Recently signed to Universal/Motown, their debut album Absolutes was remastered and rerelased on April 28, 2009. I had a chance to chat with frontman Brian Fennell about the band, their fans, and what the future might hold.

How did the band get started?

Brian Fennell: I recorded a solo record in 2005 with my best friend, and our producer, Brian Eichelberger. A few months after it was released, I asked Chris (Bristol) and Rhett (Stonelake) to join me in supporting that record. I knew I didn’t want to be a solo singer-songwriter and so Barcelona was born.

Describe your sound for those who haven’t heard you before.

Brian: Whenever we get asked this, our go-to answer is “piano-driven melodic pop rock.” I have no idea why we continue to say that. Although it is a pretty accurate description, it sounds awkward. Our music is very melodic driven with aspects of pop and alternative rock, but there are many bands that share these qualities. We also like to incorporate lots of strings and many keyed instruments. Our sound ranges from dark and slow to happy and quick.

Who are some of your influences?

Brian: This is always a hard question because you never want to come across as implying that your music is comparable to anyone else’s, especially bands or artists you may admire. I am a huge fan of songwriters like Jeff Buckley, Teitur (Lassen), Johnathan Rice, and Rufus Wainwright. Some of my favorite bands are Travis, Guillemots, Aqualung, Sigur Ros, and Radiohead. I’m pretty into some hip hop these days as well.

Tell me about the writing process for Absolutes.

Brian: I think we’re pretty lucky that the grouping of these songs work so well together. Some of them have been around for a long time, since my solo record, while others are only months old. I write in seasons, and Absolutes is a collection of songs from a few different seasons. I’m happy with how the re-release of Absolutes turned out. I think it’s pretty consistent sounding. However, I’m really excited to begin writing again when we have a bit of a break. I can’t really write on the road.

What’s your favorite song on the album and why?

Brian: Personally, my favorite song is “Time To Mend.” It’s the iTunes bonus track, and one of the newest. From a personal standpoint, it couldn’t get any more honest for me. I think honesty is one of the most special things that can be communicated through songwriting.

How did you celebrate getting signed to Universal/Motown?

Brian: We were in Portland when we physically signed the papers. A bunch of people bought different bottles of champagne and we danced around our small hotel room with the band we were out with (Low Vs. Diamond). My last memory of that night was talking seriously about the importance of piano lessons with the piano player from LVD. I left my champagne bottle in a potted plant outside.

What is your favorite place to perform live?

Brian: Outside of Seattle, I’d say our favorite place is either Denver or San Francisco. Denver is like our second home as far as crowd response goes. San Francisco is just a magical town.

What would you be doing if not making music?

Brian: I’d probably be working in a studio or teaching music, both of which would be an honor to do.

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

Brian: I feel like I’m still just starting out in music as a career. I’m not sure what kind of advice or wisdom I could give to anyone else trying to do the same thing. If music is what you want to do as a career, then go for it. If it’s what you must or need to do, regardless of a career, you’ll figure out a way to live off of it. That’s what I’m learning.

Click here to pick up a copy of Absolutes!