Ep. 29: Early 20th Century Hawaiian Music and its Global Impact with Andrea Low

Prior to opening the main discussion the host contextualises the current delta variant lockdown that is resulting in an online semester delivery that Dr. Andrea Low is helping out with. There are a couple of examples given of early 20th century commercial representations of the Pacific and issues of skilled performances and musical innovation entangled within race, power, and colonialism. Discussion with Dr. Low begins at 14:16 Curator and ethnomusicologist Andrea Low joins this episode to discuss the invention of the kīkā kila (Hawaiian steel guitar) by La‘ie, Oahu local Joseph Kekuku, as well as her grandfather the ukulele maestro Ernest Ka‘ai, and more. We explore Hawaiian musical inventions, contributions, and global transmission, such as traveling troupes. Early 20th century commercial musical production drew from many sources across various racial and cultural lines, whose marginalised interactions led to crosscurrents of exchange and inspiration. From Mexican/Paniolo/Latin vaqueros (cowboys) arrival in the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, bringing Spanish guitars, to the musicians that emerged after the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani’s monarchy, who travelled around the world performing their unique musical styles. The kīkā kila and slack key guitar sounds from Hawai‘i found their way across the region and the world, influencing various Pacific/Moana/Wansolwara musics, delta blues, country western, and more. We end on the ideas of cosmopolitanism during this period and some local adaptations, such as Bill Savesi and the legacy of the orange ballroom in Auckland.