March 14th, 2025, Pearl City, Hawaii: Pacific Records is proud to announce KupuKupu has signed with Pacific Records releasing their debut self-titled album on Friday March 14th, ahead of their two-day concerts on March 15th & 16th at the Leeward Theatre. KupuKupu consists of a dynamic collective featuring Patrick Makuakane and Pat Eskildsen at its core with an alternating roster of guest musicians.
The album is a menagerie of love songs, esteemed chants and colorful characters rendered with a sense of irony and rule-breaking, yet harmoniously balanced. According to Kumu Patrick, “The album is about discovery, collaboration and taking risks. It’s how we take the ancient story of Princess Lāʻieikawai and seduce her with a vibrant horn section and a groovy beat. It seems only fitting that Hawaiʻi’s renowned renaissance king, David Kalākaua is honored by turning one of his 50th birthday jubilee chants into a jazzy New Orleans street band melody ending with a drumline tribute.”
The album has already begun to make waves in the Hawaiian Recording Industry- “We live in a world of hyperbole, where seemingly everything is new, brilliant and extraordinary. But truly, not everything falls into these categories. “New” is not only novel – it’s unexpected. “Brilliant” is not only creative – it challenges our boundaries. “Extraordinary” does not only exceed expectations – it creates new ones. It is without hyperbole that I congratulate Kumu Patrick Makuakāne on his collection of songs, Kupukupu. Here’s to all that is new, brilliant and extraordinary – find some herein.” – Zachary Lum, Keauhou
Named after the resilient KupuKupu fern native to Hawaii, this band thrives on growth, renewal, and the power of connection. Just as the fern symbolizes new beginnings and the ability to flourish in diverse environments, KupuKupu embodies an ever-evolving musical journey, rooted in collaboration and transformation. Each performance and recording is a fresh sprout—unique, vibrant, and shaped by the diverse talents of its contributors. The band’s sound is fluid, blending elements of Hawaiian grooves, world rhythms, and experimental textures, all grounded by an organic, earthy energy that reflects the natural inspiration behind its name. Like the fern’s unfurling fronds, KupuKupu’s music grows outward in unexpected directions. One show might feature ethereal vocals woven through ambient soundscapes; the next could erupt with driving percussion, brass explosions, and hypnotic basslines. This constant evolution keeps their sound fresh, raw, and alive—rooted in a deep respect for musical exploration and the transformative power of collaboration.
“I’m so excited to welcome KupuKupu to the Pacific Records family. Their unique, soulful blend of Hawaiian and Contemporary music and their immersive live show with hula makes us so proud have them on the roster” – Brian Witkin, CEO of Pacific Records
KupuKupu is not just a band; it’s a living organism, expanding and adapting with each new influence. Whether on stage or in the studio, their music invites listeners to embrace change, celebrate growth, and find connection in the spaces where different sounds and souls meet.
Album link: https://orcd.co/kupukupu
Artist Label Profile: https://pacificrecords.com/our-artists/
Leeward Theatre Ticket Link: www.leeward.hawaii.edu/theatre