Mix two parts locals and one part Canadian and you get The Throwdowns. Reminiscent of No Doubt’s girl to guy ratio and following the likes of Paramore, the Maui band has been rockin’ out island stages alongside big names (The Fray, Matisyahu, Train) for a few years now.
Known for their lively and explosive performances, Erin Smith (vocals), Ola Shaw (guitar) and Ian Hollingsworth (drums) were thrilled to release their first full length album in the fall of 2011 (at the time, the band also included Kimo Clark). A year and some change later, the group recently released a sneak peek of their new single “Love & Light.” Experimenting with all sorts of genres, The Throwdowns have blended Reggae, pop and alternative rock.
Maui boy guitar player Shaw is to The Throwdowns as melody is to song. Responsible for the band’s production, Shaw has helped produce other local artists as well.
Now The Throwdowns are playing Stella Blues. Which is good, because we recently talked story with Shaw, picking his brain on producing the group, the new single and juicy band gossip…
MAUITIME: Can you describe your latest song in just three words?
OLA SHAW: Para Mumford Kites.
MT: We hear that you are a master producer. Tell us more.
OS: Whoever told you that is very nice. Thank you. I have a lot more alone time than most people.
MT: We’ve read somewhere that your production style is similar to Passion Pit. Any truth to this?
OS: I do love that band and the production done by Chris Zane was amazing. I do enjoy mixing modern sounds, synth or keys into analog indie rock to create a unique sound. Keeping people dancing or bobbing their heads is what it’s all about. My nostalgia is the sound of a warm record. (Dad and Mom played real vinyl growing up.) I find myself trying to recreate that warmth with lots of layers and air.
MT: What is your dream music festival to play?
OS: Tomorrowland would be insane! Being able to share our passion with 185,000 people from over 75 countries would be pretty amazeballz.
MT: Any pre-show rituals we should know about?
OS: High Fives, Pray, Set List Scramble.
MT: What’s your favorite song from past or present projects?
OS: It’s a toss-up. I really love the song “Stay HI.” Erin and Marty Dread killed on that track. I’m also stoked on an instrumental guitar song I got to do a few years ago. I collaborated with a beat maker called the Ologist and the song was placed in Bethany Hamilton’s movie, Soul Surfer.
MT: What’s on your iPod right now?
OS: “Not Done Yet” by SOJA. “Black and Blu” by Mike Snow. “My Girl the Horse” by Fences. “Treasure” by Bruno Mars. “Mountain Sound” by Of Monsters and Men. “Only if for a Night” by Florence + The Machine. And “My Dear” (featuring Hunter Thompson) by Bethel Music.
MT: In the band, who’s the class clown?
OS: Ian Hollingsworth. Erin is our team mom/den mother.
Dinner & Show $60. Show only $30. 6pm dinner. 7:30pm show. Stella Blues Cafe (1279 S. Kihei Rd.); 808-874-3779; Stellablues.com.
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