At Music Midtown this year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Decatur’s own Hero The Band. Comprised of four brothers—Jerramy Barnett (aka “Goku Love”), Nicolas Barnett (aka “Nikki Jupiter”), Justin Barnett (aka “Ocean”), and DJ Barnett (aka “BamBam”)—the group’s eclectic mix of rock, pop, funk, and soul have earned them accolades from fans and critics alike. With an energetic live show and a relentless drive to succeed, the brothers have spent the past decade gaining their fame through the hustle Atlanta is known for, leading to opening slots for Janelle Monáe and Mother’s Finest, among others. It’s taken Hero The Band ten years to earn their dream of playing Music Midtown, but by consistently grinding and staying true to their vision, make it they did. With more festival appearances coming up and a new EP scheduled for October, it’s clear the band have no plans to slow down anytime soon.

Tell me about your roots and where you got your start as a band?

Jerramy: Our roots are from our family who are musicians and singers that have basked in the energy of bands like Queen and Outkast.

Justin: Well, we didn’t really have any interest in music as kids. We had diverse interests, such as drawing, that our parents always supported. At a certain point we started to sing at church and birthday parties but not to the degree of being a band. We were just having fun. Then we decided to start the band in 2008.

DJ: We always had faith we would make this happen. We just had faith.

Nicolas: Since our start, the 10 years have felt short. We kept doing something, always being consistent. We kept leveling up.

Justin: Yeah, the biggest reason we are here today is being consistent. Life is a mathematical equation where we can know the answer but the formula to get there is different for everyone. We were consistent.

Hero the Band bassist facing upside down with his tongue out

Hero the Band performing at Music Midtown / Credit: Ian Rawn for Music Midtown

Why the name Hero The Band?

Jerramy: We originally picked the names from a hat. We were almost named Magic.

DJ: We had to take it up a notch.

Nicolas: We chose Hero. The name ended up being so much more. We are about being unique and promoting being yourself and individuality. We are Heroes.

As you are local to the city, what inspires you about Atlanta?

Nicolas: Atlanta is so different. We have this stigma as the hip-hop capital. When you are here, you experience the mix of rock, country, rap, everything. The city is very accepting. It inspires you to do anything.

DJ: The amount of artists that come through the city. It’s the new Hollywood.

Jerramy: Yeah, but more diverse. When we are out on the West Coast in L.A. we miss the diversity of Atlanta.

Justin: We practice new age southern hospitality.

What are your favorite things to do in Atlanta?

Jerramy: We hibernate a lot. I like to go to the park, hit up swing sets. Also like going to concerts.

Nicolas: I like hitting up the BeltLine.

DJ: Movie theaters just to chill.

“People will not understand your vision. It’s yours. You cannot expect others to see it. You just have to get there.”

Justin Barnett

Now a tough question, hard or soft tacos?

All: Soft tacos.

DJ: Hard tacos are for kids.

Jerramy: Tacos do need horchata though, with some added jack. Makes them better.

What advice do you have for other artists?

Justin: Just be consistent. Got to look at the mathematical side of it. Can’t expect a lot from doing very little. Stay focused on your path. You’ll start seeing the answers around you clearer as you progress. Consistency is the formula to the equation.

Nicolas: Grind. Keep going. If you know it’s for you, it’s for you.

Jerramy: You are your only competition. We focused on doing our music, not covers. Stay true to you.

Justin: People will not understand your vision. It’s yours. You cannot expect others to see it. You just have to get there.

Thoughts on Music Midtown?

Justin: We wanted to play here for years. Years. Kept wanting to and it finally happened.

Nicolas: Music Midtown is comparable to other huge music festivals like Bonnaroo and Coachella. It has that same feel.

DJ: This is the mainstream. Gives people a place to have fun and be themselves.

Jerramy: This festival shows the diversity of the city. We need more festivals like Music Midtown.

Any final words?

Jerramy: We have an EP being released in October titled Back to Myself. Check it out when it drops. We are also playing a bunch of festivals coming up. Big one is Bonnaroo next year. Come out and see us.

More Info
Web: herotheband.com
Facebook: Herotheband4
Instagram: @herotheband
Twitter: @hero_theband