Into the Scene

Katie Whitman is the brainchild behind the 808 Scene Zine, a free publication that supports underground music and all art forms. The idea for it came after Whitman started writing reviews of local bands she saw on Myspace. Each band contacted her shortly after because they were ecstatic someone was writing about them. Their appreciation for Whitman's reviews motivated her to expand the idea of a website into a zine, or mini-magazine, where people could find information on the expanding underground movement.

The publication showcases all music styles along with tattoos, album and show reviews, artist bios, and other material pertaining to the culture. Whitman claims "I've always wanted the publication to be all inclusive of all styles of music, while focusing on those styles that get very little press or attention elsewhere in Hawaii's media." Katie knows the city's crevices are exploding with diversity and expression yet feels there are too many oblivious of it. Therefore her goal is to inform the masses while simultaneously having an outlet for talent to gain exposure.

Her previous experience of putting together a show for HD Radio Free Hawaii inspires her to take the zine in a different direction. She would like to have the online version include a streaming radio show of local bands. The focus on other entertainment such as comedy performances at the Laughtrack Theatre and independent films add to where Whitman sees the 808 Scene Zine headed.

Artists covered in the zine are oftentimes those who approach Whitman about the exposure. She added "There are a lot of bands out there and it's difficult to know them all. It's a great help when people contact us about being interviewed in the zine". Here Whitman proves she is a supporter of all who reciprocate the love for the underground scene.

After four years at the controls, Whitman recently handed over the publication to a few individuals she says "have similar visions for the zine in the future". She highly anticipates what these new visionaries have planned. Whitman proudly mentioned that her exposure to the island's enormous amount of talented and dedicated artists who follow their passion molded her "transformative experience" at the zine.

The 808 Scene Zine's past, present, and future contributions are helping shape the art renaissance. It continues to inspire artists and enthusiasts alike to do-it-yourself. Only a handful of active participants in Oahu's underground art scene really make it thrive, and Katie Whitman is one of them. Thanks Katie!!!!

http://www.the808scenezine.com/

Fun, Inside and Out.

Kokua Fest is one of the biggest concert events of the year. The earthy, eclectic people of Hawaii come together at the Waikiki Shell to enjoy mellow sounds of such performers as Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley and Paula Fuga. This year, there were back-to-back shows on Friday and Saturday, possibly to make up for the festival's hiatus last year.

I remembered from past Kokua Fests that a very large number of fans congregate at Kapiolani park to listen from outside the Shell. I also remembered those fans were my JoZo!Prints target audience. At dusk, I walked with friends to the park and got ready for a live social networking frenzy.

What a turnout! By merely taking a stroll in the park, I sold 9 shirts and made some good contacts! I also threw a couple out to people that embraced my mission but had no funds. Some bought prints for sustainability support while others who were intoxicated flung ten bucks at me. Maybe it was my friend's bag that said "Feed the children of the world". Some girl insisted I sell the shirt off my back! I ended up walking home wearing a tight female shirt. I was most definitely going back on Saturday.

Saturday was a lot more calm; big family barbecues, lovers frolicking, and fans hungover from the previous night-like Joey Zeez. I took my chances with the not-as-enthused crowd anyway. It proved to be alright by selling 6 more shirts. Grand total for selling outside Kokua Fest-$150.

Not bad for just hanging in the park.

Just Like That

After a little over a year of selling high-end lighting to snooty customers with deep pockets, I was asked on the spot to leave the Honolulu Design Center. "No problem!" I exclaimed. It is surprising they kept me there as long as they did. Their reason for termination was the company's downward spiral of sales and the waning economy. I always questioned how they would make a profit with an over-stocked, outrageously plush, 50 million dollar building to account for and maintain. It was pointless why they hired me seeming only a handful of customers would come in a day on average. Business would be so slow it got me through many classes until they cracked down on employee Internet use. I will only miss the sound system I wrote about. There were no hard feelings in the end, though it's ironic it occurred on such an already eventful day in history (4/20); Hitler's birthday, Columbine massacre, National Marijuana Day, Guru's death (today), and now, getting canned in 2010. Every 4/20 gets crazier and crazier.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Geneva Convection

I walked in to the Honolulu Design Center without a clue my perceptions would instantly change on how I saw my work. There stood a Geneva sound-system in my CLIQ Lighting department. The Swiss brand has developed an iPOD dock stereo with the most wattage to date. The Large version I get to use is 400 watts (shown above) and sounds pretty dang crispy. My boss told me to turn the volume up to 100 so I did-right as an old man walked in with his fingers in his ears! We both jumped up, Sorrrry!

The second best part is now I get to sell Geneva's sound-systems alongside the crazy lights I'm already selling. The combination is actually good, but now I would rather only sell audio because I'm more comfortable with it altogether. My musical connection is an element that has been brought into the workplace! This will now be an advantage for me.

http://www.genevalab.com/v/vspfiles/default.asp

http://www.honoluludesigncenter.com/

Chinatown's Upturn (Scene-opsis)

Chinatown Honolulu is going through an economic growth spurt. Many types of businesses i.e. art galleries, retail stores, venues, restaurants and bars have surfaced/resurfaced, contributing to the area's gentrification. Events such as First Friday Art Walk along with numerous multicultural block parties are the source of Chinatown's recent transformation from business district/haven for homeless drug addicts to its current stake in the art renaissance and party capitol. The film depicts an array of demographics who shed light on Chinatown's past, present and future. Perspectives show contrast and comparison of the recent transition while documenting the day and nightlife action.