AsiansOfMixedRace.com Interview:
Scott Katsura

Scott Katsura is a star. He is a star because he grinds to become not only a better recording artist but, to grow as a better person. His evolution is simple: The world knew him as Scott Allan, the slick and provocative artist from the Big Apple, but now, he is Scott Katsura, just the simple and ordinary guy from the Big Pineapple with so much aloha to give! And aloha is what he gives. Nicknamed by his friend, Sweet Hapa Soulness, Scott Katsura.

AMR.com: Born This Way is your 5th album. How much have you grown as an artist since you first released Eruption?

SK: I’ve grown tremendously, like night and day. Even more than a recording artist and songwriter, I’ve grown as a person. The things that character is made of.

AMR.com: Born This Way has received great reviews. What are your expectations for this album?

SK: My greatest hope is that my fans will receive the lyrical messages that I’ve written about being unique, using your God given talents, and above all else, humanity. Of course, I’d love for them to enjoy the music too! I also hope to reach out to a new audience and broaden my demographics.

AMR.com: On 9/11, you lost many people you were close to on a personal level and professional level. After being away for three years you released the self-produced Aloha Miles Away. What got you through this tragic time and how important to you was the release of this album?

SK: For the longest time, I was inspired by Martin Luther King and his “I have a dream…” speech. I kept on reminding myself of the adversities that he faced by living out his dream, and the simple fact that his legacy lives on. I prayed to God a lot for guidance, and for comfort from Jesus. It was very important for me to release “Aloha Miles Away” as it was the paradox moment in my life and music career. I was eager in telling the entire world that love and aloha was worth more than all the riches of the world, and that aloha was the greatest gift I had to offer in my music.

AMR.com: Just as you did with Aloha Miles Away, you went the route of self-production with Born This Way. How much fun is it producing your own albums?

SK: Words cannot describe the fun of producing your own album. It’s the complete freedom of expression, without restrictions and formats dictated to you by record executives who are ignorant of the artist’s vision. It’s also great to collaborate with other musicians who share the same passion, sincerity and excitement about my vision. On my last two projects, I’ve been real blessed to work with such honest, caring and humble music associates.

AMR.com: You collaborated with jazz pianist Martin Bejerano on Aloha Miles Away and once again on Born This Way. You guys seem to have a good thing going here! How did you two meet and what made you decide to work together?

SK: I was encouraged to meet with Martin by a dear friend and Broadway singer named David Velarde. David co-wrote many songs with me from “Aloha Miles Away”. David was absolutely sure that Martin was the man for the “Aloha Miles Away” musical orchestration job, but still I was reluctant. I didn’t like the fact that working with Martin meant leaving Manhattan every day and heading out to Martin’s Brooklyn studio. As fate would have it, I finally gave in! Working with Martin is like magic to me. He makes my job so easy, and yet, he pushes me to the limit at the same time, always taking me to a higher level.

AMR.com: How did you feel when Aloha Miles Away won Pop Album of the Year at the 2005 Hawai’i Music Awards?

SK: I was really, really surprised! Prior to this CD release, I was absent from the music industry for a few years, so I was ecstatic to learn that many fans of old and new supported me. It’s a real honor to be chosen as the top contender in the pop category.

AMR.com: I’m being biased but could Flower Lei be the perfect wedding song?

SK: Absolutely! As a matter of fact, I’ve sung “Flower Lei” at a few weddings for family members and some good friends too! The lyrics to “Flower Lei” is all about deep commitment and finding that one and only one.

AMR.com: Being raised in Hawai’i, how difficult was it for you to come to the mainland in pursuit of your career?

SK: It was very difficult. I experienced culture shock to the first degree! Obviously, Hawaii and New York City are the exact opposites of lifestyle and weather. It did help to have Evelyn Champagne King by my side at the beginning of my move, but overall, no matter who surrounded me, I was always on my own, trying to find my own way. Today, I truly enjoy the best of both worlds! Lucky me…

AMR.com: You were training for Broadway when you first began your musical journey but you had a dream of being a pop singer. Any regrets and do you think one day you’ll hit Broadway?

SK: No, I have no regrets. I’ve learned to never say never, though, I have no desire to perform on Broadway. I’m not that type of performer who enjoys singing night after night, repeating the same lines over and over again. I love Broadway when I’m a member of the audience, it’s my time to be entertained and to enjoy myself during my own personal down time!

AMR.com: You and I spoke briefly about our experiences growing up Hapa. You spoke of growing up in Hawai’i with a longing, never "fully" belonging to any particular group or culture. Feeling you were like "all of them" but still "none of them" at the same time. Has your music helped you as well as those you have touched with your music helped you achieve a sense of wholeness?

SK: For sure! Music and singing is like nourishment to my heart and soul. And when I am feeling it, my audience is feeling it also. But more than music, my career, or anything in this world, it is my intimate relationship with God that brings me the most fulfillment and wholeness. It’s what goes on behind closed doors that is most important to me and my happiness.

AMR.com: Your music is deep, touches the human soul and you have a message. What is this message?

SK: To love yourself first before you can truly love anyone around you. To make the most of what you’ve been given. To treat others as you’d wish to be treated also. To love and respect all life forms here on earth. To celebrate your own individuality and uniqueness.

AMR.com: What is the “spirit of Aloha” and why is it important for you to give it to the world?

SK: As handed down to me by my Hawaiian great grandmother, ALOHA is three separate words put together, “A” light or enlightenment… “Lo” close to the earth… “Ha”… the breath of God. In the olden days, Aloha was saying more than hello or goodbye. ALOHA is a heartfelt way of saying to another, “Light or enlightenment given close to the earth, through the breath of God, I see God in you, you see God in me, we are one ohana, one family.” ALOHA is universal and can be felt in every part of the world. What a beautiful thing to share…

AMR.com: You work with charities, most specifically the Hawaiian Humane Society, Children In Crisis and the Whale And Dolphin Conservatory Society. Why are they important to you?

SK: We all need help in our own way. But charity to me gives deeper meaning to what I do. It surpasses all the glam and glitter that sparkles in the entertainment industry. It keeps me grounded! But most of all, I absolutely love animals of all types, especially cats, dogs, dolphins and whales.

AMR.com: Which do you like better? The hustle and bustle of the big city or the laidback tempo of the islands?

SK: I love the balance of the two. They both serve their purpose. They both have their ups and downs. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to live these two amazing lifestyles.

AMR.com: Where have you toured and do you have a favorite?

SK: Basically, I’ve traveled all over the world. But my favorites are Mexico City and Japan. I love the culture and demeanor of these two places.

AMR.com: When you’re not touring and composing, how do you spend your downtime?

SK: With loved ones, my two cats, in nature, watching movies, reading good books, eating delicious foods and relaxing. I also love to spent time alone and in solitude. It’s the best time when I feel most intimate with God.

AMR.com: Who is Scott Katsura?

SK: Honest. Loving. Caring. Always sharing the Spirit of Aloha.

AMR.com: Who are some of your favorite artists and are there any artists in particular you would like to work with?

SK: There are too many to mention. I love so many artists of all types, for so many different reasons. But I will say that I’d love to work with Sade Adu.

AMR.com: Do you have any advice for those who want to get into the music industry?

SK: The harder you work, the luckier you may get. Stay true to yourself. Always be humble, friendly and polite.

AMR.com: Is there a special someone in your life?

SK: Yes. I am extremely blessed and thankful to have someone who loves me, for me!