A question Queenie and I always ask ourselves pre-interviews, or what we like to call “chats,” is “I wonder what the vibes are going to be today?” We have probably done hundreds of interviews up to this point over the course of our journalism career, and yet, we always get the pre – interview nerves.
I say this because after navigating different time zones, and all of us already going through our first half of the day, you would expect us to be lethargic and have a boring chat, but it was in fact the complete opposite. From as soon as he hopped on the call, 8RO8 brought the energy! There is no downplaying his personality. He is as personable as his songs.
All the way from the beautiful island of Hawai’i, residing in Oahu, 8RO8, represents his home through his unique way of storytelling reflected in his music. If you have not heard 8RO8’s music yet, let this write up be your introduction to a new generation of Pacific Islander talent.
8RO8 has a blended sound made for anyone and everyone. He has a way of meshing the old with the new. In each of his songs up to now, there is something for everyone! Growing up in Hawai’i, a home to many ethnicities, making it a prime melting pot of diversity and culture, 8RO8 absorbs all the inspiration surrounding him and showcases it in his music. With that being said, 8RO8’s sound reflects the diversity Hawai’i encompasses because growing up with so many different cultures, you’re inclined to be more open minded to the different tastes of music each ethnicity brings. “I don’t really gatekeep when it comes to genres or even languages. Like, I might drop some Tagalog in the next project. Who knows?”
If I didn’t make it clear enough, 8RO8 does not discriminate and he is for the people. He is for the music…and most importantly, he is for everyone having fun with his music!
8RO8 is about to release his new EP at the end of the month, August 30th. We already can expect good vibes and good laughs through his songs, but what else should we be looking forward to? Let me tell you how shocked Queenie and I were when our brother 8RO8 was name dropping all those in his upcoming EP – we were jaw dropped! This is an EP you are going to want to pre-save and be on the lookout for. This might be one of the best EP drops this year.
Being so fresh and young in the music space, only turning 25 years old this year, 8RO8 has already established connections and collaborations with big name artists throughout the community. Many up and coming artists only wish to have a song with the names we are expecting to hear from. The names 8RO8 dropped on us are; the legendary Island Reggae singer, J Boog, Utu Bang Bang’s very own, Ka’Ikena Scanlan, Bay Area’s finest Filipino kuya,P-LO, and other iconic locals Pana and 94Tunez, just to name a few.
There. Is. A. Song. For. Everyone. 8RO8 made sure “I got a song for the uncles. I got a song for the aunties. Like, I’m pretty sure this tape will do a lot for the culture, and that’s what I’m really excited for.”
As much as 8RO8’s music has been growing and receiving a lot of attention and success, one thing we learned about Hawaii’s local bruddah is how down to earth he is. I believe a lot of the success he’s been receiving from his music is how authentically himself he is when creating his music. “I sit down in front of the computer, I turn the metronome on, I start seeing random ideas, and whatever gets birthed from my brain is what happens. Whatever doesn’t, good luck, Charlie. We will try again tomorrow.”
With many of 8RO8’s songs, you can expect to receive a lot of local boy references with a funny, personable twist to it. His most recent release “Salty Eyes,” dropped on August 16, 2024. “Salty Eyes” is a recent example of 8RO8’s creative process. He shared with us the behind the scenes of his newest single.
As he was out surfing with one of his buddies, water kept getting into his eyes and in his mouth. The more he was out in the water paddling, he was blinded from all the saltwater. By the time he paddled out to his friend in the lineup, his friend said, “Oh, Bro, are you crying? Did you miss me that much?” Instantly, 8RO8 received inspiration from his friend’s banter and had an idea the whole situation would be a good theme for a song. 8RO8 goes on to share, “So, yeah, “Salty Eyes” is basically when you go to the water and salt water gets in your eyes, so it looks like you’re crying. And I kind of just wanted to frame it like you’re at the beach, but you’re, in reality, you just really miss somebody.”
That is just a little glimpse of what more we can expect from 8RO8’s newest EP. We are excited to hear how his sound blends with the amount of artists he has collaborated with for this new project. He gives all the praise and glory to God leading him to spaces where opportunities present themselves.
“At the end of the day, I think it’s all God. I did nothing but just make the music. But God was able to present that opportunity, and I was able to capitalize on it, because I jumped forward at the opportunity that He set up for me.”
– 8r08
Amen and Amen.
In the future we can expect not only more music and collaboration, but we can expect 8RO8 to master and improve on his craft by tapping into a more natural sound. A sound where he embraces his own tone and voice. “There’s a certain tone you can get only natural.”
In regards to everyone reading wanting to pursue music, especially all the local boys and girls, 8RO8 says “Fahk Em!” After resonating with a poster saying “If you’re scared, then you should take risks,” hanging in a hospital bathroom, 8RO8’s advice to everyone is to “send it” more often. Instead of overthinking, just take the risk, because the worst thing you can do to yourself is not try.
The biggest takeaway from 8RO8’s interview we received is to have fun and “fahk em!”
In the wisest, goofiest words of 8RO8
“Success is like pani popo, it is sweet, but when you’re done eating, the sweetness is over.”
– 8ro8
Just like our local brother, 8RO8, success is all about living out a life where you’re carefree and authentically yourself, while having fun pursuing your passions, and most importantly, being surrounded by good people, good vibes, and establishing amazing connections. Make every situation as relatable and personable as possible.
Make sure to stream 8RO8’s newest EP out now!
