More Than the Music: DJ Hapa Boy: Taylor Tadani

The ability to captivate a crowd may be a skill only gifted to a select few. Through speaking, singing or even dancing— these are talents traditionally used to entertain. But for one class of 2008 Kalāheo alum, Taylor Tadani, he uses nothing but his expertise in music to control an audience. Professionally known as DJ Hapa Boy, Tadani has mastered skills spanning across the music industry all the way to multimedia production. Focusing on his love for both music and community, Tadani shared his journey from videography to world-renown artistry. 

Now known as Career Technician Education, or more commonly known as CTE, is a program designed to focus on an interest of students which can set them up for prospective careers in their future. From culinary, media, construction and natural resources, students begin to hone in on building the foundation of their craft. Later, using the knowledge and skill to obtain internships which can lead to a profession. Tadani is no stranger to the positive impact that these classes can have. 

And for many the Kalāheo’s media program is regarded as the largest on the Island. And from 2004 to 2008, the school was not far from that vision. In need of a Geographical Exception from Kāneʻohe to Kailua, Tadani recounted how the media and communications program not only made it possible to attend the school but jump-started his interest in the field. “After I got in I was accepted into both Kalāheo and that class [media],  it brought light to passions of mine that I didn't know I had. Being in front of the camera, behind the camera, behind the computer editing video, editing —-all of these different aspects really caught my attention.” 

However, it was not until an experience working as a videographer in a club that steered Tadani’s direction fully toward that of a DJ. “The funny thing about it was that I wasn’t even old enough to get into the club. I was only 17. Yet I was hired to do these film recaps for the venue. But I was so excited about it because of the value and talent they saw in me.” 

“Filming the DJs, I first-hand got to see what they were doing and what they did to the crowd. And I saw that and fell in love right there and knew that's something I wanted to at least try. I ended up saving all the money I could and buying the equipment that I needed. I started teaching myself from that day on when I was 18. I wasn't old enough to go into these clubs and I couldn't go and learn from these entertainers.”

“But I took the initiative to take as many of the opportunities that I could researching and studying the game. No matter what that “game” may look like from person to person— going through that process—  it's really important and I am thankful that I was hungry enough back then to do all those things,” he explained. 

 But as for the game of entertainment, success may go far beyond talent or skill. Tadani, described that the way you market both yourself and your reputation may be the deciding factor of how far you can go in your career. “Social media has made a huge impact in business and branding and marketing.  But success is more than just creating videos in the hopes of going viral.  From creating content to making your own product, whether it be music or a video comes the importance of knowing how to market yourself and your image. It's actually one of the biggest parts, especially nowadays you can't just go and DJ— you have to know how to put yourself out there so people will show up to your gigs.” 

As for Tadani, it was from the very beginning that he worked to get his image out to the public. From naming yourself to even logos and merchandise– were all aspects in his journey. 

“As soon as I knew I wanted to DJ and further this dream, I created a name for myself. If people are gonna listen to me or go follow me or that's the first thing they gotta know is your name.”

“When I was named DJ Hapa Boy, that's immediately that's when it all started I wanted to create a logo I wanted to create a little mascot that looked like me. I had stickers, videos with my logo on it,  whatever, it was basically building an identity for my business. That’s the goal and that's what makes branding and branding yourself and marketing so important.” 

Still, the lifestyle of an entertainer may not be for everyone. Traveling from place to place, sometimes within hours or days apart, Tadani shed light on the fast-paced schedule that career brings. “This life is not for everyone, it's non-stop. 24 hours I can be somewhere for that long or I could be there for a week. I've been on a tour for weeks.” 

Despite it all Tadani stays grateful that he gets to do what he loves each and every gig. “It's the most fun for me. To be able to bring all the best emotions out of people. With music and being able to perform for them— and control the crowd and make them feel some type of way is not something that every job can offer and I am so thankful to be a part of that.” 

Tadani, also serves to help those in need through his annual, passion project, If Can Can Hawaii. 

“I can't do it each year without my friends that are involved. Each year my family and friends set a date together, to come together at the beach and bring canned goods. The goods are then donated straight to the Food Bank Hawaii. Some bring a little bit, others bring a lot. The great thing about it is– there’s no set amount you just bring whatever you can. We keep setting these goals to collect a certain amount. We started with a hundred pounds to over almost three thousand pounds.” 

“The crazy thing about it is it's not a non-profit. It’s just a personal project of mine that has been building throughout the community. It's a super easy way for people to get involved and give back which is something I want to do personally and I want other people to do.” 

“Not only do I want to give back , but the other motive for whatever I do is to have a fun time for– everyone. Being able to create memories for good and being able to spend genuine time together because ultimately–life is short.”