Family trio Slack Key ʻOhana make music the way they’ve always made it, together, with no outside musicians and nothing left to chance. Ahead of their new album, The ʻOhana Sessions, son Brian Witkin shares the story behind growing up between Hawaiʻi and home, keeping the sound stripped down and analog, and why this record is the most personal thing the group has released yet.
1. For those just discovering your music, how did the idea of making music as a family actually begin?
We’ve been making music as a family for as long as I can remember, so it really grew out of something we already loved doing together.
2. Does each of you have a defined role in the group, or does it shift from song to song?
I play slack-key guitar and sing lead vocals, while my parents sing backup. My mom plays ukulele, and my dad plays U-Bass and piano. I also play steel guitar live sometimes.
On The ʻOhana Sessions, I played all the lap steel and percussion, plus some ukulele, although my mom handled most of that. Every instrument and vocal on those ten original songs is just the three of us.
3. Was there a specific moment that sparked your obsession with Hawaiian music, or did it grow over time?
It grew over time. I’ve been visiting the islands since I was an infant and spent a lot of time there growing up. Hawaiian music was part of that experience, so my connection to it developed naturally and has continued to deepen over the years.
4. How do you look back at the awards you’ve earned so far, and has that success added any pressure to keep improving?
It’s not about the accolades for me, but the recognition is meaningful. There’s a sense of validation that strengthens my determination to keep creating.
I see it more as encouragement than pressure. It’s rewarding to know that something we love making is connecting with people.
5. What makes The ʻOhana Sessions the most personal album in your catalog so far?
My mom, dad, and I performed every instrument and every vocal on all ten original songs. That makes it an incredibly personal record. When I listen to it, I hear the music we created and the time we spent making it together.
Having that captured in an album means a lot to me.
6. What themes or stories do the lyrics on The ʻOhana Sessions tell? Is there something on there for every kind of listener?
I think there’s something for everyone. The idea is to transport listeners to a calm, inviting place and give them something that feels good.
Whether you’re listening closely or just have it playing in the background, you don’t need to overthink it. There’s a simplicity to the songs that’s intentional because we want people to relax and enjoy themselves.
7. Was there any particular artist or sound that inspired the direction of this album?
The sound we had in mind was raw, simple, and natural, with an analog feel. We wanted to keep the production understated so you could hear the instruments, the voices, and the people behind them. That simplicity was a big part of the direction.
8. What’s the perfect place or setting to really savor all these new songs?
Outside with a view of the ocean. Give yourself a little time to slow down, enjoy the surroundings, and let the music be part of that.
9. You have live shows coming up later this month; what new experience are you bringing fans?
We’re incorporating more hula into our shows, which adds another dimension to the music. It’s exciting to bring those elements together and give people more to experience during a live performance.
10. If Slack Key ʻOhana didn’t exist yet and you were starting from zero today, what’s one thing you’d do differently?
I’d trust myself sooner. There were things I thought I needed someone else to handle before I realized I could learn to do them myself.
Working with other people is still important to me, but I’ve learned how much is possible when you give yourself permission to try. I’d bring that confidence into the process earlier.
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Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
