Exciting times for Hawaii's Alternative artists... 

They released a TON of excellent albums & EPs in 2012 - more than ever. You may have heard many of these artists here on Star over the past year, with our "Unsigned Hawaii" show every Sunday night, 7pm - 8pm (you're tuning in, right? )

Enough of these Local Alternative releases (at least 6, but really, a lot more) were submitted to the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts ("HARA") to meet the criteria that would open up a new "Alternative" category in this year's Na Hoku Hanohano awards (for those of you not in Hawaii, the "Hokus" are our local equivalent of the Grammys - a very prestigious annual event).

An Alternative category in the Hokus  would be a HUGE step for everyone involved, as it would greatly legitimize, expose and popularize Hawaii's Alternative music, along with all of the other great "Music of Hawaii," for people all over the World to enjoy!

Here's a very small sample of Hawaii's Alternative artists who released recordings last year (apologies to any artist not included here - we love you too!):

So what do YOU think - should Alternative be a new category in the Hokus?

We want to hear your opinion!