Kamuela Kahoano grew up in a musical family, the youngest son of entertainer/radio personality/game show co-host Kimo Kahoano. His grandmother gave him an ukulele when he was 8, he played piano in school and learned the basics of vocal harmony in church.

In 2000, Kamuela and his older brothers, Haku and Ikaika, released an album, “Fruit From the Tree,” under the name of Ano. They put the project on hold when Ikaika was cast in the ABC reality show “Making the Band,” and Kamuela continued on as a solo artist.

The 37-year-old released his third solo album, “Portraits,” and celebrated the birth of his son, Kaius, in December. His new music is available online and the CD will be released later this month.

As a new dad, Kahoano is taking a year off from his pre-med studies at the University of Hawaii and plans to return to school in August.

JOHN BERGER: What are the biggest changes you’ve experienced in becoming a father?

KAMUELA KAHOANO: Wherever I go, whatever I do, I think about him. He’s a new source of power I never had before. I also think about music differently. I would never want my son to hear some of the songs I published on the “Green Light Go” album (in 2007).

I think a lot of artists feel that way about their children hearing some of their early work, but they won’t admit it.

JB: Is there a song on “Portraits” that stands out for you?

KK: My dad (sings lead vocals) on a song called “The Irish Pub,” and in my opinion it’s one of the best Irish songs I’ve ever heard.

We recorded it with (Celtic rock band) Doolin Rakes. He went over to Blue Planet (recording studio) and he did his thing and he killed it. … I’m very proud of that song.

JB: What’s next?

KK: I’m going out with Milton Lau’s slack-key guys in March. I’m not really a slack-key-school guy, but for some reason some of my music sounds slack key. And there’s a whole bunch of songs I play that are slack key that are on deck for my next production.

I also have a plan to expand a nonprofit that I’m a board member of, the Ryan’s Light Foundation, that has to do with music therapy and my interest in neurology and neuroscience.