Homegrown Discusses Career, Challenges, and Kings of Pop Album on The Powered By Rock Podcast's Season 6 Premiere

Connecting the Dots: The Evolution and Reunion of Homegrown

Key Takeaways:

• The journey of Homegrown highlights the ebbs and flows of the music industry, from rapid success to industry challenges.
• Reunion and resilience: Despite a long hiatus, the band's reunion underscores the timeless bond and unyielding passion for music.
• Behind the scenes: Insights into recording experiences and personal reflections provide a deeper understanding of the band's dynamics and decisions.

Homegrown's Explosive Entry into the Pop Punk Scene

Homegrown, a vibrant pop punk band from Southern California, burst onto the scene in the mid to late 1990s. They shared stages with renowned bands like Blink 182, Good Charlotte, and Newfound Glory. Their high-energy performances at Warp Tour captured the hearts of many fans. The release of their iconic album Kings of Pop in 2002 marked a crescendo of their popularity but also heralded the beginning of turbulent times ahead.

The Early Days: Crafting a Unique Sound

Homegrown's inception was rooted in their high school days. Initially a cover band, they rapidly transitioned to creating original music. Reflecting on their debut album, That's Business in 1995, John Tran shared, "We were just young and didn’t really have any structure. We had a lot of the same influences." They intertwined the raw energy of punk with distinctive hardcore tones, drawing from influences like NOFX and Screeching Weasel.

Adam Lohrbach recalled, "I remember just hearing bands and going, 'Oh, you can do that,' and so you just keep going and adding."

By blending various musical elements, Homegrown created songs that were diverse yet cohesive. Their music wasn’t just confined to the traditional pop punk formula. As Isaac Kuhlman noted, "You guys did all sorts of stuff here, like record scratching… weird noises… heavy guitar riffs." This eclectic approach garnered them initial popularity and set the foundation for future success.

Navigating the Challenges of the Music Industry

The path to sustained success is rarely linear, and Homegrown's experiences epitomize this. With the release of Act Your Age in 1998, the band reached new heights. Yet, as John Tran and Adam Lohrbach illustrate, industry dynamics posed significant challenges.

The Impact of Major Label Dealings

Signing with a major label brought a mix of opportunities and obstacles. Tran noted, "The major label same exact thing. You know, when label runs out of money, they get bought out and then they downsize." This statement underscores the volatile nature of the music industry. Adam added, "It just got shelved. The record basically got. They dropped support for it."

Despite the potential for broader exposure, being on a major label can be a double-edged sword. The reality of financial constraints and corporate restructurings often means that promising records may not receive the support they need. Homegrown’s experience with Act Your Age is a testament to this harsh reality. However, despite these setbacks, their passion for music and connection with fans remained unwavering.

The Emotional Toll and Internal Struggles

The challenges weren’t only external. The rigors of touring and the pressures of maintaining momentum took a personal toll on the band members. Adam remarked, "I used to have. I used to be involved in my faith… I hit a low spot." This introspective moment reveals the personal challenges that accompany a demanding career in music.

For Tran, the dynamics were also challenging. "On the road, doing a lot of bad shit and something that definitely set a disconnection with all the members," he shared, illustrating the mental and emotional strain that constant touring can impose.

The Triumphant Reunion: Rekindling the Flame

After nearly two decades of hiatus, Homegrown's decision to reunite was a significant event for both the band and their fans. Their recent reunion show has been described as a resounding success.

Recapturing the Magic on Stage

Reflecting on the reunion, Adam noted, "I still get happy about it… I felt like everything came together exactly how it should have been." The enthusiasm and camaraderie among the band members were palpable, bringing their distinctive energy back to the stage.

Tran added, "My big ask with the band when we first got together was, I want us to sound the best we've ever been for these people. Like, they've been waiting for 19 years. I don't want to disappoint."

Their meticulous preparation, with multiple rehearsals ensuring they were at the top of their game, paid off. The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming that time and distance had not diminished their allure. As Tran optimistically noted, "We picked up where we left."

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects

The exciting news for fans is that this reunion isn't just a one-off event. Homegrown is prepared to keep the momentum going with another show scheduled at the Glass House. Adam excitedly shared, "It's going to be fun to go back into stuff, go back into EPs… We have all the access to it. We just haven’t really, you know, come up with a game plan for it yet."

While the band is still working out the details and plans for future performances and potential new music, their dedication remains strong. They’ve maintained a close connection with their fanbase through platforms like their website and social media, ensuring that support and merchandise sales help fuel their continued journey.

The reunion of Homegrown is not merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a testament to their resilience, passion for music, and their fans' undying loyalty. The bonds formed through their shared experiences in the music industry have kept them grounded and connected, ready to explore new horizons together.

The journey of Homegrown offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a band navigating the highs and lows of the music industry. From their initial rise to their recent reunification, the band's story is rich with lessons on resilience, the importance of adaptability, and the enduring power of camaraderie and passion for one's craft. With plans for future shows and possibly new music, fans can look forward to more from this legendary pop-punk group.