The popular underground cd found its way to KWHI 92.7 Hawaiian Rhythms, Island Style, and Reggae, on the Big Island of Hawaii. With no press kit or label support, “Japanese Squeeze” amazingly became the station’s most requested song and stayed on top for two months. Japanese Squeeze was replaced by another Sashamon song “Necta” which continues to be in heavy rotation. This popularity caused Big Island’s KAPA 100.3 and KWXX 94.7 to give airplay on their stations.
Sashamon now has radio play on radio around the world. All over Hawaii, U.S, Italy, even Tahiti. there are too many stations to list.. Sashamon has also been featured on the local Kauai television program The Foundation, a Tahitian tow in video, and his music accompanies high performance surfing on Jaime O's movie “Freak Show”. and upcoming "Freak Show 2" Many other surf videos featuring Sashamon's music have followed including an Oneill video featuring Rochelle Ballard currently airing on Fuel t.v..
This popularity is encouraging Sasha to pursue a career in music, doing what he loves.
Sashamon became part of Hawaii’s musical culture at a young age singing along with ukulele strumming Kupuna (respected elders), while attending elementary school on Molokai’s west side. Sasha feels blessed to have grown up on Molokai, a place reminiscent of days when music was still interwoven with family and community.
After high school, Sashamon, born Sasha Makia Spiller-Reiff, received a degree in Music and the Arts from the University of Hawaii. While attending UH, he began to compose and later record his first songs. One Day Maybe, Sashamon’s debut album, incorporates many diverse influences that blend to create an original, peaceful and memorable sound. Sasha composed and produced this recording in his home studio on Kauai, playing all the instruments including the ukulele, guitar, bass, keyboard, vocals, and drum sequencer. Sashamon is promoting his new release with performances state wide.
RISE
Sashamon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I commit to no direction
I won't break down into weakness
If it feels good, it's a sickness
I won't give up until the blood soaks my fingers
I recognize that the difference is my spirit
The reflection in the mirror
Is the vision any clearer
Though it may seem that i'm angry
Your reaction is what makes me
I won't give up until the blood soaks my fingers
I recognize that the difference is my spirit
Rise up in the fold -- i'm saved
The lyrics of Sashamon's "Rise" express a sense of self-determination, as the singer declares their refusal to be swayed by external pressures or to succumb to weakness. The opening lines suggest that the singer is defensive and perhaps closed off to criticism or questioning, but they also assert their commitment to their own path, regardless of any outside influence. The line "If it feels good, it's a sickness" could be interpreted as a rejection of hedonism or excess, or as a warning against losing oneself in pleasure at the expense of personal growth or progress.
The lines "I won't give up until the blood soaks my fingers" and "I recognize that the difference is my spirit" suggest a deep devotion to a goal or cause, and a sense that true success may require sacrifice or even pain. The repeated refrain of "Rise up in the fold -- I'm saved" reinforces the theme of resilience and perseverance, and suggests a sense of community or belonging. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer's anger may not be directed inward, but rather is a response to external factors and the reactions of others.
Overall, "Rise" can be seen as a declaration of self-reliance and determination, and as a reminder that individual spirit and collective support can overcome adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm defensive never questioned
I am someone who is defensive about my choices and am not willing to have them questioned.
I commit to no direction
I do not have a fixed goal or direction in my life which I am committed to.
I won't break down into weakness
I know my strengths and am determined to not let any weaknesses get the better of me and break me down.
If it feels good, it's a sickness
I am wary of things that feel too good for they may eventually lead to sickness or trouble.
I won't give up until the blood soaks my fingers
I will keep working hard until I achieve my goals, and I am willing to go to great lengths to achieve them.
I recognize that the difference is my spirit
I am aware that it is not just my hard work, but also my spirit and determination which set me apart from others.
Rise up in the fold -- i'm saved
By rising to the occasion and overcoming my challenges, I feel saved and redeemed.
The reflection in the mirror
I am reflecting on myself and my actions.
Is the vision any clearer
Has my self-reflection helped me gain clarity about what I want and where I'm going?
Though it may seem that i'm angry
Even though it may appear that I am angry, there may be more to the situation than meets the eye.
Your reaction is what makes me
I am influenced and motivated by the reactions of those around me.
Contributed by Ella B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.