TWENTYFOUR64 kindly took some time (they’re on tour right now) to answer some questions about their new record, “Know Me”, and give us some insights about their contagious music.

1. Could you please introduce the band? Who is who, who plays what, and are any of you guy related?

TWENTYFOUR64 is Junior Tubera aka “Junior T.” – Lead Vocalist, Junior Macadangdang aka “Junior Boy” – Bassist, Samuel Kanekoa – Pianist/Synth/BG Vocalist, Roy Nuesca – Drummer, Kenton Fukuda – Guitarist, Joe Trejo – Guitarist. Most of us grew up together at our home church back in Honolulu, Hawaii.

2. How did the band come together?

Junior Boy, Sam, Roy, Kenton, and Mark McDonald (Former Guitarist) were already a band from Jr. High through High School. Junior T. joined the band in 2005 after an attempt at American Idol. Having played the Hawaii circuit for two years, we decided to take our music to the next level with a move to Southern California in 2007. Mark McDonald left the band in early 2009 due to academic obligations. We met our new guitarist, Joe Trejo, at Faith Community Church in West Covina, CA.

3. You have a unique sound, blending R&B, gospel, with alternative rock, what are your musical influences?

We listen to a wide variety of music, from Paramore, Underoath, Anberlin, Mae, Coldplay, Switchfoot, Relien K, Saosin, to Kim Burrell, Mariah Carey, Brandy, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Israel Houghton, Kirk Franklin . . . the list can go on and on so i’ll just leave it at that! If you haven’t noticed, our music is quite bi-polar.

4. Not only your music, but also your lyrics are quite captivating, varying from love songs to spiritual songs… Who write the lyrics and where does the inspiration come from?

Junior T. wrote most of the lyrics on the “Know Me” album. The grace and wonder of God, and the beauty of creation inspire him. He also pulls from his life experiences and those of others. The song “Know Me” was written in memory of his brother, whom his family lost to cancer. The song “Drowning In Shallow Love” was written after a heart to heart with a friend going through relationship issues. “Dance With The Embers” was written after witnessing fireworks with friends at Disneyland. As you can see, our lyrical influences are as diverse as our musical styles.

5. Not too long ago you got to play during GMA week. How did you guys have this opportunity? Was it your first time in Nashville?

Yes, this was our first time in Nashville and at GMA Week. Our manager, Tim Gionet submitted us to several GMA venues. We were then selected to perform two GMA Showcases and secure our summer tour. We were blessed with the opportunity to perform at the legendary Rocketown. Tom Jackson, Taylor Swift’s stage producer, also gave the Xtreme Tour artists an informative stage performance seminar.

6. The news about your band is starting to spread, and more people are having the opportunity to hear your music, what has been the response so far?

People have been very receptive and excited about our music. We’re reaching an audience, not only in the US, but even as far as the Philippines, Japan, Australia, and the UK. This is very exciting for us as a band that started on a little island.

7. You released your debut album, “Know Me”, this past March, what is your first single from “Know me”?

“We Are Taking Over” is our first single off of the album. We re-recorded it for radio play and we are asking for your help in calling your local Christian station to request it. It was also released on June 3, 2009 on itunes for your listening pleasure.

8. When can we expect to see you on tour?

Right now! We are currently on the XTREME Tour West Coast. We will also be headlining a tent at Creation Festival in Pennsylvania (which is our most eastern stop this summer, and possibly our biggest show to date), as well as two dates on the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. Our tour dates are posted on our myspace.com/TWENTYFOUR64 and purevolume.com/TWENTYFOUR64.

9. Of course most bands want to have as many listeners as possible, but who are your listeners? Teenagers? Twenty-something’s?

We were aiming for the toddler demographic; however, it’s been mostly teens and the college crowd. However, we still capture the “wiser” demographic and we could not be any happier about it. It shows that our music can be trusted, and that’s a great feeling. Our music comes from the heart, and that is being accepted universally, no matter the age or the place.

10. What is the music scene like in Hawaii? Have you played there much?

The music in Hawaii is mostly a Hawaiian/Jawaiian music scene. There are some rock/alternative bands that are slowly gaining attention, but it is still a work in progress. Big name bands rarely make their way across the Pacific ocean, but when they do, that’s when bands like us gain greater exposure by opening for them. Other than that, it’s mostly underground local shows with a faithful local following. Never underestimate the power of faithful friends (not just fans) in Hawaii! They rock!
We’ve played mostly church shows in Hawaii, as we were still a young band growing musically. Whenever we return to visit family and friends, we always make it a point to do a show of our appreciation for them. Since our move to California, God has amazingly connected us with people who’ve helped to propel us to that next level. We feel really blessed and encouraged to move forward! “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!”

11. What is one thing everyone should know about twentyfour64?

We want you to know that you are loved through our music and us!

Thank you guys for your time! Hope to see you live soon!

Posted on June 10th, 2009