The album “Coming Home” means more to the group than many would suspect. Having grown up together as young kids, they each went their separate way as young adults to pursue music and other careers. This took them away from family, friends, and the home where they grew up...Hawai’i.

With a common interest in music they would often run into each other, many times performing in the same venues. After a few years of pursuing independent careers, these 5 childhood friends decided to band together on a project. Being scattered all over the country, they convinced each other to return to the islands to bring together their musical influences and experiences. As they returned to islands to begin their musical project and be with family and friends they realized Hawai’i was in their hearts. Hawai’i was home. And so “Five by 5” was born as they were “coming home”.

Besides being composed of 5 members, the band drew its name from a phrase dating back to World War II, originating from radio voice communications. When operators used to talk to each other they first used the phrase “loud and clear” to describe their reception among each other. With a desire to be more precise, they adopted a numerical scale from one to five. Shortly thereafter, these radio operators incorporated the phrase “five by five,” “five out of five for volume and for clarity” or “loud and clear.” So Five By 5 is coming to you “loud and clear.” 

With their debut album “Coming Home” Five by 5 was compelled to use musical influences they grew up with on the islands and music many of their parents enjoyed. Drawing from local artists such as Ka'au Crater Boys, Kapena, Na Leo Pilimehana, Sean Na'auao and B.E.T.; as well as Motown artists like The Temptations, Jackson 5, and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Five by 5 has created their style of Island music. Paying homage to those who have inspired and moved them, Five by 5’s sound is best characterized as island contemporary music with a Motown attitude and a pop/reggae flavor. Five By 5 brings a vibe with a soulful twist to the Hawaii music scene, demonstrated through their interpretation of I Want You Back and originals such as Meant to Love that Girl and Get Down with You. So let the music move you as Five By 5 comes home…..loud and clear!