With a few CD’s under their belt already, you find that the new album King Of Pop has gotten Home Grown from Orange County California signed to Drive Thru Records. Actually caught up with John Tran in a van on his cell phone at the ending of their first headlining tour across the United States after just finishing a second tour of Europe. Not bad for a band celebrating 10 years together. Home Grown may seem like just another punk band. But from a closer inspection of their music and lifestyle, you observe a far more complex picture of a tight-knit unit that has earned the respect and loyalty of fans.
So have any other bands touring with you ever joined you on stage?
John: Yeah At one point once the horn section of Save Ferris joined us on stage to give the crowd a treat. The saxophone, trumpet and trombone players started jamming along with us throughout our set when we were touring with Save Ferris and Hangfish. That was a while ago when we were touring for our album That’s Business.
Ever do any cover songs live that you wound not mind recording?
John: we’ve done great versions of The Aqua’s songs: Barbie Girl and Space Girl’s Wanna Be.
Have you or anybody in your band ever go on stage and support or play with another band during your touring?
John: Our bass player, Adam Lohrbach joined the Save Ferris gang on stage to show off his trumpet playing talents during the song The World Is New. That was on the same tour at that time.
How do you keep up with your ever changing growing up audience?
John: We like to keep changing our style and challenging our fans, They're growing up with us, and you can't keep writing songs about how some girl broke your heart in high school. I have to sing about what's happening in my life now although I'm still going to act like a goofball for the rest of my life. That’s part of my caricature.
King Of Pop was Produced by Steve Evetts and is the band's third full-length album.
John:It works well as a whole album because it was does by the pure melody that links every song. "We're such good friends that we hang out all the time even when we're at home--we play video games, surf, fish. The chemistry we have now is great." That chemistry extends to the band's new home, as well.
What is your relationship with getting signed to Drive Thru Records?
John: Richard and Stefanie Reines are the indie label's brother and sister team. They were all ready friends and fans of the band even before they had Drive-Thru up and running. Finding a label that understands your music and scene is really difficult. Fortunately we've been friends with Richard and Stefanie for ages. Music is therapy. You write when you need to say something and get it off your chest--or when you feel like ripping on some girl who broke your heart.
What was the first song you ever wrote?
John: The first song I ever wrote was No Love For Broads
Whats your favorite band song?
JOhn: Surfer Girl
What is The Bands Favorite food while on tour”
John: Mexican
What is the bands Favorite song to perform off of King Of Pop?
John: Cant Stop The World
With songs like I Love You Not, punk is a core in the style of Home Grown. John Tran playes several instruments and writes songs that you’ll hold onto. These tunes will get you jumping around exploding all over the place. These guys help make Orange County California fun.
As of August 2004 Home Grown have a new Ep out on Drive - Thrue Records.
