American Aquarium, "First Year" // GemsOnVHS™

Описание: This is from a hot summer in Raleigh, North Carolina. I'd flown out to meet BJ Barham, prodigal son of the beautiful state and long time legendary musician. He might not believe it (and thank God he doesn't, that kind of arrogance can drive you mad), but he's one of the best songwriters i've ever known, and a real DIY trailblazer. They say not to meet your heros, and I can confirm this is often ill-advised, but BJ turned out to be so humble, down to earth and just real. Everyone around him is instantly at ease as he jokes, shakes hands and improves the mood. He is fueled these days by massive caffeine shots instead of whiskey, and we're all probably better off for it.

I didn't expect anything in particular when I got there, maybe he'd show me a place or two. Instead, he welcomed me into his home with open arms, and we recorded an intimate song about family, amongst his own family. It was touching, and the audience (his daughter) seemed enthusiastic. She was more excited to show us her drawings, and really wanted him to "play the Trolls song."

Seriously though, there is nothing harder to adjust to, cope with and contemplate than losing the people who made you, or people you make. It is an intimate bond, a connective tissue in time, which is inevitably always severed by time in the physical, but always remains in the memory. We don't choose them, but we are them. Parents, siblings, sons and daughters. So for all of you who have lost someone close, for everyone who has a hard time with this Mother's Day, I feel you, I love you, and I hope this song helps you.

Anthony

You can find BJ on Instagram at @americanaquarium and all things American Aquarium at https://linktr.ee/americanaquarium.

Our undying love and gratitude go to our executive producers for making this project possible: Brad Sirois, Mitchell Davis, Keith McQuillan, David Jameson, Lisa Galvan, Irvin Maddox, Josh Collins, Brady Jones, Julie Nestoroff, VJ Arizpe, Mr. Free, Rusty Shackleford, and Joshua Taylor.

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GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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