Music Mondays: Hero the Band
In a time when music has forever been changing as the industry continues to evolve and expand, it is reliving when we hear and see something that is different from what is being played in the mainstream. In a world where sex, money, and cars seem to rule over everything it is astonishing to see a group of young people who are using their voices and talent to serve the community by bringing out the positive issues that matter most.
The Barnette brothers, better known as Hero the Band, are in that realm of individuals who are using the industry and their gifts to spread an affirmative message. Not only are they young, but they are very well grounded within their spiritual upbringings which gives them the passion, drive, and determination to do all that they are doing.
I had the pleasure of interviewing the sibling clan where they discussed what inspires them, their plans for the upcoming year, and what their mission in life.
What inspired you guys to come with the name Hero the Band?
The definition itself which means that you are your own unique individual (being). So for us we take it as even though we are all brothers, we are each different yet the same. Our famous quote that we always say is, “You can only be yourself because everybody else is taken.” Everyone is their own unique hero, but is up to you to know who it is that you are.
What inspired you guys to start off in the R&B genre to now being more of an alternative/pop/electronic band?
We grew up listening to all types of music, such as Queen, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Prince. Our parents played everything, except rap. We were deprived from Hip Hop music, but everything worked out fine for us at the end of the day. We felt freer and that we can release ourselves with rock music, and talk about things of this world and still be “COOL.”
You guys recently had a show last week. Do you have any more lined up before the year ends?
We have one show, we sort of let our schedule go free due to certain situations, as far as moving forward in our careers to get ready for next year. We have a show coming up on New Year’s Eve called “The Downtown Countdown, 2014 Atlanta.” It will be at the Hyatt Hotel. People can visit downtowncountdown.net to buy tickets.
What are some of your goals for 2015?
Releasing more music; we will release another EP towards the end of the year, as well as launching more awesome videos.
When you’re not in the studio, what do you guys enjoy doing?
We like to climb trees (laughter). We like to play basketball, football, kickball, work out, dance, and laugh. We also like to brainstorm and be creative by coming up with new and different businesses ventures by thinking of ways of how we can enhance the world and city that we live in and more independent as leaders.
“We’re basically like Pinky & the Brain. We’re always waking up and thinking of how we can take over the world today.”
What kind of business ventures are guys looking into?
We like to work out, so that is one of our ventures. We’re kind of doing a work out gym, called Universal Body Language (UBL). We also have a concert series that we already have in place that we started in 2012 called “Atlanta Rock of Ages”, which has a big name in Atlanta where we bring unique artists together under one roof. [The artists and interns that work with the concert series are all a part of a movement where they really get to experience the culture of Atlanta and all that it has to offer. In a year or so, we want to start up a summer program where kids can come in and gain extra experience.
Who do you guys want to work with in the music industry?
Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Muse, Andre 3000, and Drake to name a few.
What inspires you guys to create music?
For us it is always the voice of God. Through Him He gives us the vision to go searching for documentaries and music entrepreneurs that inspire us. The people also inspire us. With the gift that we have been given we feel that we should definitely share it so that people will get to experience it.
What advice would you give to other young people out there that are striving to make their dreams a reality within the music industry?
Stay true to yourself and always put God first and let him use you in a manner where you don’t lose faith or sight of Him, and understand that this is your world and what you put out in it is what you get back (law of attraction). So if you put out positive energy then you’ll get positive results and vice versa. Always remain positive and never take no for an answer.
Never stop believing in yourself even if everyone else isn’t supporting you, support yourself.
That is one of the hardest things to do that people don’t realize because support is so valuable and it is not always given. As you start to believe and support in yourself, others will soon follow.
To stay up to date with the band, follow them on Twitter and Instagram@Hero_TheBand and Facebook.