“Dazzling guitar work forms the centerpiece of the new EP from Kioea, featuring exploratory songs that hold a tight grip.”

– J. Edward Keyes, Bandcamp Editorial Director

Kioea releases their album Stand Tall on August 18th on CD and Digital Formats via Bandcamp and Bull Moose Music.

Kioea (pronounced key-o-e-ah) debuts their album Stand Tall. Stand Tall wanders through bold to mellow moods, high-energy rhythms, intricate melodies, and spacious reverb. Selected as a “New and Notable Release” by Bandcamp (8/18/23), Kioea uses the guitar to explore multiple musical genres, from surf instrumentals to global influences.

Since its inception in 2019, Kioea has been a project led by electric guitarist Carand Burnet. Burnet shares the concept behind the album: “Kioea is a Hawaiian word that means stand tall. This mantra resonates with me as a female musician. I hope that Stand Tall inspires confidence and empowers listeners.”

Support for Stand Tall is provided by the American Rescue Plan Maine Project Grants, a subgranting program administered by SPACE Gallery for the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo by Lauren W.B. Vermette

Kioea (pronounced key-o-e-ah / KEY-oh-EE-ah) is a band based in Maine and the New Hampshire Seacoast Region comprised of Carand Burnet, Ian DeCelli, and Evan Farinholt.  Founded in 2019 by bandleader and guitarist Carand Burnet, Kioea is named after an extinct Hawaiian bird whose name means “Stand Tall.”

Kioea blends surf rock with psychedelia and global influences. Burnet’s performances feature surf rock’s energetic speed and complex guitar solos. Kioea has played at venues across New England, including 3S Artspace and The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH, The Thing in The Spring Music Festival, Keene, NH; and was featured on WMUR’s Summer Concert Series.

Electronic Press Kit


Kioea – “Stand Tall”

Length: 44:51

Preorder date: 2 June 2023

Release date: 18 August 2023

Recorded and mixed by Chris Chase / The Noise Floor

Mastering by Adrian Morgan / Timeless Mastering

Artwork by Tara Morin
Press photos by John Skewes
Press Contact: contact@kioeamusic.com

Press and booking inquiries: contact@kioeamusic.com

“The gently authoritative sound of leader Carand Burnet’s surf guitar takes the listener on journeys of their own, all of which feeds a desire to hear more.

Jason M. Rubin, The Arts Fuse

“Kioea’s sound is simultaneously modern and vintage.”

J. Swartwood, Aquarium Drunkard