The name Aaron Sprinkle is synonymous with a slew of prominent projects, from his time in the influential Poor Old Lu to a string of solo releases and a vast list of production credits. Even though he’s spent most of his time in the studio as of late (working with the diverse likes of Pedro the Lion, Acceptance, Emery, Anberlin and Damien Jurado) the creative juices have continued to flow with his own artistic outpourings. The switch hitter’s latest endeavor Fair, however, is different than all the aforementioned, birthing out of his solo project’s most recent backing band and into a fully collaborative effort. Along with the incredibly seasoned Nick Barber, Erick Newbill and Joey Sanchez, Fair is a straight ahead merge of brilliantly crafted melodies and dynamic rock songwriting captured throughout its Tooth & Nail debut The Best Worst-Case Scenario. “We played for about two years together under the name ‘Aaron Sprinkle’ and they were basically my back-up band,” the front man reiterates. “We’d been talking about doing a new band for a while and it just felt right. We all talked about it and decided to do it. It’s a very collaborative band, which in a sense I haven’t been involved with since Poor Old Lu. So this is kind of new to me again and this is a true band in the sense of how collaborative we are.” The results shine through on the record, which is anchored by the first two cuts “Monday” and “The Attic.” The first mixes melancholy textures and melodic swells, eventually exploding with infectious power chords and a contagious chorus. The latter is also loaded with sublime riffs and glowing harmonies, but also abounds in the hook department. Additional crests include “Get You Out Alive” (which features one time Superdrag singer John Davis) along with “Unglued” (backed by the members of Eisley). “In terms of John, a lot of people I know said we should get to know each other. So we did, and I love his contributions to the track,” says Sprinkle. “I have some history with Eisley and was sort of instrumental in them getting signed to Reprise. I worked with them a few times in studio and we became great friends. Fair is on the road with them right now as well, so it’s something I thought would make sense.” Aside from the album’s stylistic accessibility, its lyrical content comes backed by the goal of connecting with listeners. And that’s certainly achieved, in instances of general life lessons and daily situations to the band’s personal accounts of growth and grappling. “We’re kind of relating what people go through good or bad and trying to always give that glimpse of hope,” Sprinkle observes. “Each song has its own personality [and] hopefully the music will speak for itself. It’s been a really good response so far and people have really like what they’ve been hearing. We’ve put a lot of energy into performing them and we’re having a blast.” While the act is active on the road and incredibly excited about what the future may hold, Fair aren’t letting any music industry pressures seep into the picture. They’ll take the forthcoming cards however they may fall and continue pressing on, if only for the love of creating. “I feel like all four of us have a freedom in this band like we’ve never had before,” summarizes Sprinkle. “There’s no pressure of making it or impressing any sort of industry or corporate environment. This is 100% from the heart and there’s no cloud hanging over us. If it doesn’t blow up then what are we going to do? Our motives are maybe a little more pure and real than trying to make it.”