About
Stage Name: Honolulu Mailman
“Everyone at some point has imagined the idea of going back to an island to recover our natural state as human beings.”
This is the philosophy of Honolulu Mailman 島嶼郵差, a San Francisco-based Jazz vocalist on a journey in search of authentic voice and sound that inspire and then deliver those stories to the world. Having lived in China, Hong Kong, Germany, France, and the United States, his life experiences not only enable him to embrace diverse music genres but also absorb the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions inherent in these musical forms.
Performing Experience
Honolulu Mailman has graced the stages of renowned music venues across the San Fransisco Bay Area, including California Jazz Conservatory, Lion’s Den Cocktail Lounge, Clarion Performing Arts Center, The Battery Club, Nirvana Soul, Tateuchi Hall at CSMA, Max Opera Café, and The Harding House. Collaborating with esteemed Jazz musicians Grant Levin, Mike Turner, Kimiko Arimoto, Sam Cady, Ella D, Khalia, Thomas Ascough, and bands Afterglow Jazz Quartet, Ross Gualco Trio, he showcased his rich bass-baritone voice.
As a founding member of Off Key (2023 - present), a five-member Bossa Nova Jazz Band, Honolulu Mailman brings an urban edge and youthful twist to the world of jazz. Additionally, he contributes his vocal prowess as a Bass in The Keynotes (2022 - present), the A Cappella at Apple’s Cupertino Headquarters, and was part of The Harmonics (2018-2019), the first ever LGBTQ+ A Cappella Choir in Hong Kong.
Education & Training
He is currently receiving extensive voice training from Carolina Santos, a professional Jazz singer based in Buenos Aires, and studying Jazz Theory at The New York Jazz Academy to sharpen his improvisation skills. He has also been under the ongoing guidance of Claudio Santome, a renowned Opera Singe, and Alecia Taylor, a Berklee College of Music graduate.
His exploration of audio production theories and softwares (including Garage Band and Avid Pro Tools), was nurtured by music producers Jef Stott and Daniel Berkman at SF Jazz Audio Lab, and film score composer Yujing Bai at Unfinished Music Studio.
In Summer 2024, Honolulu Mailman will engage in multiple professional programs in Northern California and New Orleans including
Jazz Camp West in the setting of a Californian redwood forest
The Jazz Course: An Orff certification course in New Orleans
Led by world-class artists and educators, these programs will equip him with advanced knowledge and skills in jazz music theory, improvisation techniques, rubato singing, band communication, audience engagement, music arrangement, and music business.
Musical Influence
Main influences he often cited include legends such as Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, Amy Winehouse, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Carla Bley, Caetano Veloso, David Bowie, Sade, Astor Piazzolla, Sheena Ringo, and Ellen Loo. You can explore his current favorite tunes on this evolving Spotify Playlist (in progress).
Professional Exposure to Music Industry
During his time at the renowned audio technology company Dolby Laboratories, Inc., he served as a Product Manager of Dolby On, an award-winning music recording and live-streaming app cherished by 5 millions content creators in over 100 countries.
He has also contributed to the enhanced guest experience at SF Jazz Center through volunteer ushering for top-tier jazz events. His dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere and assisting guests with their needs played a key role in enhancing SF Jazz’s reputation as a premier cultural institution. Notable artists and bands he was proud of serving include Pink Martini, Corrine Bailey Rae, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and José James.