Artist Spotlight: Homebound

homebound

UK pop punk outfit Homebound’s a band that should be on everyone’s radar because next year is about to be an explosive year for them. Releasing their new EP, The Mould You Build Yourself Around, produced by Seb Barlow [WSTR, Neck Deep, ROAM], in February and heading out on the road in the UK with Four Year Strong for their Rise or Die Trying 10th anniversary tour, Homebound’s an up-and-coming band that is about to break into the scene in big ways. Catching up with vocalist Charlie Boughton, he gave us the inside scoop on everything you need to know about their forthcoming EP and their big plans for next year.

For those that don’t know, how did Homebound get together and form?

Tom, Chris and I all met and became mates at school through liking the same music. Over the years, we’ve played in various bands and after a bit of time away from any projects, we got together again and subsequently, started working on what soon became Homebound. Myself and Tom then met Joe at Uni and later asked him to join.

Your new EP, The Mould You Build Yourself Around, is out in February next year. What can you tell us about it and what was the overall writing and recording process like?

We’d been writing in dribs and drabs off the back end of our last EP, but we didn’t really knuckle down until around November last year before we headed to the studio in January with our man, Seb Barlow [Neck Deep, WSTR, ROAM]. I’d say it’s a more mature sound; definitely darker in areas in comparison to our previous stuff. There’s only so much you can try out musically in a five track EP, but we didn’t write with any preconceived idea of how we wanted it to sound, whereas I think we had done in the past and consequently restricted ourselves doing so. It’s a lot closer to where we want to be as a band musically.

Is there a particular track on The Mould You Build Yourself Around that you are looking forward to listeners hearing / one you are most proud of?

We’re all really stoked on every track, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be the end track “Broken Reverie”. I think it demonstrates how far we’ve come as a band, it’s super fun to play and translates really well live. I think it could turn out to be a fan favourite.

What inspired the album name, The Mould You Build Yourself Around?

The EP name is based on the idea that from choosing to be in a band and to pursue music, it has shaped my morals, what I value in life, my personality, the decisions I make whether serious or trivial, literally anything and everything and ultimately made me who I am today. This, at times, has alienated me from other people who I have struggled to connect and relate with. The songs specifically depict scenarios whereby these things have come into act and have affected my life and relationships with others.

It was announced that you guys were signing with Rude Records to release your new EP, how does it feel to be signed to a label that has a roster of artists including American Hi-Fi, Knuckle Puck, and Set It Off?

Of course, Rude are awesome and have worked with lots of great bands and great records, so to now have them working alongside us with this record is very humbling.

Coming from Farnham, Surrey, has your hometown influenced the type of music Homebound makes in anyway?

Not really to be perfectly honest. The distinct lack of anything music related, let alone alternative music in this area is exactly what brought us together. There hasn’t really been many bands, if any to come out of Farnham. In fact, I’m not entirely sure Farnham knows what Punk music is.

Especially these days, the pop punk music scene is continuing to grow with bands. In what ways do you think Homebound is different/stands out from other acts in the scene?

I’d say the very fact we’re not trying to be a ‘pop punk’ band as such. We don’t let that label govern what we do or any aspect of the band. The EP itself encompasses lots of different vibes; some not typically associated with Pop Punk and certainly weren’t inspired by it. We all listen to a real variety of music and I think that reflects in the song writing.

You guys are fairly active on the band’s social media accounts. In what ways, whether positively or negatively, do you feel social media has impacted Homebound over the years?

It’s probably one the best and worst things to happen to the music industry. In one light, it’s given us, like many bands, a platform to connect with fans which is really important for artists and fans alike. Conversely, it’s facilitated and normalised a really negative attitude in music where people can become very judgemental of each other. I don’t think we’ve had any bad experiences as such. There are always gonna be naysayers and the odd YouTube comment, but they’re not the ones who you need to be concerned about, it’s the ones who are into your band and want to support you.

Does Homebound have any upcoming tours/shows in the works for this winter or next year?

In February, we’re very lucky to be heading out across the UK with Four Year Strong on the 10 year anniversary tour for their album, Rise or Die Trying. This is an incredible and momentous achievement in their time as a band so for us to be a part of this celebration is very special. They’ll be the biggest shows we’ve played and will be our EP release shows so to say we’re excited is a huge understatement.

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The Mould You Build Yourself Around is out February 10th and is available for pre-order here.

Stay connected with Homebound: Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

Interview by Rachael Dowd

 

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