For BJ Barham, the day before a concert is always the same, but the thrill he experiences knowing that he makes money doing what he loves will never grow old.
 

Barham is the lead singer for the relatively young band American Aquarium, whose resume would have you believe that they are much more established. Four years, five albums and over 700 shows into their career, the men of this band are making their living writing and performing songs that come from their hearts.
 

Barham is an extremely dedicated songwriter, who is able to eloquently turn an experience into a song. Their upcoming album, “Smalltown Hymns,” moves away from their usual themes of love and heartbreak to an exploration of the small town life, which Barham relates back to his own adolescence in his hometown of Reidsville, NC.
 

“Everything I write is from experience,” he said. “It was nice to get away from the subject of ex-girlfriends for a while.”
 

Barham credits his diverse music taste to the distinct musical sound that he creates. He managed a record store for four years before going into music performance and has everything in his iTunes library from independent hip-hop to country music.
 

“It’s interesting that now I went back to what my parents raised me on,” Barham said, “good classic rock and country.”

American Aquarium takes on the challenge of adding a fresh twist to the sounds of American classic rock and country with great success. Barham’s voice, which sounds akin to “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen himself, combined with the band’s overall talent and fresh songs are the components that quickly secure American Aquarium’s place in the hearts of anyone who listens to their songs.   
 

American Aquarium’s extensive touring has already gained them a following throughout the country, and Barham hesitantly admits that he’s even experienced the reality of groupies.
“Groupies do exist,” he said. “My mom will probably be very upset to hear that, but they are a reality.”
 

More than popularity or money, all of the members of “American Aquarium” are just thrilled to be making a living playing music.
 

“Our ultimate goal is to be able to do this for the rest of our lives,” Barham said. “I’d be doing it even if I wasn’t getting paid for it. So it’s rewarding to know that I am able to make some money following my passion.”
 

This Saturday, March 20, American Aquarium’s tour makes its way to Dallas, playing the LaGrange at 9 p.m.