GETTING ‘FUNKAFIED’ WITH AMALIA

Amalia returns to the Islands, which she calls her ‘spiritual home' ARASH ARFAZADEH PHOTO

Amalia returns to the Islands, which she calls her ‘spiritual home’
ARASH ARFAZADEH PHOTO

Two years ago, I met an amazing artist named Amalia, a futuristic boogie soulstress originally from Vancouver, B.C., but so deeply in love with the Islands. She’s spent a lot of time living and traveling around the globe, most recently in Chicago recording with modern funk label Cherries Records.

Amalia is back on Oahu for a brief visit, and she won’t disappoint: Catch her Aug. 17 at Motown On Mondays Honolulu from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Dragon Upstairs for a rare local performance by the first lady of modern funk.

Roger Bong: Why does Hawaii resonate so strongly with you?

Amalia: My connection to the Islands is purely instinctive! Just like an iridescent flying fish finally finding its cozy canopy of alternating currents. I’m an island girl by nature. Born in the British Isles. My mother (is) from the Philippines.

I feel Hawaii is my spiritual home — where my mind, body and soul feel most balanced. My desire to return to my purest self brought me to Hawaii just over two years ago. Now I dream of growing ripe with age in (this) place surrounded by pineapples, papayas, coconut trees, beautiful enlightened humanoids, heavenly scents of jasmine and orchids, and music making outdoors on a rooftop. Self-sustainability and simplicity.

RB: What have you been up to lately? Any new recordings on the way?

A: I’ve been in the process of reinvention. (For) the past six months, I’ve been studying life in Chicago — collecting inspiration, eating a lot (typical me) and experiencing the rawest of artists: devout underground beatmakers, recording with Chi-town’s soul legend Doug Shorts, studying sculptors, painters, jazz musicians, classical musicians, children giggling. As an artist, I need to have the time to reflect and recharge before I explode again. I haven’t released a full-length (album) since 2013, so my plan of action was to just go with the flow, feel no pressure and draw in from all the living.

RB: How has traveling and living around the world influenced your musical perspective?

A: Wow, well, I thought it would make me more adaptable to new environments and habitats, but being somewhat of a nomad for going on 10 years, I’m finding this delicate flower only wants to plant her roots firmly. I’m blessed to have an infinite amount of artists I can call my friends across the globe, but with all that traveling comes distance from those you love and your heart being pulled in so many directions.

I do feel my next solo release is going to be even more honest and have a stronger sense of chill thanks to Chicago.

RB: It’s been two years since you performed on Oahu. What memories do you have of your gig in September 2013, and what are you looking forward to this time around?

A: My memories are of vivid joy! I remember having perma-grin so bad my cheeks hurt! Having so many leis on I felt like I had been reborn a flower!

I do intend to sing for longer and hopefully get an improv session going with Maria Remos and all y’all. Expect to be funkafied!

Roger recently turned his blog into a record label: alohagotsoul.com