Dear Reader’s:
I would like to introduce you to Isaiah Dumaran, the talented individual behind 4String Fighter. With over 20 years of experience playing the ukulele, Dumaran exemplifies a mastery of various techniques acquired throughout his musical journey.
Dumaran is not only an exceptional musician but also a personable and engaging individual who fosters meaningful conversations. He dedicates himself to uplifting the community through his talents, prioritizing collaboration above personal recognition. His creativity and brilliance in music composition and performance are truly captivating. Known for his distinctive reggae sound, Dumaran’s music evokes vivid imagery of a tropical paradise.
1) WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC STEM FROM?
So I was born and raised in Hawaii. Hawaii and it’s culture is naturally filled with music. That’s how history and stories were passed down before a written language was established. While I’m not Hawaiian, I still took to that, especially since so many people are musicians. I also had a great music teacher in school by the name of Gary Washburn. He could play any and all instruments in the music room, and is in the Mo Town Hall of Fame! He always encouraged learning as many instruments as well as musical genres as possible. If it weren’t for him nurturing my interest in music, who knows what I would be doing with my life right now!
2) WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS?
I’m a creative. I draw, write, and of course play music haha. I see firsthand, all the benefits that I get by being creative. All of those outlets allow me to express myself. All of my joy, hate, anger, love, and everything else I might be feeling. Supporting other artists, especially highly skilled artists allows all of us as a whole to affect the people around us with ours works.
Many people relate to the things we create, whether that be the notion that you are ‘not alone’, to the shared experiences we might have in life. For me, I love when people comment on my instrumentals and how they made them feel. Some emotions are hard to convey through words, but the emotions we can send to others through unsaid words are just so powerful. Those connections are what’s important. The more we support other artists, we also support those who listen, see, and heal from what we do. It’s a never ending cycle!
3) HOW COULD VENUES STRENGTHEN THE MUSIC SCENE?
Firstly, they can treat music as an actual career, which it is! I’ve seen time and time again venues that want quality music, for a cheap price if not for free. It doesn’t work like that. Quality musicians cost a decent amount, and should be reimbursed for their ability.
For me, I don’t charge for my “performance”. When a venue pays me it’s for all the other things related; My practice, hauling gear, being early, the late nights I’m up writing new music. There are many things that are connected to a musicians work that people don’t think about. Our time doesn’t start when we begin playing, it started many hours before the show!
Supporting quality musicians with better reimbursement is how venues could strengthen the music scene.
4) WHAT ARE THE LATEST PROJECTS YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING ON? WHEN IS THE RELEASE DATE FOR THESE PROJECTS?
So I have a new single I’m working on called ‘Sanctuary’! It’s going to be my first love song and has a slow reggae/pop style to it. I also have the most amazing female vocalist on this track and I’m super excited for everyone to hear how great she sounds! I hope to release it mid August. Just depends on how smooth the mixing and mastering goes. I get picky with how things sound so sometimes it takes a few exchanges before I get the sound I want.
Starting sometime in Fall/Winter I also want to work on my first album to have for 2025. I want to take my time and have a plan for everything. To me a first album is a big deal and don’t want it to be a complete mess, so I’m working on a plan of attack right now! I know for a fact that there are several awesome musicians that I want to involve in the creation of this album, so I’m excited for the creative process to come!
5) WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE SHOW MEMORIES?
Let’s see…. My favorite show memory comes from back when I was in High school Jazz Band. We were on our island tour and playing at the Ala Moana Shopping Center, center stage. I was a trumpet player at that time, and as a high school senior I got to do a song that featured me. So I chose the song ‘Hey Pacheco!’. If you’ve watched the movie “The Mask” that was the song that played when the Mask danced with Cameron Diaz. I got to sing and do several solos.
For those unfamiliar, the Ala Moana Shopping Center is right in Honolulu and one of the biggest tourist areas on the island of Oahu. So all sorts of people, locals and those from other countries, got to see me play. The center stage can be viewed by all 4 levels, so I was literally surrounded. The rush I got from that performance and the many many strangers who clapped and cheered after my song was done, it’s a memory I’ll never forget. Ala Moana annually has 53 million people pass through per year, so you can imagine how many people watched!
6) WHERE CAN WE SEE ONE OF YOUR PERFORMANCES? HOW CAN WE FIND YOUR MUSIC?
I play all over the place in the South Western PA area, and occasionally West Virginia. Breweries, wineries, restaurants, and festivals.
The best way to keep up with me is through Social Media. You can find me on Instagram @4string_fighter, and on Facebook/YouTube 4String Fighter Music. 2024 is the year that I started doing music full time, and I’d love for anyone to join me for the ride!
7) NAME ONE MUSICIAN THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST AND WHY?
The one musician who influenced me and the way I play is Jake Shimabukuro. Many people including myself regard him as the world’s BEST ukulele player. When I first heard him he was known for his speed and energetic playing, explosive bursts of energy. Now, after 20+ years of listening to him Jake has been able to compress his playing to still play fast and explosive, but in such a gentile way. I’m not sure if that actually makes sense haha, but his playing is why I do what I do.
Every time I watch a Jake Shimabukuro performance, he has consistently made me cry at some point during his show. Most recently it was because of the song “Piano Forte”. When he plays it live, it hits on such an emotional level. He does what I talked about earlier, he conveys his emotions through unsaid words.
That’s what I’m trying to be able to accomplish. Convey my emotions and feelings so clearly through my playing. Perhaps one day haha
At the end of every performance Jake meets every single person who wants to talk with him. He takes time for everyone and is approachable and open, with a smile on his face the entire time. I also want to be like that too.
Photo Credits:
Photos by Thomas M. Photography
Erica Rae Photography
JLD Media
This man is a phenomenal musician and a great all around person.
Go are listen to his creativity!