Wheatus
Many people will be surprised to know that Wheatus (famous for their hit 'Teenage Dirtbag') are still touring and releasing music over a decade after the track's peak.
For front-man and songwriter Brendan B. Brown, he is clearly in this industry for the right reasons - he loves making and performing his music.
"I never wanted to take over the world and be a millionaire, so...I'm still doing what I want to do," he said.
Wheatus now release their music online, where fans can pay as much (or as little) as they want to download the material.
Brendan noted that the crowds have been reacting well to the band's more recent material. He said: "That's the thing that's surprised me the most. They've been chanting for it."
"It's just been crazy," he added.
Indeed, it's been a long, difficult road for Wheatus, but Brendan (the only remaining founding member) is still immensely proud of their debut.
"It was made under duress for nearly no money," he revealed, adding: "I think we did a really good job on it."
Citing the band's stubborness as their reason behind their longevity, in spite of little to no support from Sony after their debut record.
"They weren't going to promote our second album. Even if it was Sgt. Pepper's, they would've s*** on it," Brendan explained.
He continued: "They weren't up for a second record from us, and they should've told us that, instead of wasting our time."
Moving on from a messy end, the band's unique way of distributing their music is what Brendan sees as the future.
He's embraced the internet, and feels that bands should stop complaining about people using it to get music for free.
As he told us last month, Brendan tried to approach Sony with his distribution idea, but was laughed at.
"To be fair," he explained, "they're old people and they don't understand the internet. They didn't see it coming."
Thankfully, Brendan B. Brown and Wheatus have used it to their advantage, as evidenced by their current 32-date UK tour.
"We've had sick crowds, it's been great," he enthused, clearly excited at the attention his band are still getting.
The crowds differ between the States and the UK, but even Wheatus' fanbase has shifted over the years.
Brendan said: "They started off very different. When we first came over here it was a pop crowd, now it's turning into more of a mix."
It has clearly benefited Wheatus to move away from a major label, and Brendan paused when asked whether he had any regrets over his career.
"Some," he admitted, "but not big ones."
He added: "I would never had signed a deal," before advising any upcoming bands not to sign with a record company.
What other advice would he give to any bands trying to get noticed?
"Just be good, be great. Be something that would inspire you."
It's obvious that Brendan is still inspired by Wheatus, made even clearer by a fantastic and unpredictable live show in Manchester.
As the band look to the future, Wheatus look set to continue as they are, steadily putting out music at their own pace.
Of their plans for the rest of the year, Brendan said: "Rest, relaxation and the completion of album six."
We can't wait for the next chapter in the career of one of pop-rock's most relatable, down-to-earth and innovative acts.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge