About
JUSTIN KAWIKA YOUNG
vocals, guitar
My musical odyssey started in high school, steeped in Hawaiian and reggae tunes, later enriched by the soulful rhythms of Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. Touring with Colbie Caillat and Brett Young fueled my passion. Seven Suns, our band, is a dream realized—a collective where every member is both a cherished individual and a musical virtuoso. Our debut single, "Many Feathers," embodies our mission: individual uniqueness melds into a harmonious whole. Beyond a band, Seven Suns is our genuine contribution, sharing our musical souls to bring joy, ease suffering, and unite people. It's a shared journey, transcending mere performances for profound musical connections.
SHAWN KEKOA PIMENTAL
vocals, drums
As a 10-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and Grammy Nominated Music Producer and Artist, the pinnacle of my journey was reached at the 2022 Hōkū Awards, where my group Kulāiwi triumphed in Album of the Year, Group of the Year, Hawaiian Music Album of the Year, and the Best Hawaiian Engineering Award. From crafting records for luminaries like Kealiʻi Reichel and Lehua Kalima to composing for Mike Post and Disney, my musical odyssey spans the globe. Serving as a Musical Director and Band Member, I've shared soul-stirring moments with Janet Jackson, Colbie Caillat, and more. Beyond accolades, my dedication resonates in shaping not only Hawaiʻi's but the world's music narrative, as reflected in owning KOOPS2 Entertainment, co-owning ʻUpena Production Network and Studios, and leading the live audio and television broadcast for the Merrie Monarch Festival.
JASON TUPUOLA-AIONO
vocals, bass, percussion
My journey into music ignited at the age of 3, captivated by the film La Bamba. Growing up, my musical influences were shaped by the sounds of Kapena, C&K, and Hoʻaikane. Over the years, I've toured nationally and internationally, sharing stages with artists like Anuhea and Eli Mac, and collaborating with various talents from Hawaiʻi. Joining Seven Suns is a thrilling chapter, aligning myself with some of Hawaiʻi's premier backing artists. To me, Seven Suns embodies a brotherhood of uplifting, positive men—both on and off stage—serving as inspiring role models for the youth of Hawaiʻi.
PHIL CROWN
vocals, keyboards
Raised in Aotearoa, New Zealand, I'm the son of Māori singer Armand Crown. Early years were immersed in music, surrounded by my father's performances with the Tuhi Tama Band and Once Were Warriors guitarist Tama Renata. Inspired by Tahitian/Māori musician Heiman Tahiata in High School, I transitioned from drums to singing and keys. Joining NZ pop R&B band Ardijah, I toured globally for 10 years, sharing stages with George Benson and Boyz to Men. Connecting with artists like King Kapisi and Sons of Zion, I formed Legacy and deepened ties in NZ's music scene. A connection with Awa led me to Hawaiʻi in 2013, touring with Nesian Nine and co-founding R&B group The HI Standard. Now with Seven Suns, it's more than music; it's a celebration of joy, collaboration, and appreciation, aligning my musical journey with Hawaiʻi's rhythm.
ETHAN CAPONE
keyboards
As a pianist fueled by dynamic and free-spirited melodies, my jazz-infused technique breathes life into the keys. Immersed in the music, I evoke a modern touch that resonates, inviting listeners to sing along. Collaborating with talents like Jack Johnson, Wayne Brady, and Mick Fleetwood has been an incredible journey. Opening for artists such as Allen Stone, Common, and Chris Bode added layers to my musical tapestry. Now residing in Hawaiʻi, I've found inspiration in collaborations with local luminaries like Paula Fuga, Mike Love, and Henry Kapono. My contributions to Paula Fuga's "Rain On Sunday" and Henry Kapono's award-winning "The Songs of C&K" showcase the depth of my passion. As a Musical Director, crafting arrangements for diverse ensembles brings me immense joy. It's worth noting that music runs deep in my family—my mother a piano teacher, and my father a piano technician, instilling a profound love for the instrument in my musical roots.
PAUL NELSON
bass, guitar
Born in Honolulu, I initially explored my Native Hawaiian roots through the ukulele, but a chance discovery of an old flamenco guitar led me from casual fascination to formal study. In my formative years, I immersed myself in classical and Hawaiian Slack-Key, engaging with local punk and reggae bands. Venturing to Los Angeles for jazz guitar and music production studies, I honed my skills as a gigging musician.
Returning to Hawaiʻi, I dove into the local music scene, connecting with powerhouse vocalists Keilana and Paula Fuga, alongside Shawn and Piʻi. I also hit the road with Kimié Miner.
For me, Seven Suns is a convergence of friends, weaving music that tells the diverse stories of our unique and profoundly interwoven human and cultural experiences.
PIʻI MIGUEL
vocals, guitar
Growing up as the only child in Central ʻOahu, I embraced my musical journey at 14, inspired by a friend playing “Under the Bridge.” My mom's side, with a musical lineage traced to Joe Secritario, a renowned 1940s-50s musician at Queens surf in Waikiki, shaped my musical roots. High school brought Hawaiian music with Kamehameha Schools concert glee. Two pivotal influences, Brother Noland and Vergel Jepas of Chant, taught me creativity and confidence. R&B heavily influences my style, with nods to Prince, Tony Toni Tone, and Steely Dan. Seven Suns feels like family—musicians at the top of their game. I'm excited to contribute to a timeless, undeniable sound for the world.