MAHINA BRUNCH WITH ALOHA GOT SOUL
October 30, 2017
Slow Sundays are what we’re all about: sleeping in, chilling out and spending the day however we please. There’s nowhere to be—except brunch. Now, every Sunday we are serving up a hefty brunch with a side of music at Mahina & Sun’s. Think Dark Choco Butter Mochi Waffles, Pork Adobo Fried Rice, Avocado Toast and specialty cocktails, alongside music mixes curated exclusively by record label and DJ crew Aloha Got Soul.
Below, we talk to Aloha Got Soul founder Roger Bong about his Sunday favorites, his penchant for vinyl, what to expect at Mahina Brunch and more.
What kind of music can we expect to hear at Mahina Brunch?
We’re spotlighting local talents like Nick Kurosawa (of the band Bridgefinder) and Izik who often tap into a deep source of inspiration for their soulful sounding music. In addition to live music, we like to highlight vinyl records from Hawaii with DJ sets that span a wide range of music from the islands.
What’s behind the name, Aloha Got Soul?
Aloha has deep meaning in Hawaii, you might even describe it as the soul of our islands. In regards to music, Aloha Got Soul doesn’t limit itself to the “soul” music genre—instead, it seeks out music that connects with the deep meaning and feeling of Aloha, regardless of musical style, generation, or genre.
Record currently on repeat:
Antonio Adolfo – Viralata [Brazilian record from 1979]
You guys primarily DJ strictly vinyl, what’s behind your love affair with records?
Vinyl not only has a warm sonic quality compared to digital music, but to me it holds importance in the preservation and longevity of music. A lot of the local records we DJ with were made in the 1970s and 1980s, and have lasted 30 to 40 years to exist today and be a part of our DJ sets. I believe that the music Aloha Got Soul is pressing to vinyl today will have that same opportunity to find new listeners 40+ years from now.
What record makes you think of Waikiki?
Burgess & Brooks “Lady By The Sea”
Favorite thing to do on a Sunday (besides brunch)?
Hit the beach—either Kalama on the east side, or Makalei at the foot of Diamond Head—and then pop in to some thrift shops, book stores, and local record shops in hopes of finding more rare or relatively unknown local music on vinyl.
