 I
met Russell through the development of one of Hawaii's
hottest up-and-coming artists, Shane Lani. Shane was
in the studio recording and had mentioned how he really
had the total support of Russell. I was intrigued,
so I wanted to meet RT. I have heard of him through
social events but never got a chance to meet him.
I have to admit that I
only chatted briefly with Russell on the phone
before having to do this story over the internet. I
was crazy busy with the LA machine while Russell was
handling the many tasks at hand as one of Hawaii's top
fashion photographers.
You know, every now and
then I bump into truly mellow minded and totally
supportive individuals. I spend a ton of time with
heavy hitters of all types in the entertainment industry
and most of the time I'm weed-whacking through self
indulgent egos, but not with Russell Tanoue.
Russell really paid dues
as a dancer/choreographer in his early years, but it's his
photography that has really taken him places. He has
an strong presence in Hawaii for what he does as well as
positive attitude towards life and is a great support of
those he believes in.
Russell and I did an
e-interview and I was real taken back by his honesty and
mindset that you don't necessarily see in the
entertainment biz. If there were more people like
Russell in the grueling business of artistic performances,
there would be a hell of a lot less smoke blowing and more
success. I think you'll get the same feeling after
reading the Q&A below.
HM: How
do you feel the Entertainment industry as a whole is
fairing in Hawaii?
RT:
I feel the Entertainment industry here in Hawaii is
escalating quite smooth. With more opportunities that
puts Hawaii on the map, Hawaii is being recognized
more each day as a potential place where talented
individuals reside. And due to this, I feel talent are
motivated to get their craft out there.
HM: How
important is music in your creative process?
RT:
Music is a big element to creating and I feel it's
universal. Music can bring you to another place,
it can bring a whole new vibe and mood which enables you
to reach your final destination in any project.
HM: Being
called a PR agent as well as a photographer for up and
coming talent, do you see an abundance of talent in
Hawaii?
RT:
Well actually, I think I am more known for my
photography and being that I have several titles, I'm
just grateful that they all have become in demand in
some way. And yes, I do see an abundance of talent
in Hawaii. Being from Hawaii is an asset in a
spiritual way. I feel artist from Hawaii have this
passion and realness that I feel America is embracing.
I feel it comes down to the overall package of an
individual. You may have an incredible voice but
if you don't get your image out there, it's hard to
market. I always tell individuals to always have
your craft and package ready because everyone has their
season and you have to be ready when it arrives.
HM: Name
some artists/actors/models that have gone big time that
you've participated in their career in Hawaii and
abroad.
RT:
I Prefer not to answer as I don't like to take credit
for someone's career as it is a magical thing to me
between talent and manager. But as for clients I've
worked with, Kelly Hu, Laura Harring, Jason Scott Lee,
Patricia Ford, Justin Young, Forte, Lee Ann Tweeden,
Pauline Wilson, Melinda Carrol, Oshen, and soon
Spindarella of Salt and Peppa, to name a few.
HM: Your
upcoming promotions for Shane Lani seems to be pretty
big. What are your hopes working alongside Shane?
RT:
I've been managing Shane from day one. There is a
story within him that I feel will become an asset to his
craft as he progress forward. Working with Shane
for me, is about keeping him in check! Assisting
in his image and embracing each step towards his dreams.
HM: What
do you hear rumbling in the underground music scene in
Hawaii?
RT:
Hmmmm, well there are so many great talents that
are so close to being heard. I think they all should get
on Huimusic.com and showcase their material.
Thanks to local shows like Overdrive Live
that continues to support and expose such talent.
Lost Coast and Backyard Paina are few that I hear about
often.
HM: How
do you feel about the Jawaiian/Reggae scene in Hawaii?
RT:
Well recently I photographed O-Shen for an upcoming
CD and honestly, I had never heard his material until
then. And it was really cool! It's earthy,
spiritual energy is what keeps it unique. I think
that's what listener's connect with.
You
can learn More about Russell at
www.rtfoto.com
Courtesy
of: www.huimusic.com
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