Grammy winner John Cruz to release 5 songs from musical ‘Hawaiian Heart’ based on Kaua’i

Grammy award-winning Hawaiian icon John Cruz and filmmaker Josh Goldman are releasing an EP of five songs from the upcoming feature musical “Hawaiian Heart.”

The musical romantic comedy is about Lani, a hot shot New York lawyer who hasn’t been home to Kauai in years. But when she travels back for a case and finds that her new client is in a land dispute with her old boyfriend, she must choose between her ambitions and the world she left behind.

John Cruz serves as music supervisor and has a supporting role in the film, which features 15 original songs written by Goldman and Cruz.

The release of the EP will be preceded by two singles: “Wahine from Waimea” was released on March 1 and “Lani” will be released on March 10.

The EP, available worldwide for streaming and downloading on March 24 from Grandridge Records, features performances from Cruz and the film’s stars Taiana Tully and Bronson Varde.

The movie is being produced by Oʻahu-based Sight & Sound Productions. Bryan Spicer (“Magnum P.I.” and “Hawaii Five-0”) will serve as executive producer.

“This movie is very much a passion project for everyone involved,” Goldman said. “It’s a love letter to Hawai‘i, with songs about places on Kaua‘i like Waimea and Hanapēpē, and about ideals like the importance of ‘ohana, and the kuleana we all have to the ‘āina, and each other.

“We are incredibly honored to be working with knowledgeable Kumu Hula Leināʻala Jardin and Dr. Keao NeSmith as cultural advisors on this project. Our entire Hawaiian Heart ‘ohana is dedicated to giving back to the community, and to ensure we’re giving back in meaningful ways, we have formed a brain trust of local community leaders to advise our production.”

About the EP, Goldman said: “John and I are so excited to share these songs; we don’t want to wait until the film is released. John, Taiana and Bronson have given amazing performances, as have all the incredible musicians we’ve collaborated with.

“My hope is that this special preview will get everyone as excited for ‘Hawaiian Heart’ as we are. Plus, you’ll already know some of the songs when the film comes out, so you can sing along! It’s all about sharing aloha!”