Steven Espaniola

It’s rare when an artist arrives on the scene, offering a refreshing new spin on a traditional genre of music. Steven Espaniola is that artist. Raised in Aliamanu, Hawai’i and now residing in the California Bay Area, Steven is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in Ki Ho’alu (Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar), ‘Ukulele, Upright Bass, and Leo Ki’e Ki’e (Traditional Hawaiian falsetto). Of Hawaiian, Filipino and Spanish descent, his ethnicity is as diverse as his unique sound, which preserves the integrity of the traditional with a flourish of the modern.
Through the years, Steven has had the pleasure of performing alongside some of Hawai’i’s top entertainers, including Willie K., Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom, Makana, Ho’okena, and Ledward Ka’apana. Though an accomplished musician, Steven continues to grow as a humble student of Hawaiian music, while contributing to perpetuate its legacy for future generations. Steven hopes to be a perennial mainstay in the Hawaiian music scene for many years to come.
His debut album, entitled Ho’omaka (to begin), features a mesmerizing collection of traditional and original Hawaiian mele (songs) recorded by Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning producer Dave Tucciarone. Ho’omaka will be sure to transport the listener to the Hawai’i of yesterday with soaring falsetto vocals, nahenahe slack key guitar, and rhythmic ‘ukulele. Steven Espaniola’s highly anticipated debut album will carry you on a musical journey you won’t soon forget.