FEATURED INTERVIEWS 07                       

Reel Big Fish

Most bands would die after getting dropped by their label. Not Reel Big Fish. Reel Big Fish is now stronger and wiser than ever, and is highly rejuvenated by a new record, aptly titled, "Monkeys for Nothing and the Chimps for Free." This is a new beginning, a new chapter, and a new band. Reel Big Fish's Aaron B. takes a moment to reflect on the current state of Reel Big Fish and what we can expect from Reel Big Fish in the future.

By: Gian Erguiza

Gian: Your latest release, "Monkeys for Nothin' and the Chimps for Free" is out now and sounds like an instant classic Reel Big Fish album. Independent and Free. How does it feel to do it your way this time around and what kind of gratification and satisfaction did it serve?

Aaron B: It's great not to feel like we're being held back creatively; that we can do whatever we want musically and release music as often as we want! It just feels good to be in control of our band and our music again!

Gian: For an album that was recorded in 3 weeks while writing, rehearsing and recording, it sounds like classic RBF to me! How do you guys rate the album and why?

Aaron B: I think this album is one of our favorites in a long time because we just did it for fun! There was no label asking for a single, no clueless A&R guy sticking his nose into our songwriting and no pressure at all. We just went in to the studio and had a good time recording some songs that we thought were pretty awesome and it came out great!

Gian: After all of these years of touring, playing shows and going through different styles, line-ups changes and trends, what do you guys think contributes to the staying power of Reel Big Fish?

Aaron B: We're just lucky that we've written some songs that people really like and made some very good albums and have always been able to replace members who have left for whatever reason with better and more enthusiastic players and we've always tried to put on a very entertaining live show that is really fun to see again and again and we always play most of our fan's favorite songs!

Gian: I just read on your website that you guys were way happy to sever ties with Universal/Mojo/Jive Records after a decade long stay. Why was it so important to for you guys to sever the ties and to take the power back? How does it feel to be Unsigned after all these years?

Aaron B: After mojo got bought up by jive records we just found ourselves pretty much lost in the shuffle. We weren't some pop band or some easily categorizable band that they could sell millions of records with, we were some weird quirky band with a sound that they felt had come and gone a long time ago. They just weren't very interested in us or what was best for us so we are very happy to be free so that we can make music and get it right to our fans and do what we know needs to be done.

Gian: The live double CD and DVD set that you guys just put out is just magnificent! Picking the songs must've been a real bitch. What kind of process did you guys go through to figure out which songs would eventually make it on to the double-live CD and DVD?

Aaron B: It was pretty much every song that we had been playing live for the past few years. just every single song that we could remember how to play and that we could play well at the time! That's why there are about 50 songs total on it!

Gian: This obviously seems like something that RBF should've done years ago. What do you think contributed to your old label not wanting to put something out like the double-live CD and DVD?

Aaron B: Who knows, maybe they thought it wouldn't sell? Maybe they thought it wouldn't be very good? In all our years on jive records, I don't think one person that worked there ever came to see us live so they may have thought we didn't even have any fans.

Gian: Matt Wong just stepped out of RBF and that makes me really sad to see him go. After 16 years of playing with Matt, what do you guys miss the most about Matt and who is your new bottom end player?

Aaron B: I think right now we are all just glad to see Matt as happy as he is right now with his wife and his new baby. He was never too fond of touring and was pretty miserable whenever we would go out on the road. So it's good to see him doing what he wants to do and what makes him happy!

Gian: Tell me something guys, what is the single most important lesson that you guys have learned after all these years of playing music?

Aaron B: If you want something done right, do it yourself!

Gian: Guys, where do you think music is headed? With the digital downloading vs. physical purchasing war going on, where do you guys think that music will be in a couple of years?

Aaron B: I think the music business as we know it is going to continue to change drastically, I think downloading is great because it helps get music out to more people than ever. I know we wont have CDs in a few more years but I doubt people will ever stop wanting to experience bands playing live!

Gian: Alright guys, how does RBF have a good time and what should I expect when I come to the show and party with you guys?

Aaron B: If you catch us on a good night we'll be somewhere where there's loud music and lots of alcohol, if you catch us on a REALLY good night we'll be on the bus on our laptops playing world of warcraft!

Gian: If someone or a fan of yours was to ask you guys the question, "What is the meaning of life?" what would you guys say?

Aaron B: "You'll have to work that out for yourself kid, our job is to entertain you!" haha

Gian: Any additional comments?

Aaron B: Just want to thank all of our fans for their support and hope everybody comes see us when we're out on tour...which is ALWAYS!

Gian: Thanks Aaron!

"Monkey's for Nothing and the Chimps for Free" is out now! Make sure you pick yourself up a copy of this awesome album full of energy! RBF will also be on tour until the beginning of December so make damn sure to get your tickets and make sure not to miss RBF's awesome performance! Check on Reel Big Fish's Myspace for more info.