all these different genres, and I can see myself fitting into that scene. But here, I’ve never heard of a local artist, especially one my age, do the kind of music that I’m doing.

“I don’t think my music will do it for everyone,” she continues. “Then again, my music doesn’t always do it for me. It’s hard, because I’m never happy with what I do. I guess I’m my own worst critic. Seems like I’m always frustrated, thinking my music could be better. So, I guess I’ll either have to let my frustrations go or …” She pauses briefly before continuing on with the thought, “… or be mad at myself for the rest of my life!”


Tani Lynn is a singer,
actress and songwriter
and she’s just starting.

Bernal doesn’t seem too concerned with the CD’s commercial viability. “I have faith in her,” she says, gesturing at her client. “She’s an amazing young woman and an amazing talent.”

Just in case, however, Bernal is counting on the considerable abilities of local musician Willie K, who is spearheading the CD’s musical arrangements. “We feel like we have an outstanding team,” says Bernal with confidence.

Tani Lynn nods her head in approval before adding, “The most important thing for me is that I want to be proud of my work. Of course, I would also love it if the people of Hawaii felt the same way.”

They will, Tani Lynn. They will.

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