BJ Barham of American Aquarium Signs Publishing Deal

BJ Barham of the North Carolina-based band American Aquarium has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Reservoir and One Riot. The deal includes the entire American Aquarium catalog, along with BJ Barham’s solo efforts.
“BJ Barham is the quintessential country songwriter: someone who writes honest stories about real life experiences, hard-earned lessons, and the resiliency of the heart,” says One Riot General Manager Amy Patton. “It’s a true privilege to work with such an incredible writer and artist who is re-infusing raw storytelling into country music.”
Publishing companies such as Reservoir and One Riot work to license the music of artists for placement in things such as films and television, and make sure the artists are fairly compensated when their songs are used. This is an important stream of revenue for songwriters such as BJ Barham especially during the pandemic, while also opening up opportunities for exposure for performers who may not enjoy mainstream radio play. The soundtrack of the TV series Yellowstone is a good example.
“I’m really excited to join such an amazing roster of talented songwriters,” says Barham, who joins artists such as Courtney Marie Andrews, Cedric Burside, and The Secret Sisters. “The One Riot/Reservoir team has such a great history of putting artists first and I’m looking forward to see what we can create together.”
Bj Barhamn and American Aquarium released their latest record Lamentations in May. It is their ninth studio album, not counting Barham’s solo efforts. Currently signed to New West Records, Barham is regarded as one of this generation’s top songwriters, with music that regularly straddles the line between country, Southern rock, and earnest Americana.
August 26, 2020 @ 9:13 am
Good on BJ,Lamentations is my favourite album of the year thus far would be great to get a song or two on Yellowstone or the likes.
August 26, 2020 @ 9:36 am
Step right up folks. Give your next product that “raw” and authentic edge that only “quintessential country’” music can provide.
August 26, 2020 @ 12:50 pm
Good for BJ, he’s had his nose to the grindstone for a long time and deserves all the good stuff that comes his way.
August 26, 2020 @ 1:39 pm
Makes me think of a story BJ told about an AA song or two making a Starbucks playlist that plays in all of the shops. He said something like, “I just pictured soccer moms drinking shitty, burnt coffee and having a great time until one of my depressing songs starts playing.” I’m paraphrasing but it went something like that and I thought it was funny as hell.
August 26, 2020 @ 3:48 pm
Sad songs they make me happy.
August 26, 2020 @ 2:09 pm
Good for him. I loved Lamentations. Songs that give you something to hang your hat on.
August 26, 2020 @ 2:46 pm
Article: The Curios Curation of Country Music’s Recent Tribute Concerts
7/19/17
JT
JULY 19, 2017 @ 9:21 AM
I was at the Waylon tribute and from my perspective, Toby Keith was actually very respectful through the whole thing and performed better than half of the artists. Having Eric Church in the line up was grossly more egregious than having Toby Keith. I’m sure the final editing has something to do with your opinion, but in my mind, Eric Church and Kacey Musgraves were the two “odd men out” on the bill. Church was drunk and couldn’t remember the words and Kacey couldn’t even articulate why Waylon is such an icon. I’m sure you had seats a lot closer than I, but there’s no way I could tell that Sturgill was disgusted by Toby or that there was an intentional plan to have REK and Toby Keith on opposite sides of the stage. What was missing in the final editing was W. Earl Brown’s story telling and narration in between songs. I’d pay money again just to sit and listen to him talk about music.
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hoptowntiger94
JULY 19, 2017 @ 9:35 AM
Toby Kieth grabs Church’s ass or something in that vicinity to throw off Church during the encore. They both were lit (and very disrespectful). When you watch the encore, Sturgill looks like he wants punch someone. I’d bet his fist were clinch.
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RD
JULY 19, 2017 @ 5:32 PM
I wasn’t there and I didn’t see the video, but if Sturgill Simpson clenched his fists and was ready to punch Toby Keith, he certainly made a wise decision aborting the mission. Toby Keith’s music might suck, but he is one big hoss, and I’d lay money down that he would drag Sturgill Simpson all over that stage.
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August 27, 2020 @ 1:21 am
Good for BJ, an awesome songwriter. Everything that helps our beloved songwriters to hang on during these times is welcome.
August 27, 2020 @ 4:56 am
What?