Beer Frames And Music With JARET REDDICK from BOWLING FOR SOUP

Interview by Angela Croudace
Jaret Reddick, the charismatic frontman of Bowling for Soup, shared
his excitement about returning to Australia after 15 years, the
band's upcoming 30th anniversary, and his passion for mental health
advocacy. As Bowling for Soup prepares to take the stage at the
Good Things Festival, Jaret reflected on the band's journey and the
importance of addressing mental health issues in the music
industry.
Over three decades in the music scene, Jaret's journey has been
anything but ordinary. Beyond his work with the band, he has
ventured into voice acting, songwriting, and a country music side
project. "Music is what I do, and it's what I love," he shared,
emphasising his dedication to creativity. Jaret's commitment to
staying busy is driven by a desire to keep creating: "Making things
is my favourite thing to do in the world."
Jaret is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness,
particularly within the music industry. "I really was unaware of
how vast the struggle was," he admitted, reflecting on his
late-in-life battle with depression and anxiety. "Once I became
educated myself, I was just like, 'Gosh, I've had this so
wrong."
His candidness about mental health challenges aims to destigmatise
the conversation, as he recalls, "I was embarrassed to talk about
it…but it's normal."
He noted a significant shift in how mental health is tackled within
the industry. "I've seen that stigma start to go away quite a bit,"
he observed. Jaret's mission is to encourage others to seek help,
stating, "If this could happen to me, it could happen to
anybody."
Reflecting on Bowling for Soup's iconic hits like 1985, Jaret
shared that their success has been a gradual journey. "Nothing for
Bowling for Soup has ever just exploded," he said. "Everything's
been really gradual." This slow burn has fostered a deep
appreciation for their loyal fan base. As Jaret noted, "The fact
that people still appreciate those songs…is just a testament to
what we created."
Jaret let HEAVY in on an exclusive secret: the band is preparing to
debut new music. Jaret hinted at an album title inspired by a
casual conversation: "Party if We Have To." He explained, "It's an
ongoing thing where something will just happen, and I'll go,
'That's a good name for an album."
When asked what he hopes audiences take away from their shows,
Jaret responded sincerely: "A smile on their face." He loves seeing
fans sing along and connect with the music. "If you're here and
this is the first time you smile in a week, you feel like you're
alone—you're not."
As he prepares to hit the stage in Australia, Jaret shared his
excitement about returning here for the first time in over a
decade. "We can't wait to see you guys. It's been way too long." he
expressed,
"We've had a few plans to come back that didn't work out, whether
it was the pandemic or whatever, but I'm glad it's finally
happening." For fans eagerly anticipating their return, Jaret
promises an unforgettable experience. "Honestly, we just can't
wait."
Jaret's commitment to putting on uplifting shows and raising mental
health awareness continues to resonate, as evidenced by the demand
for their touring and the crowds Bowling for Soup still draws all
these years after their peak of fame. The popularity of their tours
and the crowds attest to the band's dedication to performing
feel-good shows and promoting mental health awareness. Even now,
years after their heyday, Bowling for Soup continues to attract
audiences worldwide.
A perfect addition to the Good Things Festival line-up, you can
guarantee their show will put a smile on your face and fill you
with that sweet 2000s nostalgia.


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