The Pier is returning to Hawai’i this month from Feb 24th – March 1st to attend the private EKM Records “Tune-In” party in Honolulu. The Pier will also be featured on Island 98.5, Hawai’i’s number one reggae radio station, for an on-air interview with the infamous Wake Up Crew at 9:00AM HST. on Feb 26th.
The indie record label, EKM Records, is a “Hawai’i born & based independent record label/music event promotion family” representing the rising talent from the small island, including The Jimmy Weeks Project, Siaosi, Kiwini, Jah Maoli The Late Ones and Kaipo Kapua. The label is made up of seasoned industry professionals with the goal to bring the sounds of paradise to a vast audience outside of the secluded island chain. EKM stands for Eia Ka Manawa, which literally translates to “now is the time.” An appropriate name for a record label focused on spreading aloha to the mainland and beyond. 
We were fortunate to meet with label founders back on June 6, 2014 when The Jimmy Weeks Project and Sammy J opened for the Common Kings in Tacoma, WA. The commotion and craziness of tour life can prevent us from really getting to know these artists and the “Tune-In” Party is a perfect way for us to hang out and find out what really inspires them. The Pier feels so blessed and is looking forward to adjusting to island time once again in order to collaborate with the hard working artists at EKM to bring our ohana together. Headed to Hawai’i from February 24th to March 1st will be Editor-Mike Patti, Photographer-David Norris and yours truly!
[Related: Common Kings, Jimmy Weeks Project Sammy J, Stay Grounded (6-6-14)]
The work does not stop there – The next morning, after the private “Tune-In” party, we will be doing research for a feature about Island 98.5, Hawai’i’s number one reggae radio station. The feature will include interviews with the station staff in addition to an on-air interview with the infamous Wake Up Crew at 9:00AM HST on Thursday, February 26, 2015.
Mike, David and myself will take over the Hawaiian airwaves to discuss the reggae scene, what it’s like promoting aloha over the airwaves in paradise, and anything else that may come up. Be sure to tune in by clicking HERE to listen to us three talkin’ Reggae-Rock in Honolulu, HI!
After the broadcast that Thursday, we will be having lunch at Sprout Sandwich Shop at 1154 Koko Head Ave in Kaimuki so come by and say “ALOHA!” The mouth-watering sandwiches are made with the freshest ingredients the island has to offer and have received stellar reviews since the doors opened last year. Go eat some ono grinds and tell the shop owners Steve and Steph that Blake Taylor from The Pier sent you!
Related Links:
EKM Records Website
EKM Records Sound-Cloud
Island 98.5 Website
Listen Live on iHeartRadio
Sprout Sandwich Shop on Yelp!
Article By: Blake Taylor