“Slack Key Blues” - Slack Key 'Ohana
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Slack Key ‘Ohana’s new single “Slack Key Blues” is a breezy, bittersweet blend of island charm and bluesy soul.
You’re in Hawai’i. The sky is impossibly blue, the ocean’s practically begging you to take a dip, and the breeze is the kind that makes you forget all your troubles. But there is something deeper and darker at work. That moment of contradiction—that’s where “Slack Key Blues” was born.
This upcoming single from Slack Key ‘Ohana and lap steel guitar virtuoso Rand Anderson isn’t your average laid-back island track. It’s sun-kissed, yes, but with a deep, soulful sigh woven into its strings. It asks the quiet question: what happens when paradise isn’t perfect?
“Slack Key Blues” is exactly what its title promises — a mellow, guitar-driven hybrid of Hawaiian slack key and American blues, with a little bit of storytelling soul tucked inside. And guiding it all is the buttery-smooth voice of Kela Sako, the newest member of Slack Key ‘Ohana, who floats over the track like a leaf on the tide. Her vocals? Light as air but packed with emotion.
Brian Witkin (one of the masterminds behind the band) wrote the music, blending his two musical passions into something that feels both classic and fresh, while Anderson crafted lyrics that are more poetic than postcard-perfect. “Waianae” isn’t just a name-drop — it’s a nod to the very real struggles that exist in paradise, pulling the curtain back on Hawai’i’s picture-perfect image.
The instrumentation here is quietly magical. You’ve got: Rand Anderson’s lap steel whispering blues over the waves, Carol Witkin’s ukulele bringing that unmistakable island lilt, Brian Witkin’s slack key guitar adding warmth and depth, and Kela’s voice surfing effortlessly on top of it all.
Together, it creates a vibe that’s equal parts sunset serenade and bluesy introspection — like sipping a Mai Tai while watching the tide roll out, thinking about life’s strange turns.
Let’s talk aesthetic for a second — the single artwork is by Tom "Thor" Thordarson, a Disney Imagineer and tiki art legend. It’s got a retro Polynesian pop-art-meets-existential-blues feel. It’s whimsical, colorful, and perfectly captures the “smiling through the melancholy” feel of the song.
And keep your eyes peeled in May: a full lyric video and music video are on the way, adding even more lush visuals to the mix.
“Slack Key Blues” isn’t just a one-off chill-out track. It’s a sneak peek into Slack Key ‘Ohana’s upcoming album, Mai Tais in Paradise, dropping later this summer. If this track is any indication, the album’s gonna be a laid-back but emotionally rich ride through island grooves, soul-searching lyrics, and genre-blending musicianship.
And with a lineup that includes everyone from Grammy winners like George Kahumoku Jr. to rock legends like Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Slack Key ‘Ohana are clearly not playing it safe. They’re carving their own sonic path, blending tradition with experimentation, and “Slack Key Blues” is just the beginning.
“Slack Key Blues” is the kind of song that makes you think and makes you sway. It’s easy on the ears, heavy on the heart, and steeped in musical history from both sides of the Pacific. Whether you’re a fan of slack key guitar, classic blues, tiki culture, or just beautifully written music, this track deserves a spot on your playlist.
Hit play, close your eyes, and let it take you somewhere where the waves are rolling and the truth cuts through the sunshine.
“Slack Key Blues” is available now on all major streaming platforms
If you’re anywhere near the West Coast this spring, go see these folks live.
Upcoming Dates:
April 6 – Carlsbad, CA @ The Camp Store
April 16 – San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena’s Stella Artois Lounge
April 18 – Santa Cruz, CA @ Pono Grill
April 19 – Davis, CA @ Moss Lane
April 25–26 – Scottsdale, AZ @ Arizona Tiki Oasis
May 2–3 – Palm Springs, CA @ The Reef & Tiki Caliente
Follow Slack Key ‘Ohana - Spotify | Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube | Website | Facebook | X
Listen to Slack Key ‘Ohana and other similar artists on our Spotify Playlist ‘New Music Spotlight - Folk & Country’
