Josh Tatofi Releases Highly Anticipated New Album Paniolo Country
by Josh Tatofi · SCOOPGRAMMY-nominated Hawaiian singer-songwriter Josh Tatofi has just released his highly anticipated new album, PANIOLO COUNTRY, via ROCK WALL / EMPIRE.
The 12-track collection celebrates Tatofi’s Hawaii roots and the Islands’ rich paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboy, heritage, blending his signature Country Soul sound with the storytelling and traditions of Country music. Anchored by focus track ‘You’, which is accompanied by an official visualizer, the album arrives following a landmark year for Tatofi, highlighted by his Grand Ole Opry debut, the completion of his international LOOKING FOR LOVE Tour, and New Zealand certifications totaling eight Gold and two Platinum singles as of mid-September.
Tatofi will celebrate the album’s release with special performances at Blue Note Hawaii on October 16 and 17, with Keilana joining as a special guest on October 16. The two artists previously collaborated on ‘Two Of Us’, featured on Moana: Voices Across the Ocean, bringing their musical connection to the stage for an evening celebrating Hawaii’s music and culture.
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Featuring eight original songs, seven of which Tatofi co-wrote, PANIOLO COUNTRY showcases his range as a songwriter and vocalist across deeply personal tracks, including ‘You’, the album’s focus track, which Tatofi penned with members of label-mateShaboozey’s band, and ‘When You’re With Me’ featuring Abby Anderson.
The collection also features Tatofi’s interpretations of classics, including ‘Tennessee Whiskey’, ‘I Can’t Stop Loving You’, ‘Paniolo Country’, and ‘Baby Blue’, a particularly meaningful recording originally released by his father, Tivaini Tatofi, with Hawaiian group Kapena. Produced primarily by Tatofi and Tyler Cain, with additional production from Daniel Agee, the album brings together family, heritage and the musical influences that have shaped his journey from Hawaii to Nashville.
“I’m so excited to finally release this album,” says Tatofi. “From being born and raised in Hawaii, to flying all the way to Nashville and having the opportunity to record this entire record there, to now coming out with a Country Soul album… everything just makes sense. This music feels like where I come from, where I’ve been, and where I’m headed all coming together at the right time. This one’s for the history of Country living and Country music in Hawaii, for the generations before us who lived it, played it, and made it part of who we are.”
The release follows a milestone summer for Tatofi, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut on August 11, becoming just the fourth Polynesian artist to perform on the legendary stage. The historic appearance marked a significant moment in Tatofi’s career and for Polynesian representation in Country music, bringing his Hawaii roots to one of the genre’s most iconic stages.
Tatofi also recently wrapped his worldwide LOOKING FOR LOVE Tour, performing to packed rooms and multiple sold-out audiences across the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, and North America, with stops in Auckland, Sydney, Toronto, Nashville, New York City and Los Angeles, among others. With more than 350 million global streams and a GRAMMY nomination, Tatofi continues to connect Hawaii and Nashville through a sound uniquely his own, bringing the traditions of Island music and Country to audiences around the world.
ABOUT JOSH TATOFI:
Josh Tatofi is a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician from Honolulu, Hawaii whose unmistakable voice has made him one of the most celebrated artists to emerge from the South Pacific. Since releasing his debut album THIS LOVE in 2011, Tatofi has built an international career blending Soul, R&B, Country, and Island influences with authenticity and emotional depth.
With multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, a Pacific Music Award, over 335 million streams, and a groundbreaking global deal with EMPIRE, Tatofi continues to break barriers while representing Hawaii and Pacific artists on the world stage.
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