Rising Stars: Meet Kolomona Ku

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kolomona Ku.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began this wonderful creative journey in Hawaii as a classical pianist. This route was a very avant garde approach to learning music, as most Hawai’i musicians played traditional Hawaiian and Reggae music. However, no matter the genre, music has always been the outlet in which to articulate my emotions–joy, sadness, anger, peace and courage. George Gershwin and Claude Debussy were my childhood musical heroes that helped shape my artistic tendencies, tone and overall sound in early composition. After years of classical performance and competition, a musical door opened up in my later teenage years to tour with the notable island reggae band ‘Kolohe Kai’ as their keyboard and saxophone player. This connection also allowed me to step into freelance and session work with island reggae acts on an international level. Things were shaken up once again at the age of 22 when I devoted my life to Jesus Christ.

This act changed my belief of music from only self-promotion to a vehicle that allows others to experience the same agape love I had encountered. I began to music direct and led worship at local churches while picking up new skillsets in guitar, bass, sound engineering and production. This season of life catapulted a move to Los Angeles in 2017 and the birth of my most recent form of artistry, Kowrites. This project features compositions of ambient soundscape, solo piano and instrumental lo-fi hip-hop. The intention of Kowrites is to accompany others in times of reflection, meditation, prayer and workflow. Kowrites has generated numerous digital album releases and over 2.3 million streams on Spotify. I believe wholeheartedly that there is a God and that He is good! Strategies for artist projects and my future endeavors are inspired by a relationship with Jesus, the truth that we are all unconditionally loved by God, and my beautiful family.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The artist road has been a multitude of mountain and valley seasons. I’ve found that embracing each is a healthy approach to creative inspiration and authenticity. The biggest challenge by far was navigating a move to Los Angeles from Hawai’i. I had to build new musical connections and grow in knowledge of the bigger music industry that was clearly transitioning from a traditional artist approach to a DIY mentality. It is difficult balancing an artist project with family life and ministry. However, what I have found over the years is that the three pillars have intertwined, providing support for one another. In a sense, the three have become one, allowing further focus in my life’s purpose.

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am a touring musician, composer, songwriter and producer that specializes in piano work and leading worship. I am most thankful for the opportunity to create content that shares God’s love while adding value to others.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe luck to be a non-factor in my life and business. We are all held in God’s hands, and through discernment and prayer, the doors He opens are the doors we are called to enter.

Contact Info:

• Email: kowritesmusic@gmail.com
• Website: kowrites.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kowrites/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6R9uA7YU7YjaqNotNJPyCb?si=c8hXRZu9Sk6lKQN8hEEAVw

Image Credits
Ryan Arroyo