Home Grown

ByLets Go Punk
Home Grown is an Orange County band known for catchy

Home Grown is a band from Orange County, California that came together in 1994 and spent the next decade writing upbeat songs built around humor, hooks, and an easygoing Southern California outlook. Over the years they released three full length albums, several EPs, and stayed active until stepping away in 2005. After a long break, the band returned to the stage in 2024 and confirmed in 2025 that new music was in the works.

Getting Started in Orange County

Home Grown formed in 1994 with John Tran on guitar and vocals, Adam Lohrbach on bass and vocals, Ian Cone on guitar, and Bob Herco on drums. Early on, the band mixed punk rock with pop melodies, surf and skate elements, and lighthearted lyrics that leaned into jokes and self awareness rather than seriousness.

Their first album, That’s Business, was released in 1995 through Liberation Records. While rough around the edges, it helped establish their place in the busy Southern California music scene of the 1990s. Songs like Surfer Girl and Face in the Crowd became early favorites, and the band spent much of this period playing local shows and heading out on their first tours. In 1996 they released the EP Wusappaning?! through Burning Heart Records.

Act Your Age and Expanding Visibility

The band signed with Outpost Recordings and released their second album, Act Your Age, in 1998. The record marked a step forward in both sound and reach, and the band toured heavily in support of it. Act Your Age peaked at number 24 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart that year.

During this era, the song We Are Dumb appeared on the soundtracks for the films Half Baked and Homegrown. Shortly afterward, guitarist Ian Cone left the band and was replaced by Justin Poyser. This lineup released the EP Phone Home in 1999, which included a punk version of Barbie Girl. Later that year Home Grown toured with Limbeck, and the two bands recorded a split EP titled Connection.

Touring, Setbacks, and a Shift in Direction

In March 2000 Home Grown toured the United States with Amazing Crowns, Limbeck, Pilfers, and the Gadjits. After returning home they began writing material for a new album. Plans for a UK tour were made but ultimately canceled.

That same year brought major changes. Drummer Bob Herco left to undergo surgery and recovery for a brain tumor, and Justin Poyser also departed. John Tran and Adam Lohrbach recruited Darren Reynolds as the new drummer and searched for another guitarist. Around this time Outpost Recordings shut down, leaving the band without a label. Rather than replacing the missing guitar role, Home Grown chose to continue as a trio and signed with Drive Thru Records.

Kings of Pop Era

In 2002 the band released Kings of Pop, their third full length album. The record gained national attention and led to extensive touring. After its release, Dan Hammond joined as a second guitarist, and the band filmed videos for You’re Not Alone and Kiss Me, Diss Me.

Home Grown appeared on the Drive Thru stage during the Warped Tour and continued touring throughout this period. In 2004 they released the EP When it All Comes Down, which shifted away from humor and focused more on emotional themes. The EP was later reissued on vinyl in 2014 through Mutant League Records.

Breakup and Time Apart

In February 2005 Adam Lohrbach left the band and later joined New Years Day. Home Grown continued playing shows for a short time with guest bassist Ted Vega, but eventually the remaining members moved on to other projects. John Tran started Red Panda, Dan Hammond joined Paper Models, and Darren Reynolds formed Defender.

By 2006 the band’s official website had shut down, and their MySpace page listed them as on indefinite hiatus. Despite this, a new song titled Nothing Can Stop Us appeared on their MySpace in March 2006.

Reunion and New Activity

On April 12, 2024 Home Grown announced a reunion show with The Starting Line in Los Angeles, marking their first performance together in 19 years. A headlining show in Pomona followed, and the band confirmed additional live appearances, including a slot at the Four Chords Festival in 2025.

In March 2025 John Tran confirmed that the band was recording new music. Later that year drummer Darren Reynolds announced his departure due to work and family commitments. Russell Dixon was confirmed as the new drummer after filling in at shows earlier in the year.

Members

Current members:

  • John Tran, guitar and lead vocals, 1994 to 2005 and 2024 to present
  • Adam Lohrbach, bass guitar and lead vocals, 1994 to 2005 and 2024 to present
  • Dan Hammond, guitar and backing vocals, 2002 to 2005 and 2024 to present
  • Russell Dixon, drums, 2025 to present

Former members:

  • Ian Cone, guitar and backing vocals, 1994 to 1999
  • Bob Herco, drums, 1994 to 2000
  • Justin Poyser, guitar and backing vocals, 1999 to 2000
  • Darren Reynolds, drums, 2000 to 2005 and 2024 to 2025
  • Ted Vega, bass, 2005

Discography

Albums:

  • That’s Business (1995, Liberation Records)
  • Act Your Age (1998, Outpost Recordings)
  • Kings of Pop (2002, Drive Thru Records)

EPs and singles:

  • Smoking Is Cool (1994, 7 inch)
  • Wusappaning?! (1996)
  • EP Phone Home (1999)
  • Connection (2000, split with Limbeck)
  • When it All Comes Down (2004)

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