AMERICAN AQUARIUM

American Aquarium is an alt-country band from Raleigh, North Carolina, formed in 2006 and named after a line in a Wilco song. [en.wikipedia.org] Its founder BJ Barham dates the beginning a year earlier than the band does. [en.wikipedia.org] The line-up has turned over continually around Barham, who is the constant. [en.wikipedia.org] The band did not begin well, by the account of those who booked it. [waltermagazine.com] Barham releases through his own label, Losing Side Records, and the band hosts an annual Raleigh homecoming event. [waltermagazine.com] Barham stopped drinking in 2014, announcing it from a barstool mid-show. [www.theassemblync.com] Two years later his band left en masse, worn down by the touring schedule and his control of the business. [www.theassemblync.com] The record he made after both — produced by Jason Isbell — became the band's breakout. [www.theassemblync.com]

“Formed in 2006, the band derived its name from the Wilco song, 'I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” [en.wikipedia.org]

“started American Aquarium in my college dorm room back in 2005” [en.wikipedia.org]

“3000+ shows with 26 different members” [en.wikipedia.org]

“American Aquarium's first few shows were just godawful” [waltermagazine.com]

“Roadtrip to Raleigh” [waltermagazine.com]

“Then came the moment in 2014 when Barham stood on a barstool in Fort Worth, Texas, downed two shots of Jameson, and promised the crowd that he was going sober.” [www.theassemblync.com]

“Two years after that, he was tested again, this time when his band—burned out by their schedule and Barham's tight control over business—quit.” [www.theassemblync.com]

“Instead, the album became a breakout success, earning rave reviews just as Americana was being redefined by performers like Isbell” [www.theassemblync.com]