American Aquarium, the independent roots-rock band fronted by BJ Barham, has officially celebrated its 20th anniversary. Rather than slowing down, the band is ramping up its activities with an ambitious series of concerts, a new album in the works, and Barham’s entry into local politics. The year 2025 will see them finish strong, including a block of studio time with producer Shooter Jennings in Los Angeles and the 11th annual Roadtrip to Raleigh festival set for February 5-7, 2026.
Barham expressed his commitment to the band’s legacy in an interview with Rolling Stone. “We’re out to remind people that we’ve been here for 20 years now and aren’t going anywhere,” he stated. He emphasized the band’s enduring appeal, saying, “We don’t have to give in to Facebook or TikTok. We are a band that writes songs, we put out songs, and we tour until it’s time to write more.”
The band’s grassroots philosophy was evident during a weekend in late August when they performed at the intimate Hi-Tone in Memphis for a crowd of 400 before driving overnight for a sold-out show in Waco, Texas, where they played to over 40,000 people at McLane Stadium. This diversity in venue size, according to Barham, illustrates how American Aquarium adapts and thrives in a changing music landscape. “We consider ourselves kind of a chameleon in the rock & roll world,” he explained.
Barham’s approach to music mirrors his recent political ambitions. As he prepares to run for a commissioner seat in his hometown of Wendell, North Carolina, he is adopting a door-to-door strategy rather than relying on traditional fundraising. After voicing his concerns over local development at town meetings, Barham decided to run for the board when a commissioner suggested he take action if he disagreed with the town’s direction.
In his campaign, he champions a platform against overdevelopment, stating, “We have the beautiful ability to say no to developers.” Barham’s grassroots approach in both music and politics resonates with his community, where he has knocked on over 1,200 doors to connect with residents.
Throughout his career, Barham has been a vocal advocate for social issues, articulating a left-of-center perspective both in his music and public statements. His song “Southern Roots” from the album The Fear of Standing Still encourages listeners to reconsider their historical ties when they conflict with ideals of equality and progress.
American Aquarium’s upcoming collaboration with Jennings, taking place at Sunset Sound Studio 3 in November, is highly anticipated. Barham has expressed enthusiasm about the financial success of their recent pre-sale campaign, which funded the album’s production and promotion within just three days.
As the band gears up for their festival in Raleigh, which has featured artists like Zach Bryan and the Turnpike Troubadours in past years, they are seeing a strong demand for tickets. Barham noted that most tickets had been sold even before the full lineup was announced, highlighting the trust built with their audience over the past two decades.
“This goes back to building trust,” Barham remarked. “If you like what we’ve delivered to you over the last 20 years, I’ve got a gut feeling you’re gonna like what we deliver to you next year.”
As the band approaches the next chapter in its storied career, Barham’s multifaceted pursuits in music and politics showcase a dedication to his craft and community that stands to inspire others in the industry.
