Neken

Neken, like most young bands started off jamming at house parties, playing covers of songs by groups whose music they enjoyed: Incubus, Sublime, 311, Long Beach Dub All-Stars, Blink 182 and others. They realized they shared similar tastes back when all were attending Castle High School in Kaneohe, taking music all four years. After graduation, they started to consider trying to make a career of the profession that bass player Ambrose Rapis calls a "great liberation of the spirit." They chose their name, wrote their first original song, Grote Road, and played their first real gig in February 2003. Other original songs soon followed, Triumphant Land, Liquid Throne, Stay, and Flip Side, just to name a few.
The lyrics are well known to their many fans on the East Side of Oahu. By June 2003, Neken played at the 1st Annual Kona Music Festival, opening for Pepper, Natural Vibes, and B.E.T.. After tying for 1st Place at the KPOI Van's Triple Crown of Surfing at Hard Café, they continued to expand their audience in new venues. In 2003-2004, they opened for international stars such as Don Carlos, Fishbone, Yellowman, and War. They continue to play at varied locations such as East Side Grill, Hard Rock Café, Boardriders, as well as special events such as Bayfest.
They are working on their first CD, to be released at the end of this year. Band members are Jarrod Bonser (guitar), Ambrose Rapis (bass), Wayne Santos (drums), and Jace Faufata (vocals). Jarrod, Wayne, and Ambrose write Neken's original songs collaboratively, with each contributing their ideas and instrumental ability. Often songs are written with Jace's unique vocal style in mind. Neken is constantly experimenting and trying to incorporate different influences into their sound. Favorites include Tower of Power, Steel Pulse, James Brown, Temptations, Kalapana, NOFX, Sublime, and the Eagles. For Neken, "it's about constantly trying to improve musically, taking risks, and trying to have an original, distinctive style."