Host, Robert Earl Keen speaks with frontman and lyricist BJ Barham of the band American Aquarium.
BJ Barham, originally from Rockingham North Carolina, started American Aquarium in 2006. Despite going through a number of members, Barham has stuck with the band through and through acting as the front man and primary lyricist throughout its changes. Touring anywhere from 200 to just over 300 dates a year in its earlier years, BJ recognized early on that in order to have a career as a musician it would take hard work and dedication. Leaving no market untouched, and no stoned unturned- American Aquarium has traveled all over the world and has gained a deeply loyal fan base. With seven records to their name and an additional solo record of BJ's, American Aquarium is is notable for songs lyrically geared towards the working class but backed by Tom petty-esque sound. In writing personal takes on life, and songs about struggling points in the south, American Aquarium's discography almost acts as a musical love letter from one hard worker to another.