Natural Vibrations

Natural Vibrations' Biography

Maybe it’s because both Jamaica and Hawai‘i lie close to 20 degrees latitude north. Maybe it’s just the island thing. Whatever...reggae, the native music of Jamaica, has always reverberated in the 50th State, influencing a number of artists and bands. None have achieved the level of popularity and acclaim of Natural Vibrations, who incorporate this sound along with the pop, rock, and rap music of today to create their own unique sound. Formed in 1993 as a group of friends getting together at backyard parties in Kahalu‘u on O‘ahu’s Windward side, before they knew it they were performing locally, recording, and touring on a regular basis. Today, they are one of the most popular bands in Hawai‘i, with a growing fan base on the Mainland and beyond.

Natural Vibrations, also known as Natural Vibes, Natty Vibes or simply Da Vibes by their countless fans, describe themselves as a “wild, sexually explicit, three-ring circus-like, hard-partying, fun-loving, pop/rock/reggae band.”

Critics have praised their straight-ahead, no-holds-barred pop/rock/reggae style, blended with their sweet treatment of classic, timeless love and relationship themes.

So it’s no wonder that when you ask music fans in Hawai‘i, from their teens on up, who their favorite band is, the answer is invariably “Natural Vibrations!” Indeed, their live shows are social/cultural must-see events unto themselves.

Although Natural Vibrations is comprised of six very different personalities, the synergy between them is extraordinary and comes together on stage, creating a dynamic visual/musical experience. Their fans pack the front of the stage, dancing and singing along with every song. Their musical backgrounds are varied...citing influences from Prince and Michael McDonald to “old school” Bob Marley and UB 40. Each member of the Vibes plays multiple musical instruments as well as contributes to the band’s songwriting, and five of the guys trade off on lead vocals, adding to the strength and diversification of the show. When you see them in concert, you’ll become an instant fan! That’s why some refer to them as “the Grateful Dead” of Hawai‘i. Their show is the place to go!

The Members

peni

PENIDEAN PUA‘AULI – Vocals, Keyboards

Peni, a native of Kahalu‘u, started singing when he was six years old, and was blessed with a memorable voice and a talented ear. “I draw my strength and peace of mind from the ocean. Natural Vibes is in me and I strive to give 110% positive energy.”

jehua

JEHUA EVANS – Bass, Guitar, Vocals

Jehua's MySpace

Jehua was a member of the Bosscats before joining Natural Vibrations. Born and raised in Waimanalo, Hawai‘i, he believes the band’s success is partially attributed to the ability of the band to connect with people and spread their positive vibe.

stacy

STACY MEDEIROS – Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Kahului, Maui, native Stacy Medeiros has played with popular Hawaiian entertainers such as Roland Cazimero, Kapono, and Na Leo. He gets inspiration for songwriting from social issues, such as the Hawaiian nation’s current struggle.

kayton

KAYTON MACARIOLA – Percussion, Vocals

Kayton, a native of Kahalu’u, enjoys playing congas for relaxation and to increase his spiritual awareness. He also likes freestyle rappin’ to Rasta beats and break-dancing. His hobbies include surfing the Sandy Beach shorebreak, whipping and dunking for fish on the North Shore, hunting, and rappelling down cliffs.

WAYNE ENOS – Guitar, Bass, Vocals

Wayne's MySpace

Guitarist Wayne Enos is a laid-back local boy from Hauula, who rocks on stage and loves all styles of music. Along with Peni, Wayne is one of the principal songwriters in the group. One of his favorite “Vibe” moments was when Prince jumped on stage with them during a show on Maui.

shane

SHANE ABRAHAM – Keyboards, Vocals

Shane spent most of his life in Windward O‘ahu towns of Kailua and Kane‘ohe. His musical influences are mainly in the reggae genre, and he notices the difference in the industry today as compared to what it was like when he first started. “Reggae music has definitely become abundant in almost every country. But like many other genres, reggae artists have incorporated other styles such as reggae-rock, reggae hip-hop, jazz reggae, R and B, Dancehall, etc., that we see in a lot of popular music on radio and TV. Doing that only helps to sell to a much broader audience.”

The Music

Natural Vibrations have recorded five albums in the last 11 years: Balls Rolling – 1996; All Natural – 1998; Getting High – 2000; The Circle – 2003; From the Heart – 2007. They have won multiple awards for Best Reggae Album and hit the Billboard Reggae Chart in 2002 and again in 2007.

Their latest release, “From the Heart,” is their first release since 2003. Vibe fanatics have been anxiously awaiting this new CD, and they we're not disappointed. “From the Heart” features 13 new songs, and like all other Natural Vibe’s CDs, they are all originals. In May of 2007 "From the Heart" reached number 5 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. Natural Vibrations’ homegrown songs are described as “rootsy, funky, rock steady and romantic, with a touch of dub,” and shows the growth and progress of The Vibes as a band that is ready to break out and become the next major international artist from Hawai‘i.

The group has performed in Saipan, Guam, Alaska, California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, and has shared the stage with impressive list of artists: Steel Pulse, 311, Maxi Priest, UB40, Israel Vibration, Jimmy Cliff, Santana, The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, Bunny Wailer, Neil McCoy, Faith Hill, Blu Cantell, Chaka Demus, Tanya Stephens, O-Maya, Aswad, Yellowman, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, Eek-A Mouse, Don Carlos, Lucky Dube, Big Mountain, Japan super-band “Tube” and many more. And then there was the night on Maui when Prince couldn’t contain himself and jumped on stage to jam with the boys.

What’s Next?

The band is looking forward to their upcoming Spring Tour (17 cities in 25 days), followed by a three-island mini CD release tour. They go to Alaska in late summer, and are hoping to tour Japan after that. These international ambassadors of pop/rock/reggae consciously take time during each show to promote brotherhood and respect. Their mission is to promote harmony and fun through their music and lifestyle, as they share their music and positive energy with thousands of old and new fans around the world.

The Vibrations are indeed Natural — and they’re good Vibrations too!

Natural Vibrations' Press Information (updated January 30, 2008 12:19 PM )

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