Born in Hawaii and raised in Colorado, 24-year-old Corey Teruya is a blossoming performer whose band, Paniolo, is turning heads with smart songwriting that takes cues from Neil Young and Uncle Tupelo, and vocals that easily connect with the listener. We caught up with Teruya on his day off from a downtown Denver bartending gig to find out more.
Q: Boulder: cultural haven or “trustafarian” enclave?
A: I grew up in Boulder, and I think it’s got a cool culture. It gets a bad rap sometimes for drunken riots and sports (scandals) and for being too liberal or too idealistic. But I think it’s a good place. People definitely appreciate music there, and there are a lot of good things about the city, like the Pearl Street Mall and the Hill and Chautauqua Park. It’s just an interesting place to be because there are so many different types of people.
Q: What’s the difference between a “paniolo,” or a Hawaiian cowboy, and a Colorado cowboy?
A: Paniolos were ranchers, and they tended plantations and raised cattle and stuff. I was born in Hawaii, and my dad’s side of the family is still there. My dad gave me the nickname “paniolo” because I always listened to a lot of old country music like Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash.
The whole country-cowboy thing sort of fits with our music. I guess what we do fits under the alt-country label. But lately I’ve been listening to the Beatles a lot more, so I guess we’re focusing on melodies and layering elements now.
Q: Did your internship last year at House of Blues teach you how to swim with the music-industry sharks?
A: It was a great experience. All of those people love their jobs. They’re really into music, and it shows. I was in the marketing department, so I got some great contacts and learned about press kits.
It was great to see how a concert promotion company works. I never realized how much goes into putting on a show. The people at HOB are a big reason why I’m playing with a band right now. Music was really my hobby, but they liked my stuff and said I should think about taking it more seriously.
American Relay, Paniolo, Sweet Ball Peen and DJ Bobby Collins play Thursday’s benefit for Hope Charities at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom, 2637 Welton St. Admission is $5.
Staff writer Elana Ashanti Jefferson can be reached at 303-820-1957 or ejefferson@denverpost.com.
