Industry Insider Series #2 - Kelly Boy DeLima

   Welcome to our 2nd installment of our Industry Insider series. We started this series to give all of you insight and access to individuals who we feel has made a significant mark in our music industry, with the intent to help us all grow and excel in the music business. ( If this is your first visit with us, you can check out our interview with Michael Paulo, our first Indusrty Insider guest by clicking Industry Insider Series under categories in the column on the left.)

   This month taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with us awhile is Kelly De Lima. Kelly is the founding member of the band Kapena, with 20 CD's to their credit and over 24 years of experience in the music industry, his insight into the music business is truly a valuable one.

  

Kelly Boy De Lima

   Kapena first competed in the "Brown Bags to Stardom" contest representing Kaimuki High School....the state wide high school amateur  talent competition. Since then they have come a long way in the music business.

    While their "word of mouth" reputation grew, they moved on to become the house band at the local watering hole, Sparky's lounge. In 1986, Kapena's first album entitled "Satisfaction Gaurenteed" was recorded "live" at Sparky's and earned a nomination by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts for the 1987 "Na Hoku" award for "Most Promising Artist"

   In addition to their busy schedule in Hawaii, they have also toured the South Pacific, performing in such countries as: Guam, Saipan, and Palau with sell out crowds at every performance. Kapena's unique blend of South Pacific music is being played in over twenty countries worldwide. They have also toured the mainland U.S.A. in cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Colorado.

    In 1998, Kelly introduced his fans to the next musical generation, his three children. Kapena, Kalena, and Lilo who sing, dance and play multiple instruments. They have played on the Kapena stage in Hawaii and have toured with the band to the Mainland, Japan, and Pacific Islands.

For their complete Bio, Photos, and their full catalog of music visit: www.kapena.com

Interview -

   Afflatus - Kelly, lets start at the beginning. How or when did you first get started in the music business?

   Kelly - I started music in the 8th grade at Kaimuki intermediate. When my hands first touched the ukulele it was LOVE!!!!

   Afflatus - What "bands" have been an inspiration to your music?

  Kelly - Hui Ohana, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, The Makaha Son's, The Cazimero's, and The Element's.

   Afflatus - I once heard you say you never had a regular job aside from music. Is this true?

  Kelly - Yes, I never had a job working for someone else. I've always been self employed, muisc has been a vehicle that has provided for me and my ohana (family) for 25 years now.

   Afflatus - What disciplines do you feel contributed to such a long successful career?

  Kelly - I attribute it first to God, only he can bless you to do what you love for so many years. Hard work, showing up on time is a big one, attitude, and always remembering to smile. Your eye's are the window's to your heart!!!
 

   Afflatus - How do you keep coming up with new material?

  Kelly - Life events, a new keiki (baby), the lady selling mango's on the side of the highway, a new love or in my case a long lasting love......

   Afflatus - Do you ever find your self running out of musical idea's? How do you get through that?

  Kelly - I think the only excuse you have for running out of idea's, is if your not on this earth anymore.

   Afflatus - What is you take on digital downloads?

  Kelly - If they're paying for it, I have no problem!!!

   Afflatus - When creating music, artists at times may be pressured into making music that those on the business side of things feel targets a certain audience or niche. How much should an artists "give in" or "hold true" to themselves?    

  Kelly - If your truly performing and writing music from your heart, you will feel happy, your vibe will transcend through, and your audience will feel it. Positive good vibes and hope is what this world needs..

   Afflatus - I agree can't go wrong with following your heart.

   Afflatus - Any advice for the up and coming artist that wants to pursue music as a career?

  Kelly - Don't do it because you see a band on stage and you want to be a Star. I mean it's all good to be inspired by it, but remember it takes a lot of hard work and Passion!!! When you have that, people will feel it, and make you a star.

   Afflatus - In closing anything else you want to add?

  Kelly - Spread the love, Music and Aloha all over the world.

   We would like to thank Kelly and the whole De Lima ohana for their continued support of Island Music and the people involved in creating it... Be it musician, engineer, label owner, promoter, or fan, from the back yard to the main stage, from the studios to the radio stations and beyond.  Thank You Kelly!!!!

For more information about Kelly and his band Kapena check out their website at www.kapena.com

To book Kapena all inquires should be directed to:

Thompson and Associates
P.O. Box 6461
Kaneohe, HI 96744


Phone 808-239-4100
Fax 808-239-6612


For non booking inquires, comments, etc. Email Kapena at kapena@kapena.com

   As always please feel free to leave us your comments. If there is a music related topic you would like to see featured in our blog let us know as well.


  Till Next Time......


   Aloha......