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The devastating wildfires that swept through Lahaina in 2023 left the historic Hawaiian town and its residents in ruins, marking a tragedy whose heartache continues to be felt, especially during the holidays. Amidst the ashes and the challenges of recovery, music has become a beacon of hope. Launa’ole, a Hawaiian band formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeks to bring joy, solace, and celebration to the healing community through their debut album, A Launa’ole Christmas.
This 22-minute Christmas album, released on December 6, 2024, via Kason Gomes Records, is a heartfelt collection of traditional and modern holiday tunes infused with the unique charm of Hawaiian melodies. From the lively rhythms of “Mele Kalikimaka ia kākou” to the soulful and poignant ballad “The Sweetest Gift,” each track tells a story—a reflection of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of aloha. Notably, the album features 3-time Grammy® award-winning producer Dave Tucciarone, multi-award winning engineer Demitri Marmash, and guest artists Leah Haywood (I’ll Be Home For Christmas) and Isaac Shane Kahalehau (The Sweetest Gift), adding a touch of brilliance to this heartfelt project.
The album opens with “Mele Kalikimaka ia kākou,” a joyous greeting of “Merry Christmas to everyone” sung in Hawaiian, setting the tone for a celebration of togetherness. Tracks like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Christmas Lū’au” blend playful holiday cheer with traditional Hawaiian vibes, creating an atmosphere of warmth and festivity. Meanwhile, the group’s rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” features beautifully composed strings and orchestration by Leah Haywood, capturing the universal longing for family and home during the holidays.
The closing track, “The Sweetest Gift,” takes a somber yet uplifting turn. Sung with tender emotion by guest artist Isaac Shane Kahalehau, the song explores the bittersweet feelings of missing loved ones who have passed but finding solace in knowing they are “with the Son of God.” Its lyrics, such as “Sometimes I still break down, grieving that we’re apart, but the sweetest gift is knowing where you are,” resonate deeply, offering comfort and healing to those who face empty chairs at the holiday table.
Launa’ole’s journey began in 2020 when Founder and Assistant Cultural Ambassador Kumu Hula Koakane Mattos brought together talented musicians Brandon Hirata and Kason Gomes. Initially formed as a backup group for another band, the trio quickly found their harmony and purpose, transforming into a musical force dedicated to sharing Hawaiian music infused with joy, magic, and pure love. With their debut album, they honor their roots while embracing new creative horizons.
In a gesture of goodwill, Launa’ole is hosting a $2,500 Cash Giveaway to support families affected by the Lahaina wildfires. To join, participants must first follow Launa’ole on Spotify between December 10 and 31, 2024. After following on Spotify, they can click on the SweepWidget link and follow the instructions to complete their entry. The first 100,000 participants who follow Launa’ole will be eligible to join. A portion of proceeds from entries will go toward purchasing holiday gifts for children in need in Lahaina, Hawaii. The grand prize winner will receive a $2,500 cashier’s check, selected randomly from eligible entries. Full terms and conditions apply, with eligibility restricted to U.S. residents aged 18 and older.
“This album is our way of giving back,” says Koakane Mattos. “The people of Lahaina have endured so much, and we want to bring hope and joy through our music. Christmas is a time of renewal, and we hope this album becomes a small but meaningful part of their healing journey.”
Each note and lyric in A Launa’ole Christmas reflects the band’s deep connection to the Hawaiian tradition of storytelling through song. With multi-award-winning professionals lending their expertise, the album captures a polished yet heartfelt sound that is sure to delight listeners around the world.
As the final chords of “The Sweetest Gift” and the familiar cheer of “Jingle Bells” play, they serve as a reminder of the universal power of music to bring everyone together. The people of Lahaina have endured immeasurable loss, making A Launa’ole Christmas a true beacon of hope—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ability of joy and love to prevail in even the darkest moments.
Will the spirit of A Launa’ole Christmas bring comfort and joy to homes this holiday season? Can its melodies inspire others to celebrate the resilience of Lahaina and the enduring power of music? Now available worldwide on major streaming platforms, the album invites listeners to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas: love, hope, and the unbreakable bonds of community.
Learn more about Launa’ole and their endeavors: Instagram | Spotify | SweepWidget
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Contact Info:
Name: Team AMW
Email: Send Email
Organization: AMW
Address: Los Angeles
Website: https://www.amworldgroup.com
Release ID: 89148750
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