Nathan Aweau

Known for his hauntingly beautiful vocals (he’s won Male Vocalist of the Year honors three times - more than any other artist), it isn’t surprising to learn that Hawaiian singer/songwriter/composer/producer Nathan Aweau was born into a musical family. His grandparents played a variety of instruments; his mother played piano; and his father taught music and was a choir director. In addition to possessing a natural ability to sing, Aweau’s early years consisted of piano, guitar, and ‘ukulele lessons, followed by saxophone, percussion, and bass.

He began his professional career in college, accompanying such well-known performers as Gabe Baltazar, Henry Kapono, Loyal Garner, and Nohelani Cypriano, followed by stints as a member of the award-winning groups Ka`eo (1984-1988), The Ali’i’s (1989-1994), and Hapa (2003-2010). He was also the musical director for the legendary Don Ho for 16 years, and has worked with national artists such as Jerry Brown (drummer for Lionel Richie and Stanley Clarke), and Ron Lee (drummer for Barry Manilow).

Aweau also taught music at high school and college seminars, covering subjects ranging from writing, arranging, and sequencing to computer music. In one project he gave Hawai’i high school students the chance to experience the process of producing and recording a song.

In addition to being a stage musician, Aweau has played for a variety of commercials and provided background music for a number of shows on the Travel Channel. A seasoned music producer, he has worked extensively in the studio producing, arranging, and performing for various large projects, commercials, radio stations, and other artists.

Beloved by fans, Aweau is a natural storyteller with a somewhat self-deprecating sense of humor. His audiences love his explanations of the inspiration behind his songs. He is also highly respected by fellow musicians. The late John Koko, long-time member of the highly popular, multiple-award winning Hawaiian music group The Makaha Sons, once said, “Nathan Aweau ... Incredible Bass Player … Irresistible Voice... Incomparable Entertainer! The CD ‘Kane`ohe’ will take you on a musical journey that is Haunting...Refreshing... Powerful and Exciting.”

The respect of other professionals in the music industry is also evidenced by the fact that Aweau has received numerous nominations and awards for his work, both as a solo artist and as part of a group. His 2001 release E Apo Mai received multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards (Hawaii’s GRAMMY®), including Male Vocalist of the Year and Hawaiian Album of the Year. He also received Song of the Year honors at the Hawai’i Music Awards for the album’s title track.

2005 saw Aweau again honored with multiple awards, as both a solo artist and as part of the group Hapa. His passion for the electric bass was expressed in his Bass Etude CD, which was voted Jazz Album of the Year. And Hapa’s Maui CD, which shot up Billboard’s World Music chart (peaking at number 7), received awards for Album of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Graphics, and Engineering. Aweau was also honored with his second award for Male Vocalist of the Year for his album The Hawai’i Classic Series - Vintage.

In 2006 Aweau received his third Male Vocalist of the Year award, for his The Hawai’i Classic Series – Hula CD. In the 39 year history of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, he remains the only artist to receive the honor three times.

In 2008 Aweau released “Kane’ohe” - the long-awaited follow up to “E Apo Mai” – which was comprised of songs that celebrate the place that he calls home. He wrote all twelve songs, played every instrument, sang all the background parts, and engineered, mixed, and mastered the entire CD.

His December 2015 release ‘Āina Hānau is yet another all-original album, filled with songs inspired by his beloved Hawai’i, his first grandchild, Queen Lili’uokalani, and more. As was the case for his other solo releases, ‘Āina Hānau is 100% Aweau. He sang all the vocals (including background); played all the instruments; wrote and arranged all the songs; and recorded, mixed, and mastered the album, all at his In My Bathroom Studios.