Greg diPiazza - Following Artistic Dreams
Greg diPiazza was not born here. Yes, it's true, he too migrated from across the sea to settle in with Maui's creative community and pursue artistic dreams of his own. So what fortunate forces brought him to the Valley Isle?
Like many aspiring artists, Greg made a go of it in Southern California. Opportunities abound for singer/songwriters with talent and a little drive, and he spent a decade working the scene. Milestones include opening for the Grateful Dead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nicolette Larson, the Plimsouls, and others.
Headlining at clubs like the Roxy, Whiskey A Go Go, and Club Lingere wasn't enough, so diPiazza wrote and produced four albums that spun on LA mainstays KROQ, KLOS, and the headbanger's station of choice, KNAC.
His mug also popped up on MTV, Night Tracks and Eye on LA, performing with his group and making faces at the camera. His video ran for eight weeks on "Night Tracks," a kind of late-night insomniac's music video show.
After a decade of the LA/Orange county music scene, Greg made the jump to Maui in 1987. Why leave So. Cal? "I couldn't land a record deal worth a damn. I figured if I was a rock star I'd live in Hawaii anyways, so I came here to start living my dreams."
He put together several bands here, including Manchild, Volcano Jones, and Twisted Fisherman. Currently, Tales from the Deep and Sounds like Niagara are the two Fisherman releases getting airplay. The band rarely plays out and about the island these days, but they have acquiesced to a few gigs this holiday season. You can see diPiazza along with saxophonist Paul Bunuan, keyboardist George Tavoularis, Bassist Billy Wilkes and drummer Gerry Davis at Maui Brews on December 23 and at Henry's on the 30th.
And on another note, diPiazza's third project, Maui Love Bone is getting attention here and abroad for its humor and controversy surrounding all sorts of sexual taboo subjects. Don't believe me? Listen for the singalong ditty, "Everybody's Masturbating" on a daring radio station on a dial near you. The album tackles tough issues like cross-dressing, S&M and of course, self-gratification. Hey, someone had to do it.
As with most artists, creative expression can take many forms and outlets. For Greg, his hand-painted silk designs have graced numerous collections, album covers, and the bodies of many lucky apparel shoppers. He taught this silk painting technique at Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao for several years. "I paint like I write music; it's my interpretation of the Hawaiian spirit."
After being sent to Aspen, Colorado to do an art show for Studio Blue of Hawaii, diPiazza took a liking to the alpine town and co-produced a couple albums with John Denver's wife, Cassandra Delaney Denver, including Blood on the Streets of Denver.
What new projects are in the works? He is currently producing a didgeridoo album in his studio and there is a possible mainland tour for Twisted Fisherman. Another trip to Aspen to work with Cassandra is being arranged and a slew of solo gigs throughout Maui; check the MT calender for local listings.
Any parting shots from one of Maui's colorful artists? "Hawaii is one of those rare places on earth where you can palpably feel and incredibly healing energy, I totally appreciate the quality that Maui has brought to my life."
Also read the Maui News article: Hallowe'en with Maui Underground at the Pioneer Inn in Lahaina