Palauan rhythm
going global

KOROR (Palau Horizon) – GRANTED it was no Kings of Leon concert, but it was as close as you can get to a rockin’ concert in Palau. The concert -- launching Malo Paulis’ album, X-Factor -- last Thursday at Roll ‘em Productions was a blast. Great music, awesome performances, you don’t get that much often in Palau. This is what budding music talents like Malo hope to change in the future.

X-Factor is Malo’s first ever album to be launched in a big way. He had several albums in the past but with X-Factor, Malo said they have decided to do it the right way, with advertisements and promotions. Produced by Roll ‘em Productions, X Factor has 14 songs, 12 original and two covers.

“This is the first time I’ve launched an album this way,” said Malo. “It’s like the first real album that’s been produced in Palau.”

Malo’s music is a fusion of different genres, hoping to tap a larger demographic. What’s good about this album, he said, is that it is for everybody. “No matter who you are, and what kind of music you’re into, there’s always something for you in this album. There’s everything from reggae to alternative rock, pop and ballads.”

The single ‘I Got You’ for example is alternative reggae, and ‘Mead’ is Palauan reggae. ‘Chillin is R & B hip hop, while ‘X-Factor’ is hip hop and ‘Alsekum ‘Ng Etikom’ is Palauan ballad.

Malo is hoping that his subsequent albums will focus on specific genres. “But for this one I want to basically show the world that we are capable of other stuff.”

When Malo and Mike Fox, main producer of the album, started the album in 2007, they just had basically two songs. Malo was simultaneously writing the other songs while recording.

“There were highs and lows during the recording of the album,” Malo said. “There are some songs in the album that will make you dance; and there are some songs that will make you feel sad and remorseful.”

Some of the songs are also politically charged. “Some of them are not subtle, pretty blunt,” said Malo.

It took them two and a half years to record the album. Malo said they needed extra time to put in final touches to make each song individual and unique.

Malo’s goal is to break into the global market. “I’m not Kanye West, but at least I can try,” he shared. “Somebody has to. If somebody doesn’t do it, nobody will.” No wonder he decided to do 12 out of 14 songs in English. “I do love Palauans, but if you want to make it big, you don’t fish in the same pond.”

According to Malo, other Palauan musicians like Verra Kanai tried it before. She made it to the number one spot in the Hawaiian Billboards, but she didn’t continue. “She was able to break through the Hawaiian Billboards.” But then Kanai got married and settled down. “I wanna go beyond that. Hopefully, it will open doors for others.”

“This is the first official album of this level and quality that Roll ‘Em Productions ever produced,” said Fox. “The whole production was made in Palau.” A made-for-TV concert video will be aired on Thursday at 7:00 pm. “I guess what we really want is to show the world that it can be done.”

On Saturday, Malo will also have another concert at SLC Bar for his Palauan fans. On July 17, he will be in Denver, Colorado, to promote his album to the Palauan community. And mid-August, he will be in Portland, Oregon, to celebrate the return of island soldiers who were deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The CD will be out on Friday and it will be available in Dollar 99, PIDC, Surangel’s and Sons, WCTC, PCC Book Store, Franco’s Save More Airai and Shell Airai. It will also be available in Guam, Saipan, Hawaii and other parts of the US.

Malo’s band is composed of Marco Wandura, Peterson Adelbai, Taka Emesiochel, Albino Aichi, Adora Nobuo, Blance Salii, with special guest musicians, Richard Ziegler and RJ “Gudnyt” Villanueva.

Wednesday, 02 June 2010 14:34 By Maripet L. Poso - For Variety

Original text in: http://www.mvariety.com/2010060227078/plocal-news/palauan-rhythm-going-global.php