Boy band’s rise a thrill for Kiwi star

Kiwi Jackson Owens loves his new life as a member of up-and-coming American boy band Far Young, based in Orlando, Florida. But after a whirlwind three months, the 16-yearold says there’s still no place like home.

Jackson and his father, Bobby Owens, returned to NZ for a brief visit this week, catching up with family and friends in Turangi and fulfilling some promotional obligations.

The teenager headed to Orlando with his father in March after being discovered and signed up for the new boy band by Grammy-winning producer Tim Coons, who shot the Back Street Boys to stardom.

The past three months have been full-on for the pair. The band have performed in Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Hollywood, attracting a growing fan base. Jackson said it had been a huge learning curve for him and fellow band members Eben, 17, and Christian, 14. “It’s so awesome and overwhelming that I sometimes want to pinch myself.”

Mr Owens said making the decision to take time off from the family forestry business to accompany Jackson was a big lifestyle change.

Although it was hard being far away from wife Sharne and his three other children, the opportunity to be with his son on the journey of a lifetime had been amazing.

Mr Owens said the band had gone from strength to strength and two original songs were due for release.

The trip home has been short but the pair have made the most of their limited time. “This is where we’re from and we have huge support here,” said Mr Owens.