Vans Warped Tour July 3, 2002
Chula Vista, California
Interview transcribed by: Jennifer Kochanski
At the Vans Warped Tour, Miss Doubtfire got the chance to interview Aaron Barrett of Reel Big Fish. Here is what was said….
What’s your favorite song to perform?
Off of “Cheer Up,” it’d have to be “Valerie.”
Has your style changed any on the new album?
We have a new member. We’re better on our instruments and we explore more musical styles.
How do you feel being on the same label as Britney Spears?
It’s cool. I met her recently; I got to go to the set of her new video, “Boys.” It was awesome.
(One point off for my dream man Aaron Barrett!)
Is it different being on Jive Records as opposed to Mojo Records?
Yes. We now have a record company that’s behind us and that cares. Mojo wanted more of a modern rock hit [not ska]. But on Jive we were allowed to do things like “Boss DJ” and “Valerie.”
Is “Valerie” YOUR song? Is it about your ex?
Yeah…but its not about a boy-girl relationship. That’s all I can say.
(Listen to this song, and you’ll see how strange and curious this statement is.)
There’s a clip at the beginning of the song ‘Where Have You Been” on your web site that kind of pokes fun at record companies that isn’t on your album version of the song. Why wasn’t it included on the CD?
I like talking intros on albums, but I thought it would get old.
This is your second time on the Warped Tour. How is it different?
We were on the Warped Tour in 1997. But this time around we’re one of the big bands.
Yeah, you are headlining right?
We are one of the headlining bands.
Do you support downloading music on the Internet?
Yes! (emphatically)
What would you be if you weren’t a rock star?
Nothing. I never wanted to do anything before I picked up a guitar. I have nothing to fall back on.
Who’s your biggest musical influence?
Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, 80’s hair bands, metal, ska (No Doubt, Sublime), and 80’s two-tone ska.
Who would you like to tour with?
Less Than Jake or No Doubt would be awesome to tour with.
Who are you looking forward to seeing perform on this tour?
Something Corporate, the Morgan Heritage (awesome reggae), Flogging Molly, and a lot of the bands on the Drive-Thru Stage [Drive Thru stage = Five Speed, Glassjaw, Home Grown, RX Bandits, Finch, The Starting Line, The Movielife, Allister, Showoff, American Hi-Fi].
What’s your favorite movie?
“Big Trouble in Little China” or “The Princess Bride.”
What’s your favorite song?
It’s always a tie between “American Pie” by Don McLean & “You Sexy Thing” by Hot Chocolate. I also like “On the Outside” by Oingo Boingo, and Kara’s Flowers They aren’t around anymore. I mean as a band, they are still around as a group of guys. They were cool. (1995-1999 click here for more infor on Kara’s Flowers)
So what do you think about the Madonna cover of “American Pie”?
It’s ridiculous.
What’s the most embarrassing song you admit to liking?
I’m not embarrassed at what I like. Half of the things I listen to most people wouldn’t know what they are anyway.
What are you passionate about besides music?
Nothing. Music is the only thing I care about.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
I didn’t have breakfast. I’m in a band, I sleep all day. I woke up at noon.
Be sure to check out Aaron Barrett’s side project with Jeffries Fan Club, called “Forces of Evil”. He says it is his no bull shit/ record label stuff band.
This interview is not verbatim due to the fact that there was no voice recorder. The answers are paraphrased.
