Michael Tekaronianeken Diabo (aka Rev Hank, Mohawk: Kahnawake, PQ) plays surf guitar, and ukulele. This may seem like a simple statement, but when you look into what it has meant, things get more interesting. Inspired by his mother’s Wild Angel’s LP, the Rev’s life long obsession with the sounds of the 1960’s has lead him to front the Canadian-based instro-Mental trio Urban Surf Kings for the past 25 years. USK has been called “One of the best Surf Instrumental bands on the planet” by Raucous Records UK.
Rev Hank/ USK have 18 releases to date, including the July 2020 “El Camino de los Muertos” All of their previous CDs & 45s have charted on campus/community radio across Canada, and the US.
Rev Hank’s solo recordings have been featured on releases from California to Italy, His debut solo album Longhorn was released by his own Reverb Ranch label in May 2012. It is getting rave reviews worldwide. His Great Grandmother did the beaded artwork featured on the Longhorn cover.
All these recordings have lead to umpteen live performances across Canada. The summer of 2009 saw Rev Hank performing with Antigua’s own Wadadli Riders at the Surfer Joe Summer Festival in Livorno, Italy. This show was so well received, and so much fun for those involved, that the 3 decided that they would work together again. Rev Hank & the Wadadli Riders recorded an ep for their 2010 Antiguan Tour. He was the first international surf artist to perform in the Caribbean country. He has also performed in the US, and Italy. Twang on! Hail Link Wray!
Some Awards & Nominations:
- Select Awards & Nominations:
Music Nova Scotia Awards (2016) – nomination for Aboriginal Artist of the Year
Music Nova Scotia Awards (2015) – nomination for Aboriginal Artist of the Year
Music Nova Scotia Awards (2014) – nomination for Aboriginal Artist of the Year
Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards (2008) – nomination for Best Group or Duo, and Best Instrumental CD (Bang Howdy Partner)
Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards (2007) – nomination for best instrumental recording (Live)
Music Nova Scotia Awards (2006) – Award for best Aboriginal Group
Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards (2006) – nomination for best instrumental recording (Live)
Indian Summer Music Awards (2006) – nomination for best instrumental recording (Live)
Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (2004) – nomination for best instrumental recording (Surf vs. the Flying Saucers)
Genie Awards (1999) – nomination for best original score (Beefcake)
Atlantic Film Festival (1999) – award for best music composition
Rev Hank Releases:
2020 El Camino de los Muertos – Full length (Digital, Reverb Ranch)
https://reverbranch.bandcamp.com/album/el-camino-de-los-muertos
2020 Space Hop/ Knife Fight – EP (Digital, Reverb Ranch)
https://reverbranch.bandcamp.com/album/space-hop-knife-fight
2019 Ukexotic – Full length (CD/digital, Sharawaji Records)
https://reverbranch.bandcamp.com/album/ukexotic
2015 Ukulele Surf King – ep (CD/Digital, Reverb Ranch)
https://reverbranch.bandcamp.com/album/ukulele-surf-king-ep
2012 Longhorn – Full length (CD/Digital, Reverb Ranch)
https://reverbranch.bandcamp.com/album/longhorn
2010 Rev Hank Meets Wadadli Riders (CD/ Digital, Reverb Ranch/Surfer Joe)
https://reverbranch.bandcamp.com/album/rev-hank-meets-wadadli-riders
Reverb Ranch 