It’s been 10 years since Reel Big Fish released any new music. In the ska world, this is an eternity. The last time the band was relevant was probably when they were featured on the soundtrack to BASEketball in 1998. So what have they been up to? It turns out they’ve been busy… very busy. In the past 10 years, the band has released 6 albums, a live DVD, and a greatest hits album. They’ve toured all over the world and show no signs of slowing down. In this blog post, we will explore Reel Big Fish’s recent musical output and try to answer the question: where have you been reel big fish?
The history of Reel Big Fish
Reel Big Fish was one of the most successful ska bands of the 1990s, selling millions of albums and touring the world. But by the early 2000s, the band had lost its record label and its original members were leaving. Reel Big Fish seemed like it might be finished.
The band got its start in Orange County, California in 1992. The original members were singer/guitarist Aaron Barrett, trumpeter Matthew Freeman, trombonist Dan Regan, bassist Derek Gibbs, and drummer Andrew Gonzales. They were all friends who had grown up together playing in various punk and ska bands.
Reel Big Fish’s breakthrough came with their second album, Turn the Radio Off, which was released in 1996 on Mojo Records. The album was a huge success, selling over a million copies worldwide. It featured the hit single “Sell Out”, which became a radio staple.
The band followed up with another million-selling album, Why Do They Rock So Hard?, in 1998. But by this time, creative differences were starting to tear the band apart. Original member Freeman left during the recording of the album, and was replaced by Scott Klopfenstein.
Klopfenstein brought a new energy to the band, but he also brought different musical influences. This led to tension within the group, and after two more albums (Cheer Up! and We’re Not Happy ‘Til You’re Not Happy), Reel Big Fish was dropped by their label in 2005.
The band was able to continue touring, but they were no longer able to release new music. In 2011, Barrett announced that he was leaving the band to pursue a solo career. Reel Big Fish soldiered on without him, and released their first album in six years, Candy Coated Fury, in 2012.
Despite all the changes, Reel Big Fish has remained one of the most popular ska bands of all time. They continue to tour regularly and have a devoted following of fans who love their catchy, upbeat music.
The band’s sound and influences
Reel Big Fish’s sound is unique. They mix together elements of ska, punk, and pop to create a sound that is fresh and innovative. The band’s influences come from a variety of sources, including classic rock, reggae, and even country music. Reel Big Fish has something for everyone, and their music is sure to get you moving.
Reel Big Fish’s impact on modern ska music
Reel Big Fish’s impact on modern ska music is undeniable. The band’s unique blend of punk, rock, and ska has influenced countless other bands and helped to shape the sound of modern ska. Reel Big Fish’s popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s also helped to bring ska music into the mainstream.
Reel Big Fish’s influence can be heard in the music of many modern ska bands, including Less Than Jake, Streetlight Manifesto, and Reel Big Pie. These bands have all been influenced by Reel Big Fish’s catchy melodies, energetic performances, and positive lyrics.
While some may argue that Reel Big Fish’s place in the history of ska is overstated, there is no doubt that the band has had a significant impact on the genre. Modern ska would not be the same without Reel Big Fish.
Where have the members of Reel Big Fish been since the band’s breakup?
Since the band’s breakup in 2005, the members of Reel Big Fish have been busy with various projects. Singer/guitarist Aaron Barrett has released two solo albums, while bassist Matt Wong and drummer Ryland Steen have both been involved with other bands. Guitarist Dan Regan has been working as a sound engineer, and trombonist John Christian has been touring with other ska bands.
What the future holds for Reel Big Fish?
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Reel Big Fish, but that doesn’t mean they’ve been sitting idle. The band is currently working on a new album, which is tentatively scheduled for release in early 2020.
In addition to the new album, Reel Big Fish has a number of other projects in the works. They’re working on a documentary about the band, which is expected to be released sometime next year. And they’re also working on writing a book, which will be a collection of stories and anecdotes about their career.
So what does the future hold for Reel Big Fish? It looks like they’re going to be busy for the foreseeable future!
Reel Big Fish’s musical journey
Reel Big Fish’s musical journey has been a long and winding one. The band formed in 1992 in Orange County, California, and released their debut album, Everything Sucks, in 1995. The album was a critical and commercial success, and the band followed it up with Turn the Radio Off in 1996.
The band’s third album, Why Do They Rock So Hard?, was released in 1998 and featured the hit single “Sell Out.” The song was a huge success, propelling the album to platinum status. After a brief hiatus, the band returned with another album, We’re Not Happy ‘Til You’re Not Happy, in 2005.
The band’s most recent album is 2012’s Candy Coated Fury. The album saw the band returning to its ska roots, and was well-received by fans and critics alike.
Since forming more than two decades ago, Reel Big Fish has gone through several lineup changes but remains a popular live act. The band is currently touring the United States and Canada.
The band’s origins
Reel Big Fish was formed in 1992 in Southern California by high school friends who loved ska and punk music. The band’s original lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist Aaron Barrett, bassist Matt Wong, drummer Andrew Gonzales, and trombonist/keyboardist William Scott Reeder.
The band self-released their debut album, Everything Sucks in 1995. The album was well-received by the local ska community, but the band still had to play shows for free pizza just to keep things going. They were eventually able to book a show at a popular Hollywood club called The Troubadour, which led to them being signed by Mojo Records.
The band’s Mojo debut, Turn the Radio Off, was released in 1996 and featured the hit single “Sell Out”. The album was a big success with ska fans and helped catapult the band into the national spotlight. Reel Big Fish spent the next few years touring relentlessly in support of the album, winning over legions of new fans along the way.
Reel Big Fish’s sound
Reel Big Fish’s sound is a mix of ska, pop, and punk that is full of energy and hooks. The band’s horns give their music a distinctive sound that has made them one of the most popular ska bands of all time. While the band has been through several lineup changes over the years, they have always maintained their signature sound.
Reel Big Fish’s music is upbeat and fun, and it always gets people moving. The band’s live shows are particularly lively, as they always get the crowd dancing and singing along. Even if you’re not a huge fan of ska music, it’s impossible not to enjoy yourself at a Reel Big Fish show.
The band’s popularity
Since the release of their debut album in 1996, Reel Big Fish have been one of the most popular ska bands around. Their catchy songs and fun live shows have won them a devoted following, and they’ve remained one of the most popular ska bands even as the ska scene has gone through ups and downs.
Reel Big Fish’s popularity is due in part to their willingness to experiment with their sound. They’ve never been afraid to try new things, whether it’s adding horns or experimenting with different styles of music. This openness to change has kept their sound fresh and exciting, and it’s helped them stay relevant even as other ska bands have come and gone.
Reel Big Fish are also well-known for their sense of humor. Both their music and their live shows are full of jokes and goofing around, which endears them to fans who just want to have a good time. It’s this fun-loving attitude that has helped Reel Big Fish maintain a devoted fanbase over the years.
Where is Reel Big Fish today?
After a couple of years of touring in support of their last album, Candy Coated Fury, Reel Big Fish took a break. They parted ways with their record label and started their own independent label, Rykodisc Records. The band has been busy writing and recording new material and they are set to release a new album in 2019. In the meantime, they have been touring the US and Europe, playing festivals and headlining shows.
What’s next for Reel Big Fish?
Reel Big Fish has been through a lot in the past few years. The band has gone through several lineup changes, and they’ve been touring relentlessly. But what’s next for the band?
The band is currently working on a new album, which is scheduled for release in 2019. They’ve also announced plans to tour the US and Europe in support of the new album. So it looks like Reel Big Fish is back and ready to take on the world once again.
Conclusion
We love Reel Big Fish and we hope they continue making music for many years to come. They have been through a lot as a band, but they always manage to come out on top. They are true survivors in the music industry and we admire them for that. We hope to see them soon on tour or perhaps even working on a new album.