How Jimmy Eat World Keeps the Music Fun | Inside the Noise (S3, E6)

More than three decades after forming in Arizona, Jimmy Eat World is still writing, recording and touring. For them, the secret to that longevity isn't complicated—it’s simply putting the music first and having fun.

For episode six of the third season of Inside the Noise, Guitar Center CEO Gabe Dalporto hung out backstage at the Vans Warped Tour with Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins (guitar), Tom Linton (guitar), Rick Burch (bass) and Zach Lind (drums) to talk about how they keep on keeping on. Sitting amongst Vans-approved checkboard furniture, the band touched on celebrating the 25th anniversary of its platinum-selling Bleed American album, how their collaborative process works, the changing economics of a music career and more.

Put the Music First

“I think we just focused on keeping it fun,” says Adkins about the band’s career ups and downs before they broke out. “Also, the one thing that we all share is a desire to do what's right for the music. So, if we do have a difference of opinion on an opportunity, or the way a song should be developed as we're writing, we treat it very democratically. It's very easy to accept your idea being voted down, because we all have the best intentions in mind. Everything is for the greater good.”

Finding Community on the Warped Tour

Adkins also shares that the Vans Warped Tour is much more than just a series of shows.

“You're with the same group of people every day, and everybody is pursuing the same thing that you are,” he says. “Making a connection with those people and feeling like you're a part of a community is an important part of the experience, and it can be really helpful in the survival of your band."

“For example, we became friends with Blink-182 on a Warped tour, and I think a lot of people learned who we were through relationships like that,” adds Burch.

Learning to Savor the Wins

“Take the time to celebrate every little win,” answers Burch, when asked what advice he might give his younger self. “One thing I appreciate more is taking a moment when things are happening to really cherish it and acknowledge the good things that come your way.”

“If you're able to really focus and get present and savor the experience when it's happening, everything is just going to be so much richer for it,” agrees Adkins.

Watch the Whole Discussion with Jimmy Eat World and More

Catch the full conversation and other episodes of Inside the Noise with Gabe Dalporto on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any of your favorite major platforms. When you subscribe, you’ll get new episodes every Tuesday at 3 p.m. PT.