The Waitiki 7: Masters of Modern Exotica

The Waitiki 7 is a Hawaiian ensemble dedicated to revitalizing and reimagining the classic mid-century genre of exotica. Formed in Boston, Massachusetts, the group has released several critically acclaimed albums that have introduced the lush, tiki-inspired sounds of Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman to a new generation of listeners.

Early career

The band was formed in 2007 by composer and keyboardist Randy Wong, who sought to assemble a group of classically trained musicians to explore the complex arrangements of exotica. Their foundational work involved deep research into the genre's history, leading to their debut album, "Adventures in Paradise," released on the Waitiki International label in 2008.

Breakthrough

The Waitiki 7 gained significant recognition with their 2009 album "New Sounds of Exotica," which earned a nomination for Best Hawaiian Music Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. This accolade cemented their status as serious curators and innovators within the niche genre, bringing them to the attention of international audiences and specialty music press.

Key tracks

Quiet Village — This reimagining of the Martin Denny standard showcases their signature blend of authentic instrumentation with sophisticated musicality.

Hana Maui — An original composition that perfectly captures the romantic, cinematic quality of classic exotica while demonstrating their skill as composers.

Firecracker — A lively, percussion-driven track that highlights the group's energetic live performance style and intricate arrangements.

Taboo — Their interpretation of this Arthur Lyman classic emphasizes the vibrancy of the vibraphone and bird calls, core elements of the exotica sound.

The group continued their prolific output with albums like "Hawaiian Swing" (2011) and "Pretty Things" (2015), further exploring the intersections of exotica, jazz, and easy listening. Their collaborations have included working with surviving legends of the genre, such as flautist and former Arthur Lyman member Harold Chang.

Fans of The Waitiki 7's meticulously crafted tropical soundscapes often enjoy the work of similar artists. Martin Denny is the undisputed father of exotica whose work The Waitiki 7 directly honors. Arthur Lyman pioneered the vibraphone-heavy "bird call" style that deeply influences the group. The Hawaiians represent another modern group dedicated to preserving and evolving the instrumental sounds of the islands.

The Waitiki 7's music is a staple on specialty radio formats, particularly on online radio streams and independent music radio stations that focus on lounge, world music, and vintage pop. Their albums receive regular rotation on stations dedicated to reviving the sophisticated cocktail-hour ambiance of the 1950s and 60s.

Listeners can discover the captivating exotica of The Waitiki 7 on radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to onairium.com to hear their tropical instrumentals on dedicated lounge and international music stations.