We had the amazing opportunity to talk with Aaron Barrett, lead singer of iconic ska punk band Reel Big Fish, about the band’s latest album Life Sucks…Let’s Dance!. Check out the interview and make sure to give the album a listen below!
You guys have been in the music scene for a while now, what is one thing you do to keep your music relevant with a primarily younger generation? Is that something you keep in mind when writing new music?
Aaron Barrett: I don’t know, I don’t think we strive to be relevant or hip or cool or to fit in on the pop charts or even pay attention at all to what’s popular; we pretty much just make Reel Big Fish music. I write these songs because that is what comes out of me ya know? That is just what it sounds like in my head so that’s what the music I write is. I think I’m best at writing ska music and that’s just the kind of music I like to make. If people like it, great! If they don’t, oh well!
It’s going on two weeks since Life Sucks… Let’s Dance! has been released. What has the reception been like so far?
Aaron Barrett: It’s been amazingly positive! People are loving this record! This is probably the most positive response we’ve gotten after putting out any RBF album. Even “Turn The Radio Off” got TONS of bad reviews and lots of hate from “Ska Fans” but this album is bringing lots of joy to a lot of people. I think it’s the RBF record everybody has been waiting for for a long time. I’m very happy that it’s making the fans happy!
What was your inspiration for creating this album?
Aaron Barrett: Making music is just what I do. I had enough song Ideas after 5 years to finally put an album together so this is what came out.
Was there anything particularly difficult about recording this album?
Aaron Barrett: Not really at all. In the past, making some of the albums has been an unpleasant chore and a bit of a torture, but this album was fun and easy from start to finish. I think it shows in the music, there’s just a joyous, free energy in it instead of a stale, forced, fake-ness.
What is one thing about this album that sets it apart from your previous albums?
Aaron Barrett: It’s definitely a lot more positive than anything else I’ve ever done. There’s a lot of joy and silliness and fun and hope and positivity on this one, and as everybody knows, RBF is usually hatefull, cynical, angry, mean and darkly humorous, or just downright depressing. It’s still very RBF but a little more uplifting. I think there is enough negativity out there in the world and it’s time for a change.
The album title Life Sucks… Let’s Dance! is an intriguing one. Is there a particular message you’d like people to walk away with after listening to this album?
Aaron Barrett: I hope this album inspires people to be happy and feel better and realize that it’s up to them to feel good or not. You can let the bad stuff drag you down or you can get up and focus on the positive things in life. There is lots of bad in the world AND lots of good, it’s your choice which one you want to experience more of.
What is your favorite song off the new album?
Aaron Barrett: I like them all except “Another Beer Song”, that one is just stupid! (laughs)
Is there anything else about the album you’d like people to know?
Aaron Barrett: It’s out now, go listen to it!
We would like to give a huge thank you to Aaron Barrett and Reel Big Fish for taking the time to make this interview possible. The new album is titled Life Sucks…Let’s Dance!, and it’s available now! Give it a listen below.
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