Toledo band HGH is relatively new to the local scene, but its members aren’t. The four members came together from different bands to create their new project, a fusion of rock, metal, and funk genres. HGH, whose initials stand for the members’ last names, reflects that eclecticism in both their sound and their entire infrastructure. Tom and Bob Goss, Greg Hurst, and Bill Harroun combine to make up this dynamic, cohesive act.
A collective sound
The Goss brothers, Hurst, and Harroun have all been making music for 20 plus years. Tom and Bob hail from the Toledo band, Local Anesthetic, while Hurst was a previous member of Badboy Plague and Harroun used to play in the band, Stohl-n. The four decided to form HGH as veterans of the music scene, but their coming together is anything but old or worn out. Combining three different bands and four new personalities led to an exciting collaboration.
“We all take part in the [songwriting] process, we all have our own ideas, our own riffs and rhythms,” said Tom Goss, who plays guitar and keyboard, of the band’s original music. “We show them to each other, we all add our own touches and ideas, and then it combines into one song.”
Originating and performing in the Toledo music scene has been a uniting experience for the members of HGH, which can be seen in more than just their collaborative writing style. While playing original music is a big draw for fans, they also found that performing in various bands has allowed them to reach a large audience.
“Each of us has our own fan base from previous bands, so we have our old fans from the past coming to see the shows, and then we’re earning new fans,” explained Goss. These fans have come to expect talent, passion, and a great show from the four, and their new project does not disappoint. The fan base is a big part of HGH’s driving force.
“The greatest feeling we have is when… we’re playing, and people are starting to learn the lyrics and sing them back to us,” said Goss, continuing, “That’s the most incredible feeling and that’s why we keep doing it.”
While bringing together four different musicians into a cohesive group isn’t easy, the band knows that it’s worth it. Their new metal rock music and combined experience blends into an exciting event, for both the members and their audience.
“[My favorite part of being a musician is] being able to share my passion with everyone, showcasing my music and getting positive responses, really just sharing my passion with people that accept it,” said Goss.
HGH will release their first album in the near future, after having to postpone the recording process while one a member recovered from surgery. Look for them in the lineups at local venues as early as this October.
For more information on HGH, visit facebook.com/Hghtoledo.
