Breakfast in America Cover by The Graystones (Live, Youth Band Tribute)

What happens when a group of eager middle school musicians takes on a classic? This performance shows it. The Graystones, a young band from San Jose, deliver a tight, energetic cover of Roger Hodgson’s hit, Breakfast in America, made famous by Supertramp on the award-winning album of the same name.

Introduction to the Song and This Performance

“Breakfast in America – written by the amazing Roger Hodgson of Supertramp – cover by the Graystones” sets the stage right away. The song is a staple of classic rock, and this version honors it with heart, skill, and a live-first approach. The group learned the song during the final week of 6th grade, rehearsed late into the evenings between Monday and Friday, then recorded it on Saturday, the very next day after school ended. The video captures the third of four full back-to-back takes.

Every sound in the track comes from the band. They recorded it live as the foundation, then added a couple of passes for background vocals and a few keyboard layers, many of which can be seen in the footage. Nothing is AI, just young musicians giving it everything they have.

  • Grayson, drums
  • Max, bass
  • Izzy, vocals
  • Hope, vocals
  • Harin, keys
  • Philip, sax
  • Evan, trombone

It was an exhausting week of tests, rehearsals, and recording, and they still came out smiling. The song clearly means a lot to them. That joy comes through in every chorus. This is where The Graystones shine.

Who Are The Graystones?

The Graystones are a youth band based in San Jose, California. Their PO Box lists the city, and the drive found in this video shows the kind of discipline that forms in a strong local music community. They study, they rehearse, and they perform with a focus beyond their years.

The lineup features a full rhythm section, two vocalists, and a compact horn team. That setup allows them to cover a wide range of songs with character. Their sound blends classic rock elements with tight, modern live production. It feels familiar and fresh.

They also share a clear purpose. They want to honor great songs, build their craft, and make people smile. That simple goal shapes the choices they make, from video planning to sound design.

About the Featured Performance

This performance is a full run of Breakfast in America, played live in the room, then gently sweetened with a few background and keyboard layers. The video shows the parts that were added, so viewers can see how the arrangement fits together. The third take had the right spark, the right tempo, and the right blend, so that is the version presented.

The flow mirrors the original. It opens with audience energy, lands the hook fast, and keeps the dynamic shifts tight and clean. The horns add pop. The keys keep the harmonic body strong. The rhythm section keeps the spine steady from verse to verse.

Behind the Scenes: How It Came Together

This project took shape in a single school week. They learned two songs during the final week of 6th grade, balanced exams and rehearsals, then filmed both the day after school ended. This video is the third pass of Breakfast in America from that session.

The audio is overwhelmingly live, and that live core drives the feel of the performance. The team added some background vocals and a few keyboard parts to bring the sound closer to the classic record. The purpose is to honor Roger Hodgson’s writing and the Supertramp arrangement while keeping the band’s own touch. It was an exhausting week, but it shows how much they love the song.

Arrangement Highlights: Who Did What, When

A few standout moments from each player:

  • Grayson (drums): Steady pocket, crisp hi-hat, and tight fills that keep transitions smooth.
  • Max (bass): Round tone and supportive lines, especially under the chorus repeats.
  • Izzy and Hope (vocals): Clear lead phrasing with blends that lift the hook.
  • Harin (keys): Pads and melody lines that support the harmony and set the mood.
  • Philip (sax): Lines that echo the original’s melodic accents, plus tasteful swells.
  • Evan (trombone): Punchy reinforcement in the choruses and breaks, adding weight.

These roles stack together with a focus on clarity and balance. Nothing overshadows the vocal, and nothing gets lost.

Additional Projects and What’s Next

The band recorded a second song during the same session, and that track is a secret for now. They plan to release it next. Given the level of care and speed shown here, there is good reason to expect another strong tribute.

Their catalog features a mix of live-first performances with occasional enhancement. Some videos are 100 percent live, while others include added parts to honor the original more closely. The approach is clear and consistent.

Ways to Support The Graystones

Fans have asked how to support the group, and there are a few easy options:

They make these videos to put smiles on faces, and every bit of support helps them keep the music coming.

Final Thoughts

This cover does what a great tribute should do. It honors a classic, keeps the character, and adds the spark of a real band in the room. The Graystones learned the song fast, recorded it with focus, and delivered a performance that’s both fun and tight.

The opening hook lands, the travel dreams float, and the playful lines find their bounce. It is easy to hit replay. Expect more from this group soon, starting with the mystery second track from the same session. Thanks for watching, listening, and supporting the music. With love, The Graystones.

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