BJ Barham is the front-man of the rock and roll/alt-country band, American Aquarium. American Aquarium is a six-piece band that calls Raleigh, North Carolina home. The group has made quite a name from themselves on the festival circuit this year (some of your might have seen them at Shaky Knees Festival back in May). They’ve also toured all over the country- and even some in Europe! Currently, BJ is on a mini-tour on his own that he does each year. Recently, AMG got the chance to sit down with BJ and discuss why he’s going solo (temporarily), what he’s got coming up and his impending nuptials. BJ will be playing at a sold out show at Smith’s Olde Bar on Wednesday, August 6th.
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AMG: What made you want to do this solo tour?
BJ Barham: I do the solo tour once a year. It allows me to play a lot of the songs that never get played in the full band sets and also lets me tell a lot of the stories behind the songs. The shows are much smaller and in turn, far more intimate. Most rooms on this tour can only hold about 100 people, so the shows are super up close and personal. Its my version of most folks 2 week vacation.
AMG: What’s something you want fans to know about you that most probably don’t?
BB: I’m really into sports. Most band guys could care less about talking sports, but I love it. First thing I do every morning is wake up and turn on SportsCenter, then catch up on emails. It’s an hour a day where I can catch up on all my interests. It shocks a lot of people how into college sports I am. I enjoy surprising folks with stats, player bios, scouting reports [laughs] GO PACK!
AMG: American Aquarium has had a good couple of years- at what point did you realize that the band really had something special?
BB: After the first record, when we started getting booked for shows outside the state. I started realizing that more and more people would actually pay to see us play a show. After that first tour, I was bit by the bug. I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
AMG: Muscle Shoals is a legendary place where so many musical icons have created music. What was it like getting to record American Aquarium’s album, Burn.Flicker.Die., at Muscle Shoals?
BB: It was amazing. Getting to work with Isbell was a huge opportunity for us, but that town has such a cool mojo all of its own. It shows through in the records. Some of the most iconic records of all time were recorded there and you can hear the Shoals on the vinyl. It’s a small town. There really isn’t anything to do in that town except make records. No distractions. Just work.
AMG: What’s the best part about being an artist? And what’s the most difficult part?
BB: The best part is the traveling. Getting to see all the nooks and crannies of this country is the most rewarding part. It’s also the hardest part. Being away from my family 250 days a year is the only set back.
AMG: What advice would you give to artists just starting out?
BB: Make sure you are willing to give up everything you love for your career. You have to be that serious about it. I lived in a storage unit for 3 years just to be able to tour as much as we needed to. If you aren’t that serious about, go work at a bank and enjoy your life.
AMG: What’s been on your playlist this summer?
BB: The new Robert Ellis record is insane. Same for the new Jon Fullbright record. Jason Isbell, John Moreland, Dawes, and Justin Townes Earle always get a fair share of radio time as well.
AMG: What’s on your schedule for the rest of the year?
BB: Finishing up this solo tour, then a few weeks in Texas, then a 2 month tour opening up for Justin Townes Earle, then Europe for 3 weeks, then one last tour with the band in November. Then I’ll be taking the month of December off to get married and enjoy the holidays and honeymoon with the Mrs.
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Want to know more about BJ? Check out some tunes from American Aquarium’s latest album below. And while you’re at it, get to know them on their website, facebook and twitter.
