Gone Fishin'
An Interview with Reel Big Fish's Aaron Barrett
By: Rachel Hommel



There once was a story of three little fishies. The first little fishy had a guitar, the second little fishy had a bass, and the third little fishy had drums. But these three fish were lonely and needed more friends. Huntington Beach, California was full of other talented aquatic life. Soon these three fishies (Aaron Barrett, Matt Wong, and Andrew Gonzales) would meet four new friends: Tavis Werts (trumpet), Scott Klopfenstein (trumpet,vocals), Grant Berry (trombone), and Dan Regan (trombone). These six little fishies lived happily ever after and became what we know today as Reel Big Fish.

In a June 8 interview with the papa fish, singer Barrett talked about what it's like to be crazy. Although being cool is a great thing for some bands, Reel Big Fish prides itself on being the anti-thesis of cool or “happening.” What other band would name a song “Scott's a Dork”?
“I don't know what makes someone dorkier or nerdier. Everybody has their own little weird quirks...it can be a bunch of different things,” said Barrett.

Like any band, Reel Big Fish started out in high school with high hopes of picking up chicks. Although their dreams of model girlfriends never suceeded, their music careers certainly did. By 1997, their CD Turn the The Radio Off had already reached gold status and the band's videos were featured regulars on MTV.

However, the band's success story is not all roses and giggles. After their popularity in the late 90's, the band struggled not only with new material but new management. After getting out of a sticky deal with Mojo Records, they soon landed a deal with Jive Records. After more than four years of frusteration, Reel Big Fish managed to find their sound once again; the sound that would be basis for their latest album Cheer Up.

From classical rock to hip-hop, it was very difficult for the band to agree on one particular sound. This in particular, accounts for the band's ability to continue to grow and expand where other ska bands do not.

“There's always stereotypes...'oh they're a ska band, blah blah blah, they all sound the same, they're all the same, they're not serious, they aren't real musicians...you know, it happens to all bands,” said Barrett.

Over the years Reel Big Fish has endured constant criticism from the media, ranging from questions of credibility to their ability as musicians. However, it is a rarity in today's music to find musicians who have as much instrumental background as Reel Big Fish.

“I think that no matter what you do, people are going to complain. If you're in a local scene and you write a song that doesn't sound like your other sound, people are like 'OMG!! Fuck the band. They are changing their sound, it's so awful.' However, I think everything is good experience,” said Barrett.

Reel Big Fish are kings of experience when it comes to acts they've shared the stage with. Ranging from Kiss and Coolio, to The Cure and The Blues Brothers, the list is both endless and bizarre.
“I don't think anyone sounds quite like us. I'd like to say it's completely original. We do have our own sound. Nobody sounds quite like Reel Big Fish. But we can sound like anybody.” said Barrett.
Just like the black rimmed glasses and Hawian T-shirts, the band's attire pararlels their funky mix-and-match music. >From pop to ska to reggae, it's an ecclectic blend of good humor and love for the fans. Several years ago the band agreed on exclusively playing all ages shows and even took a stand against crowd surfing and moshing. As Barrett said, “Kids are people too.”
However, whether it be swing dancing, line dancing, or 80s new wave...the band is always down with dancing.

“Sometimes I think I could dance to my own music....but then I realize how stupid I would feel. However, there are a few albums that while we were in the studio recording, we managed to dance to because we were so excited. I think that's the only time it's okay for a band to dance to their own music,” said Barrett.

Barrett however does manages to hit up some 80's dance clubs in his spare time...because that's "where it's at." The band's love for 80's pop is apparent by their love for 80's covers. Their favorite live cover to date is Duran Duran's “Hungry Like the Wolf” in which they did a 15 minute swinging jazz version.

“We are not really prepared for a show. We just know it is coming. About a half an hour before it starts, we choose our clothes. Then we put on loud music, drinks lots of Red Bulls, and prepare five minutes beforehand. We tell each other we have to get ready, then we might do some jumping jacks. We don't have any crazy rituals. WE JUST DO IT! We just get up there and DO IT!” said Barrett.

Their CD titles as well as their singles depict their well-know ability to make fun of themselves. Like social commentaries, their songs are expressions of the sarcasm and irony that the band prides itself on. It is their comedy that gives the world of mellow dramatic music a sigh of relief.
“We're just amazing. We can do anything, we are the masters of all musical styles. It's not hard for us. (Moment of laughter). Whatever makes sense in our crazy heads,” said Barrett.

From the independent scenes of years past to their mainstream success, Reel Big Fish has managed to stay just as quirky and lovable as the day they were let out into the big sea of entertainment.

“I've enjoyed it all. It's fun being small and doing it all independently. Playing little shows and being part of a scene...it's awesome. Of course, it's an exciting ride to get big and famous and tour around the world. Seeing yourself on TV and hearing yourself on the radio...that's exciting too. I'd pick either one. I just like to play music in front of people,” said Barrett.

Reel Big Fish is certainly a live band. Selling out venues all over the world, such as Argentenia, South Africa, and Indonesia, the band still manages to take it all in stride.

“You can't take yourself too seriously because your just going to mess up and you're going to go crazy. Our goal is to have fun, make people laugh, and make people happy. I'm the band leader. I'm the captain of the ship...the musical ship,” said Barrett.

Berett's last words? Nope. Not without a final plug to his alter-ego band.

“You all have to check out the Forces of Evil. It's this other band and they are awesome. My mom is embarassed about the band's name so she won't even tell anybody. She said, 'Son, that's a terrible name.' But everyone has to understand that it's a joke. We play fun, happy ska music and we are so not evil and tough. It's funny right? I think so. Some people just don't have a sense of humor like I do, or at least the same kind,” said Barrett.