The Ekolu Interview

 

How would you describe Ekolu's music?

 

Lukela- I would say definitely original. We try to create our own vibe so that when people hear our music they know it’s Ekolu.

 

Besides the obvious of having 3 group members, is there a story behind choosing the group name "Ekolu?"

 

Lukela- Not really. We chose that name coming from one of our first gigs. We said to each other, so what our group name going be and for about 20 min. we was blank then Akoni said eh how about Ekolu and from that day on we went with it. Now we get 6 in the band and people ask us "eh how come get six in the band and your group name is Ekolu? We tell them, Akoni only learned how to count to 3 in Hawaiian class. Hahaha

 

Was there other names considered before choosing Ekolu?  Why not keep the “Valley Boys?”

 

Lukela- Not really…when we was in high school and we went to brown bags our group name was Na Makani Eha (the 4 Winds) We had four guys that came from 4 different parts of the island so that name seemed appropriate. It was Akoni, Makapu, myself and one braddah name Rico Managan. As for the Valley Boys, that was a whole different thing so we neva like go with that.

 

As a group in your spare time I read you love to hang out at the beach and reminisce of all the wonderful gigs you played.  Comment on some of your most memorable performances.

 

Lukela- One of the most memorable gig was a recent one in Kona. We got the chance to open for Morgan Heritage at Parker Ranch in Waimea. This is one of my favorite reggae bands and I was in awe just to open up for them. It was a wicked event.

 

What was the weirdest thing to happen at a gig?

 

Lukela, Makapu and Akoni- One time we showed up for one gig in the mainland and they wanted us guys for set-up the sound system….We thought that was pretty nuts. Hahaha

 

Lukela - You like writing music in your spare time.  What is your favorite original song and why?  Do you have a special place you go to write music?

 

Nah no really special place. The songs just come to me at anytime so I gotta be pretty quick for write the words down when it comes. I don't sit down and write my songs, I just let the vibe come when it wants to. My #1 favorite song would be a song I released on our 3rd album Back to the Valley called "When I think of you" This is a song written for my mom when she passed away at the very beginning of my musical career. She is the queen of my heart and everything I do is in honor of her. “Love you Mom.”

   

Akoni - Another passion besides music you have is surfing.  What's the biggest wave you ever caught?  Where's your favorite break?

 

Well all local boys have the modest measure scale and my biggest wave was 3 feet but I feel our second album cover shot was around 4 feet and 2 inches face. (Hahaha) And my favorite spot is Honolua (Da cave)!!!!!

 

Makapu - I hear you're an excellent free diver. Talk about your biggest catch to date?  Where's your favorite spot to dive?

 

Up to date the biggest catch was a 45 pound Ulua on the south side of Maui. And my favorite place to dive is on the North Shore of Maui!  

 

Breaking into the industry is very tough as it stands.  I read one of Ekolu's earlier experiences included placing 2nd place behind a "ballerina act" in the Brown Bags to Stardom contest. Take us back if you will.   What song did you sing?  Do you all recall your exact reactions after the announcement?  Do you think this was a blessing in disguise?

 

Lukela- All I remember is hearing the bell ring and as I was walking away a teacher told me that we got 2nd place to the ballerina dancers and I was like ok...that's cool. I wasn’t mad at all. The whole deal was that it was Akoni and Makapu’s last year in high school and I was in the 11th grade. Akoni went ahead and signed the Brown Bag To Stardom contest paper's even when I told him that I neva like do em. But it was a good experience. Back in the day I use to play bass, Akoni was still on guitar and Makapu was on ukulele. It's so funny looking back on those days many many moons ago. It’s a blessing that we still are together! Oh and the song we did was Honolii.....it's a beautiful contemporary Hawaiian song.

 

Do you feel limited in any way as a group being from "the islands?"

 

Lukela- Yeah I wish everyone else could hear our music around the world everyday like how we hear it in Hawaii. Maybe if KCCN was a radio station in the mainland broadcasting then that would be sweet....we would know at least a few million people would hear it everyday.

 

Hawaiian Island music is finally gaining the national recognition it deserves.  In fact, there will be a Grammy handed out for the first time next year for the "Best Hawaiian music album."  What are your thoughts on the advancement of the music?

 

Lukela- What an awesome idea. I'm glad it finally went thru. All I gotta say is watch out for Na Palapalai, they deserve that Grammy...that’s for sure!!!

 

What are the challenges individually and as a group being so successful?

 

Lukela- Individually and as the lead singer of Ekolu, get plenty responsibility. You gotta keep everyone in line and stay focus to the goal. If you can get that in line, success is right around the corner......oh yeah Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

 

Is it tough being celebrities?

 

Nah bro. we not celebrities. We just regular people trying to make a living you know. You so funny!!! (hahahaha)

 

On every album you've placed a gospel song.  I myself have pushed very hard for years to promote this format on commercial radio.  Why is it important to always have a gospel song on your album?

 

Lukela- Nothing betta then to spread the word of God you know. That’s the least I can do. The man died for my sins so that when I ask in his name I can be forgiven every bad thing I've done, so that one day I can live in heaven with him....... How great is that man? God is so good to us I can't explain it. Our talents come from God and I thank him everyday for giving me this gift. I'm really grateful....beyond compare.

 

If or should I say when I put together "Pu'ukani Praises" which will be a compilation of local gospel music would Ekolu grace the album with their heavenly voices?  Is there a full length gospel album in the future for Ekolu?

 

Lukela- Anyone you like man....whatever hit's you the most. I've been thinking about doing a gospel album for a long time now. Pati and one of his background singers Mike was telling me that we should do one gospel album, I was like hey lets pray about it. If we do it as Ekolu or collaboration with other artist's I wanna make it the best album that we ever did!!!! All in Gods time.

 

What cd(s) are in your players at this very moment?

 

Lukela- it's Morgan Heritage, Sanchez oh and this underground group from New Zealand called "Catch a Fire" these guys are awesome.

Makapu- a group called Midnite, Freddie Mc Gregor and of course all the local stations.

Akoni-  sorry but I neva bought a cd in my life but I listen to whatever pop's up on the radio. I'm into Reggae, Jazz, and Funk...but no matter it's all good.

 

Whose your biggest non-musical influence?

 

Makapu- My Family

Akoni- My Mom

Lukela- For me it's my Uncle Kevin. He is the most humble man I know!!!

 

As a group, who is your biggest musical influence?

 

Lukela- Aswad, Moragan Heritage, Earth Wind and Fire...list goes on and on!

Makapu- Makaha Sons, Napalapalai, Hui Ohana

Akoni- Earth Wind and Fire and the Ripingtons (smooth Jazz)

 

Maui has produced many great artists over the years, Ekolu included.  Why do you think many have fallen off the radar?  What the secret to Ekolu's success?

 

Lukela- There's no secret!!! I think people lose it when jealousy, drugs or pride get in the way. As for Ekolu, our friendship is like a bond of a brother....true to the heart and solid. When thing's get ruff, we know how to smooth things out!!!

 

What's the next big step for Ekolu?

 

Lukela- Going to Japan and spreading our music there. Thanks to Konishiki!!!

 

Is there any significance to the symbol you have on your homepage?

 

Lukela- It's a combination of tattoos that Akoni and I already have. When combined it show's 3 faces representing Ekolu which means 3 in Hawaiian!!!

 

Any special Mahaloz? Words of wisdom?

 

Ekolu- Move over everybody - God first!!! We'd like to big-up our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for keeping us together and blessing us with all this music. We love you. To everyone who helped us along the way to learn the music business thank you so much...it's because of you we have our record label now "Waiehu Records" baby!!! To all of our Family's (the Keala, Hoopii and Dellomes Ohana), friends and the loyal fans. We love you all and appreciate all the support you guys have been giving us.

 

Last but not least we wanna let everyone out there know that we have brand new cd out called "Back to the Valley" The 3rilogy, IN STORES NOW!!! Check it out at Borders, Costco, Tower Music or online at our website www.ekolulive.com. (Also available NOW!!! Down in the Valley and Shores of Waiehu) Thank's everyone....much Love and Aloha!

~God First Everytime~

Ekolu

 

Choose one:

Hoku or Grammy ( Hoku and Grammy)

McDonalds or Burger King (Sansei's on Thursday 50% off sushi)

Jennifer Lopez or George Lopez  (Jennifer baby)

Hulk Hogan or The Rock (Our braddah Konishiki, he take em both one time)