Jaret Reddick – Bowling For Soup Interview


Photo: James Genchi / Flecking Records

2/4 of Flecking favourites Bowling For Soup are heading back to the UK this month for one of their legendary acoustic tours.

The multi-talented Jaret Reddick and Erik Chandler will be performing two sets each during the intimate shows. We love their full band gigs, but there’s something special and personal about their acoustic evenings – you feel like you’re getting a tailor-made, one-off show that no one has ever seen before and no one will ever see again.

Be sure to check out the UK tour dates below, always a party when BFS are in town!

We caught up with Jaret for a pre-tour chat…

Hello, how are you?
I am doing well. Just back from the Middle East doing some shows for the troops, so I am answering these questions with severe jet-lag!

You’re heading back to the UK for an acoustic tour this month – excited?
Yes! I am excited that this is the third year, so people know what to expect. We will be doing some fun stuff!

We love your acoustic shows because it feels a bit like you’re hanging out with your mates, rather than watching a band on a stage. Is that what you were going for?
That is the PERFECT description! That is how the whole acoustic thing started, just me and Erik in a pub with a few people watching us – now we just have a few more than a few people, but we keep the vibe the same.

Will you and Erik be performing two sets each again?
Yes! Erik is flying TOTALLY solo. He is so great! And then Ryan and I will do a People On Vacation set.

Does that leave enough time for partying?
Yes! It isn’t about what time you finish, it is about what time you start! – I just made that up!

What is your alcoholic drink of choice?
Usually Miller Lite in the States. It is just the beer I have always drank. In the UK though, we drink our own vodka drink called the Delicious Gary. They are delicious and evil…

We were delighted to see two Bowling For Soup tracks to choose from on the Kerrang! Rock 100 – why should people vote BFS like we did?
Because we are nice.

1985 or Girl All The Bad Guys Want?
They are like my kids… I like one better some days, and the other on different days…

Which three bands or songs would top your personal Rock 100 list?
Green Day, Bad Religion, Descendants.

Are you working on any new BFS music at the moment?
We just did a song called “Thank God It’s Summer (TGIS)” for the upcoming Crappy Records compilation. I really didn’t think I wanted to start a new album until next year, but I will admit having the bug! We have some plans for some stuff later this year, it is gonna be fun!

What’s the plan for BFS for the rest of 2012?
We have sporadic stuff going on…. Some touring in the US, more military stuff, and then of course a full band trip to the UK later in the year. Like I said, a few surprises release wise. We are also all staying busy outside of BFS. Me with People on Vacation, Jarinus, Phineas and Ferb, Crappy Records and Built By Ninjas. Erik has a solo album coming out – his EP is out soon in the UK and connected to the People On Vacation EP. Gary and Chris are staying busy as well here at home.

Because we had soooo much fun last time, just a quick check to see if you’re up to date on your English slang.
Guff.

This one I don’t know… But I am going to guess, a guy that could be described as a douchebag OR ear cheese.
To guff is to fart. What about bird?
A girl, mostly of the attractive variety.
Correct! Dogging.
I think this is making out in a car.
Correct! Cock up.
Again, guessing – does this mean dead?
It means to make a mistake. And finally, dog’s bollocks. For example, “that shirt is the dog’s bollocks”.
That means badass! “This shirt is the SHIT!”
Correct! That’s 3/5! You’re getting better!

The tour kicks off in Northampton on March 26, before stopping by Glasgow, Manchester, York, Birmingham, Southend and London. Click here for tickets.

Click here to vote for BFS in the Kerrang! Rock 100.