Lopaka Rootz is a Reggae singer/lyricist out of Kailua Kona, on the big Island of Hawaii. His musical career began at the age of 21, back in 2006. He spent ten years perfecting his craft until he met the musicians that would help him spread his music around the world. HI in I was then formed, and Lopaka Rootz HI in I was ready to begin their amazing journey. Back in November, they released “Eddie”, a song in honor or Eddie Aikau. With a mix of a fast paced, nonstop instrumentals and slower reggae roots vibes, this song will have you hooked!
“Eddie” had me moving from the second I started the song. The high energy, fast-paced instrumentals come in immediately and set the tone for the rest of the song. Similar to a ska song, this one hits you right away and doesn’t stop. I love the way the band incorporated upbeat guitar chords that complimented Lopaka Rootz voice perfectly. What really impressed me was the range of tempo that this song has. At times, you can’t help but want to kick your legs out and go wild in a mosh pit. At other times, the band slows the pace down and brings in a roots vibe that will have you nodding your head and rocking your body. Whatever reggae music your into, “Eddie” is a song that you’ll undoubtably vibe to!
I had the opportunity to speak one on one with Lopaka Rootz and hear his take on the new single. “Eddie is about legendary life guard, waterman and big wave surfer, Eddie Aikau, who was lost at sea while paddling on his board in the middle of the ocean to try and get help from himself and his Outrigger Canoe Crew that had gotten distressed in a storm. Hence, ‘Eddie would go.’ And it’s double used because when the waves were huge and over 40 feet, Eddie would charge them. And ‘Eddie would go.’ This song is inspired by his life and his journey. I really tried to create the intensity through music of bombing big giant waves at full speed. Hence the ska vibe and Dick Dale style guitar riff. The slow down in the 3rd verse was to create the calm between the sets before charging into the next massive wave. It’s fun how music is a wave form. As an artist getting older, I like to tell people that I don’t surf in the ocean much more. But I love surfing sound waves.” I love the message behind this song, and I really love the relation of the waves to music. Music can make you feel like charging into massive waves, and like the calm of the sea all at once. “Eddie” absolutely captures that feeling.
Lopaka Rootz HI in I definitely impressed me with this single. It is everything anyone can want in Reggae music. I can’t wait to hear more! Make sure to check out “Eddie” on the blog’s Spotify playlist: After Hours Review! Follow Lopaka Rootz social media and keep an eye out for another new single dropping March 13th!