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Half Mile Home ready to take on the world
Half Mile Home has been together for a decade but now finds itself poised for a breakout.
The Akron-based quintet has a new album on the horizon and a major label throwing its full support behind it.
The band will kick off a world tour this weekend in Youngs-town. Its sophomore CD, “Change My Lyfe,” will drop Feb. 2.
Half Mile Home falls under the gospel-Christian umbrella because of its lyrics. But musically, it’s a mix built on an R&B foundation with plenty of urban, rock and hip-hop influences.
The new record is already getting noticed — the first single, “This Far,” is charting on gospel and urban radio. The song begins with an irresistible marching-band drum line, then moves into an up-tempo R&B hook. “This Far” will be available on iTunes Tuesday.
Group member Ty Traxx (aka Todd Burton), who also produced the record, said “Change My Lyfe” carries crossover appeal, especially when compared to the act’s 2004 debut release. That first effort, “The Movement,” marked the band’s transition from R&B to gospel.
“On our first CD, we were just coming into gospel music and we didn’t have the foundation,” said Traxx. “We couldn’t convert what we normally do into gospel, and we played it safe. We made music that would appeal to Christian folk. But this one will appeal to non-Christian folk as well. It has rock, funk-rock, hip-hop, ballads, R&B ... and a song on there for people who really love gospel.
“We put all of our thoughts and emotions and what we feel about music into this CD.”
Traxx said the band didn’t feel comfortable when it was in the R&B scene.
“We found it wasn’t really our call,” he said. “We liked the music, but there were a lot of wild parties. It kind of scared us. God called us back.”
Although the band calls the Akron-Cleveland area its home, one of the members is Youngstown-native Daryl Keith Brownlee, who goes by Deaken.
If that name sounds familiar, it should — he’s the younger brother of international opera star Lawrence Brownlee.
Like his brother, Deaken was a member of Youngstown Connection, the city schools’ hand-picked song-and-dance troupe.
Does he feel any pressure because of his brother’s success?
“I’m honored to carry the same last name and be his brother,” said Deaken. “What he does is unbelievable. But I’m not following in his footsteps. I’m creating my own path, building the Kingdom and promoting unity and brotherhood.”
Deaken offered a reason for Half Mile Home’s cohesive sound. “All five members started as solo artists, but each had the exact same vision,” he said.
The upcoming tour will take the act across the United States and also to Europe and Japan.
“We don’t want to seem boastful, but Universal Records has given us our own distribution and marketing deal,” said Traxx. “They have put millions of dollars into this project, and I’m thankful we can promote good and hopeful music that a family with children can listen to ...”
Deaken agreed. “I’m from Youngstown’s East Side, and I’m a Youngstowner at heart,” he said. “It’s a blue-collar town, and this music can reach all audiences.”
Folks who attend Half Mile Home’s concert Saturday can expect to get more than a message. “They’re going to have a good time,” said Deaken. “I’ve spent a lot of time in this area, and there can be a lot of negativity, but whoever comes will see a great show and a nice family event.”