EMKE - PRESS

MetroHNL: "On Their Own" It was a sleepless night for bassist Ezri Santos when, at 3a.m., she texted her band mate, guitarist Mari Arakawa about the things that had been keeping her up. (click on the picture to read the full article.)

Honolulu Magazine: "Honolulu Teen Rock Band EMKE On The Rise" Read the following quote and take a guess how old the speaker is. “Nowadays, you don’t have many different textures in music. It’s just one sound.” (click on the picture to read the full article.)

While in Hawaii these past few years, Babel Entertainment discovered more than just sweet beaches, fresh pineapples, coco nuts, and late night bars, we found a thriving talented rock scene. One band in particular that caught our eyes was the young quartet called EMKE (click the pic to read the full interview)

“EMKE is amazing - they blow me away every time I see them play live or hear one of their recorded songs. EMKE explodes with energy, passion and top-notch musicianship. Their professionalism is impressive for players of their young age, and they have a huge, bright future ahead of them. Star 101.9 FM is proud to feature EMKE on our weekly Unsigned Hawaii radio show.”

Kevin Jones - Promotions Director, All Stations • Star 101.9 FM On Air • Clear Channel Media + Entertainment of Hawaii • KSSK AM/FM – Island 98.5 FM – Star 101.9 FM – 93.9 FM JAMZ – KHVH AM – KIKI AM

“.... part of EMKE’s sound is decidedly retro, and when they power up a song, like their original Too Late, the modern melodic hard rock projects sophistication beyond their years.”

Dave Lawrence - HPR host of NPR’s All Things Considered • KHPR 88.1 Honolulu - KIPO 89.3 Honolulu

While on vacation in Hawaii, my wife and I discovered this awesome band with a refreshingly new sound... EMKE had us mesmerized. Stage presence that commanded the audience and talent bursting from every angle!

Mo Bounce - Z100 New York • radio personality and international voice over artist hosting 6-10PM weeknights

I've been a fan of EMKE ever since I saw them on YouTube. Here were these cute little kids opening for Kansas! They rocked it! They're all grown up now, and rocking it even harder. EMKE's EP "Promises and Expectations" showcases their talent and years of hard work. My favorites are the power ballads, "Open Eyes" and "Last Tonight". EMKE rocks!

Vance K - DJ radio personality for 76.1 InterFM Tokyo • 84.7 FM Yokohama

“The entertainment industry is full of children who get by on cuteness.... but don’t write them (EMKE) off as kiddie rock or a novelty act. The members are younger than most bands on the local scene, but they’re not kids playing at being a rock band. They can rock hard. This collection (EP) of originals shows they have talent and potential as writers as well.”

John Berger - Honolulu’s veteran scene reporter, music reviewer and premier theater critic for the Honolulu Star Advertiser