Q&A: MARYANNE ITO

Local soul singer Maryanne Ito just won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for R&B Album of the Year.

Her debut, Waking Up, is an outstanding collection of original neo-soul songs with a voice so lush you’ll get chicken skin. With a busy month ahead, Maryanne graciously gave me her time for this interview. Find Maryanne online at maryanneito.com.

Congratulations! How does it feel?
I’m still in shock. It’s so surreal. But it’s also such a good feeling to be recognized for your talent. I’m super thankful.

How was your Na Hoku performance with Streetlight Cadence?
I’m glad HARA (Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts) paired me with them. We already knew each other and are fans of each other’s work, although our music is so different. I think it went very well. It’s different from something I would normally do. But it was a good experience.

June is a very busy month for you. The Republik (June 3), Atherton Studio (June 6), New Zealand for the Pacific Music Awards (June 13), and then a European tour (June 19-29).
I’m ready to spread my wings and take flight. I think this (Na Hoku) award just opened so many doors. I feel like it’s starting to open up a new chapter.

What will your set at The Republik be like?
I’m doing an acoustic set, something very simple.

What can we expect from your performance at Atherton?
It’s going to be an evening of intimate soul. I’m going to share some original songs from my album, and some covers of music that’s inspired me.

What do you hope to take home from New Zealand, aside from the International Artist of the Year award?
I’m stoked to meet some of the artists and musicians there. I want to experience more than just the awards. I’ll be there for three days, and then I fly out to London.

You’re going to be in Paris, Amsterdam, London and a few other places.
I can’t wait to experience the food, the music, the culture. Carol Riddick, she’s headlining the tour; I’m a supporting act. I’ve been a fan of her since I heard her on Musiq Soulchild’s album. I finally get to meet the voice behind Soulstar!

What do you hope to bring back with you?
I always bring back a grip of new material that I’ve written because I’m inspired while (traveling). I hope to bring back connections I can build with on future projects. We’ll see.

Bennie James has been a big support. How has he helped propel your music?
Last year I felt very discouraged. I had all this material but I lacked the push to put it out. I seriously considered hanging it up. Bennie was like, “What’s this I’m hearing?” He proposed a manager relationship deal with me. I accepted. He’s helped me push my music out so much. He really does go hard for me. Love that guy.

How would you define soul music?
Soul music is honest. Soul music is felt. It’s from the soul.

How has living in Hawaii and the aloha spirit influenced your music?
There’s no place like Hawaii; this is paradise for me. The culture, the way of life, the aloha spirit. You can definitely hear that in my first album: It’s all about love.

Roger recently turned his blog, Aloha Got Soul, into a record label: alohagotsoul.com.