The Front Bottoms are feeling incredibly fortunate these days. As they gear up for their 10th annual Champagne Jam festival, the indie rock band, consisting of frontman Brian Sella and drummer Mat Uychich, is taking a moment to reflect on their journey.
What began in December 2014 as a small, DIY music festival has now blossomed into a tradition that has not only defined their career but also forged deep connections with their fans. The band’s homegrown festival, held annually to mark the end of the year, has been a true labor of love — a celebration of music, friendship, and community. This year’s Champagne Jam, set to take place on December 14 in Atlantic City, N.J., marks a significant milestone in their decade-long journey.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Sella, 36, opens up about the band’s evolution and what makes this year’s festival so special.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years,” Sella says, clearly proud yet humbled by the milestone. “This is our biggest one yet. It’s crazy to think about how far we’ve come. We’ve put so much into this, and it’s just one of those things where every year feels like a huge accomplishment.”
The 2024 Champagne Jam marks a few significant firsts. For the first time ever, the band is performing bicoastal shows, having already brought the party to Anaheim, Calif., earlier in November. But the true homecoming comes in December, when the festival returns to the band’s roots at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Sella describes this year’s lineup as “something special,” with performances from a wide array of guests like Sweet Pill, Kevin Devine, Matt Pryor, and comedian Chris Gethard, among others.
So, what exactly is Champagne Jam all about? According to Sella, the festival has always been a deeply personal and emotionally invested endeavor for The Front Bottoms. “It’s always been a big deal for us,” he explains. “We’ve always poured everything we have into it, no matter how big or small the show is. What matters most is that everyone is having a great time.”
Sella adds that as the band members have matured, they’ve come to appreciate the special moments shared with fans even more. “I think now, as we’re older, we really understand the value of these experiences,” he admits. “The world is so crazy right now, and being able to have this space where we can all come together and just sing the same song is such a rare and beautiful thing.”
The name “Champagne Jam” is a nod to the band’s wild, youthful days. “Back when we started, the idea was that you had to finish a bottle of champagne on stage,” Sella recalls with a laugh. “It made for some really interesting shows, because sometimes we’d finish the bottle quickly, and sometimes it would take forever. Honestly, I don’t remember much from those early shows, but they’re all incredibly special to me.”
The festival has traveled with The Front Bottoms as they’ve toured around the world. Last year, for instance, the band took Champagne Jam overseas to London, where they sold out the show during their U.K. tour. “It’s really exciting to see it grow organically,” Sella says. “We never planned for it to be this big, but it feels right. Maybe next year we’ll get to do something even bigger or more unique — who knows?”
Amid the festival hype, The Front Bottoms are also deep into their Finding Your Way Home tour, promoting their 2023 album You Are Who You Hang Out With. Despite the whirlwind schedule, Sella remains thankful for the opportunities that come their way. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,” he says. “Mat handles the logistics, and I focus more on the emotional side of things. It can be intense, but I always remind myself how lucky we are to be doing this.”
Reflecting on the band’s origins, Sella remembers the early days when he was a student at Ramapo College in New Jersey. “It all started with our debut album, I Hate My Friends, which we self-released in 2008,” he shares. “We’ve come a long way since then, and it’s still surreal to think about how much we’ve accomplished.” Now, with eight studio albums under their belt, The Front Bottoms have solidified their place in the indie rock scene.
Looking back on his personal growth, Sella admits that confidence has been one of the biggest challenges in his music career. “In the beginning, I just wrote songs for myself, and didn’t really think about how they would be received,” he says. “But as we’ve grown, I’ve realized that people are listening, and that comes with its own pressure.”
Despite the challenges, Sella emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself. “I’ve learned that all ideas are good,” he says. “You have to believe in what you’re creating, and remember that the people who like our music are looking to us to guide them to something new.”
As for what’s next, Sella confirms that new music is on the horizon. “Absolutely,” he says with enthusiasm. “The last couple of years have been a bit rough with all the flooding and difficulties, but I’ve been building a little studio space at home. It’s been amazing to just get back into the groove of making music and experimenting with new sounds.”
For The Front Bottoms, the journey is far from over. With Champagne Jam celebrating 10 years and new music on the way, it’s clear that the band’s story is only just beginning.
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