By Katey Khaos

Reel Big Fish is a ska band from California ~ and if you haven’t heard of them, you’re totally missing out! This summer, Reel Big Fish is touring with an amazing lineup ~ Streetlight Manifesto, New Riot, Rodeo Ruby Love, and other special guests.  I had the chance to hang out with front man Aaron Barrett before the Boston show and found out some interesting facts about Reel Big Fish and the mastermind himself!

Reel Big Fish is best known for their hit “Sell Out,” but if you ever see them live, it’s guaranteed you’ll also hear the fan-favorite song “Beer.” “Beer” has been played live almost since the moment it was written, Barrett recalls: “We played it before it was even called ‘Beer.’” Has the band ever not played the song during a set?  “I don’t think so. Sometimes we try to get it out of the way because people will keep yelling for us to play it.”

Although their music is upbeat, not all of the song topics are happy-go-lucky. One song, “Don’t Start a Band,” lists multiple reasons why kids shouldn’t start a band, including “…There’s no applause and no flying bras.” Since Reel Big Fish was already a huge band in the ska scene when the song was written, why the negative attitude? “I was in a bad mood that day,” Barrett says with a grin. “Instead of quitting the band, I wrote music. I definitely appreciate what I have now.”

Barrett’s attire ~ Hawaiian shirts ~ both on and off stage matches the upbeat music he plays, but what started this wardrobe trend?  “My sister bought me one, and it sort of became a thing. I stopped doing it for a while and  brought it back. I’m a stage performer, people come to see me play, so why not dress up a little? Plus, the shirts are cool to play in; it gets hot on stage!”

While on tour, what single object is a must-have for Barrett? “My Ipod, greatest thing in the world. When we started touring, I had a tape player!” On this tour, Barrett can be found rockin’ out to the Get Him to the Greek soundtrack, the Moxxies, and the Aggrolites, just to name a few!

Barrett admits he doesn’t have many hobbies outside of playing in Reel Big Fish. “I don’t really have spare time. Playing in a band was a hobby for me, but then it became my job, which is cool. During my down time I’m usually watching movies.”

Alright, Aaron, your famous last words are lyrics from a Reel Big Fish song ~ what would they be? “It depends on my mood when I die, I’ll call you up and let you know then,” he laughs. “But seriously, I think I’ll go with ‘I think I’ll have myself a be– [beer.]’”

For more info on Reel Big Fish, check out www.reel-big-fish.com or www.Facebook.com/ReelBigFish!