About Fern Barnes & The Homeway Boys

Fern Barnes and the Homeway Boys

The band was born in a 300-year-old mill worker’s cottage in Eling, near the New Forest National Park, England. Over a year of writing and rehearsing in the cosy walls of Homeway Cottage, Fern and the band found their sound—a heartfelt tribute to the birthplace of their music.

No gimmicks, no tricks. Just raw, honest music. From their lilting country riffs to their darker, folky undertones, their sound is deeply rooted in the southern landscapes they cherish. Lead singer Fern and double bassist Kyle are the heart of the band—a married duo whose love for music (and each other) shapes their songs. They’re joined by their brother-in-law, whose blues-inflected guitar work weaves through their melodies.

Nature inspires their every note, with hikes in the New Forest feeding their creative souls. Their story is one of community and authenticity—

Fern's journey in music has been anything but conventional. For years, she sold everything she owned and hit the road in a van, crisscrossing the UK with nothing but her music and a dream. Those days of independent touring, living on the edge and sharing her music with anyone who'd listen, shaped the artist she is today. But now, after laying down roots in a place she loves, Fern’s focus has shifted. The sense of community she’s found in the New Forest, working alongside local musicians and supporting small businesses, has brought a richness to her life and music that she never expected. This chapter is about more than just the music—it’s about authenticity, connection, and finally being true to herself in a way that feels like coming home.

Their songs tell it all: heartbreak and hope, struggles and love, a soul both nostalgic and fiercely present. Now, with the support of Black Star Records, they’re pressing their first live vinyl. This is just the beginning of their next chapter.