Taimane Gardner debuts new track titled “Pīkake Princess”
Taimane Gardner, commonly known as Taimane, is a talented ʻukulele virtuoso who kick-started her captivating journey by entertaining visitors on the vibrant streets of Waikīkī. Today, she has garnered a reputation for her dynamic performances that skillfully fuse together various genres like classical music, flamenco, metal, and rock to create a captivating musical experience that can range from introspective to alluring. Armed with her trusted ʻukulele and her ethereal voice, this Nā Hōkū Hanohano-award-winning artist, whose name translates to “diamond” in Samoan, is gearing up to unveil her latest musical creation.
The upcoming track, “ʻPīkake Princess,” slated for release on October 10, was born out of Taimane’s admiration for Princess Kaʻiulani and the parallels she found between them. Expressing her excitement about the new project, she shared, “I’m coming out with a new song called ʻPīkake Princess,’ coming out October 10, and this song was inspired by Princess Ka’iulani and our similarities.”
On October 16th, Gardner will grace the stage with this special song at an event commemorating Princess Kaʻiulani’s 150th birthday, hosted by the Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel. The celebration will honor the memory of the princess at ‘Āinahau, her cherished residence in Waikīkī. The festivities will kick-off at 5 p.m. and include a lei draping ceremony, live performances by the talented Irie Love, floral displays by Ocean Dreamer Floral Artistry Hawaiʻi, and a market showcasing local vendors from Art + Flea.
Having won various Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, including recognitions for entertainer of the year, instrumental composition of the year, and instrumental album of the year, Taimane has solidified her position as a musical force to be reckoned with. Her mesmerizing performance on National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk Concert series has garnered over 1.7 million views. Recently, Taimane served as an artist-in-residence at the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.
Taimane’s musical repertoire spans a variety of styles, from enchanting renditions of classical masterpieces like “Carmen” with the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra at Hawaiʻi Theatre to energizing performances of the national anthem at events like men’s volleyball games at the University of Hawaiʻi, showcasing her versatility and creativity. She shared her inspiration behind her distinctive mash-ups of classical, metal, and classic rock in her performances, saying, “What inspires my mash-up medleys with the classical music and the metal and the classic rock is I love listening to those types of music.”
When commissioned to compose a song for Princess Kaʻiulani, Taimane delved into the subject with passion and reverence. She used her social media platform to express her creative process, stating, “I went into research mode.” Reflecting on the project, she noted, “They asked me to create a song for her, but if she were Gen Z, if she were Millennial.”
Immersing herself in Princess Kaʻiulani’s legacy, Taimane sought inspiration at the Bishop Museum, where she encountered the princess’s belongings. She explained, “I really wanted to get a feel for her and her story. And then as I was writing and researching, I realized how many similarities that we had.”
Following an exhilarating European tour spanning six countries including Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, Taimane shared her fondness for performing in diverse locations and the varying audience reactions. She emphasized the contrast between American and European preferences in music, highlighting the European audience’s appreciation for original compositions.
Gardner’s global experiences have transformed her into a seasoned performer with a keen understanding of her audience’s preferences, allowing her to craft music that resonates deeply with listeners from different cultural backgrounds. Through her latest musical endeavor, “ʻPīkake Princess,” Taimane aims to celebrate the legacy of Princess Kaʻiulani while also sharing common ground with this historical figure. Her ability to bridge the past and present through music showcases her profound connection to her Hawaiian roots and her commitment to representing her culture with pride.