Lo'ihi Records - (Record Label Interview)

In this episode, Scott Orr interviews Dean Harada, the founder of Lo'ihi Records, a new Hawaiian record label focused on avant-garde and progressive music from Hawaii.

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Here's what we discussed in this interview...

• The Meaning Behind Lo'ihi Records

  • The label's name comes from the Lo'ihi seamount, a rising underwater volcano near Hawaii, symbolizing the growth of a unique music scene.
  • The vision is to support artists who push creative boundaries rather than catering to tourist-driven Hawaiian music.

• Challenges of Running a Record Label

  • The post-release phase has been one of the biggest challenges, with marketing and sustaining momentum after an album launch being particularly difficult.
  • Social media has been a learning curve for Dean, as he had no prior experience before starting the label.
  • Time management is crucial in balancing label operations with artistic passion.

• Philosophy and Mission of the Label

  • Lo'ihi Records aims to showcase music that is endemic to Hawaii—unique and growing from the local scene rather than fitting into traditional or commercial Hawaiian music stereotypes.
  • Dean emphasizes legacy building, inspired by his experience working on a historic Hawaiian fish pond restoration, knowing that some things take generations to fully materialize.

• The Importance of Physical Media & Vinyl

  • Scott and Dean discuss how vinyl records act as cultural artifacts, lasting for decades and creating connections across generations.
  • Dean sees vinyl releases as a way to preserve music beyond digital platforms.

• Overcoming Industry Hurdles

  • Unlike mainstream Hawaiian music, avant-garde and experimental artists in Hawaii struggle to find platforms and audiences.
  • Lo'ihi Records seeks to change that by fostering a local music community that supports progressive sounds.

• Marketing & Selling Vinyl

  • Scott shares insights on post-release strategies, emphasizing that record labels need to treat each release like a product launch that requires continued promotion.
  • They discuss the challenge of selling vinyl and the mindset shift needed to focus on long-term marketing rather than just new releases.

This episode is an insightful look at the unique vision behind Lo'ihi Records and the realities of starting a record label in an unconventional market.