This past weekend at Homegrown was epic—as always. It’s more than just a gig; it’s a reunion with the extended music family, a space where different groups come together, and the love for what we do is undeniable.
It’s always awesome hanging with Geneva and our girls—it’s almost a tradition now. Watching them soak up the music, the vibes, the energy—it’s something special. It’s a reminder of why we do this, why we keep pushing, creating, and showing up. But this year had a bittersweet note, knowing this iconic event is leaving Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Where to? That remains to be announced.
The End of an Era
Homegrown has been a staple in the NZ music scene—a festival that brings together some of the best talent across Aotearoa and connects us with the people who have supported NZ music for years. It’s not just about the performances; it’s about the moments in between—the hangs backstage, the unexpected collabs, the conversations that remind us why we do music in the first place.
Knowing that this chapter is coming to an end leaves a bit of a hole. Where do we go from here? What’s next for a festival that has meant so much to so many? I guess only time will tell.
Juggling, Not Balancing
Throughout the weekend, in between the music, the laughs, and the good times, a question came up: How do I balance music, art, family, and business?
The truth is—I don’t.
Balance suggests some perfect state where everything is evenly weighted, but in reality, it’s more of a juggle—and a struggle at times. Some things demand more attention at certain moments, and the trick is knowing when to throw, when to catch, and when to let something sit for a moment. Some days, music takes center stage; other days, it’s art. And in between it all, family keeps everything grounded.
It’s all connected, like an ecosystem:
🎶 Music brings brotherhood—camaraderie. It’s a shared experience, an energy exchange. There’s nothing like stepping on stage, locking into that groove, vibing with the bros, and feeling the crowd’s energy.
🎨 Art, for me, is the opposite. It’s solitary, zoney, a deep dive into creativity. After weeks on the road, that solitude is welcome. And after too much solitude, being back in the mix with the brothers—performing, sharing, and creating in real-time—is a relief.
🚐 Being on the road is a mental reset from the daily grind of designing, planning, and problem-solving. It keeps things fresh, gives perspective, and reminds me that you actually do need to engage with people. Being with a group of brothers, all on the same waka, literally—it’s a special feeling. And when we’re on, it’s fire!
👨👩👧👦 Family is the glue. The driving force. The support from whānau is what makes all of this even possible. Without them, the whole ecosystem falls apart. Coming home after a tour, stepping into my space, being with my fam—that’s the reset button that keeps everything moving.
The Juggle in Action
There are days when the juggle is overwhelming—deadlines stacked up, gigs on the calendar, and the weight of bizo responsibilities pulling in different directions. But there are also days when it just clicks.
Like this weekend at Homegrown—one moment, I was on stage, fully focused on the music, feeling the energy of the crowd. The next, I was back-stage with Geneva and our girls, chilling, soaking up the vibes and good company. Then, gas-bagging with the usual suspects, giving each other shit, and have untold laughs and cracking up!
Looking Ahead
With Homegrown moving on from Wellington, it feels like the end of an era, but also the beginning of something new. What that looks like—we’ll have to wait and see. But one thing’s for sure: the music, the art, the connections, and the whānau—that never stops.
Massive love to my Katchafire whānau, the LAB boys—always awesome hangs—the rest of the music family, and everyone who came out. Until next time, wherever that may be! 🎤🔥
~WB