Fast times for the Academy Is...

Most successful bands leave their school days far behind. But for William Beckett, the frontman for pop-punk upstarts the Academy Is…, it’s hard to let go of those moments. The band’s peppy third album, “Fast Times at Barrington High” (which could very well be described as Black Kids meet Jimmy Eat World) is an autobiographical look back at the singer’s past five years, starting with his senior term at a Chicago suburban high school.

We spoke with Beckett about school jocks, music geeks, fateful band name decisions and what fans really want to do with you…like it or not.

Let’s start with the name. The Academy Is…what, exactly?
We were called the Academy when we were starting out, when we were playing basement shows. We really liked the name, but we got a cease-and-desist letter from some fucking Better Than Ezra cover band from South Carolina that played on weekends. We were broke at the time, and had put all of our money into these band T-shirts. So our bass player Adam suggested just adding a word, making it “The Academy Is.” We’re like “Is what?” He’s like “No, just The Academy Is…with ellipses!” Somehow, we thought it was a good idea.

How did growing up near Chicago inspire you?
A lot. Looking back, and what we’re listening to now, I’d say we were most influenced by the Smashing Pumpkins, one of the best bands in the world, not just Chicago. I was also really into indie underground music: Lawrence Arms, Alkaline Trio, all of those bands. Actually, growing up where we did, we were most influenced by the surroundings. Being in the Midwest, in a place with actual seasons, it helps you discover different feelings and moods. It’s a great place to create music.

You actually got an album out in 2007 and 2008, which is almost unheard of these days. Do you work fast?
Yeah, and we want to continue to do that. We’re here to put out music. The Beatles and Bowie managed to put a record a year, why can’t we? I think especially now, putting out quality material quickly is an important thing for your fans.

Your single “About a Girl” got some play on “The Hills.” How’s that feel?
I don’t care either way. I don’t watch it, but my friends do. Whatever floats your boat, you know? But it’s a show young people watch, so that’s exciting for me…as a young person. [Laughs] If they like the songs when they watch it, fine by me. 

Your tour—Bill and Trav’s Bogus Journey—and the new album title—“Fast Times at Barrington High”—have a distinctly ‘80s vibe. Coincidental?
I’m more ‘90s and ‘80s in my taste, but I’m a big fan of people like Cameron Crowe. And “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”…that’s a movie I always come back to. I think he really captured the voice of youth in an honest and truthful way. I mean, they show a girl having an abortion at the age of 15…it’s not the most PC or sexy thing to show. He showed youth in a way that was honest, and that’s what we’re trying to do with this record.

Speaking of which, your album is named after your high school. Why make this a central theme?
I graduated five years ago, started this band, and it chronicles the things that happened and what matters to me. The school…well, it was a unique experience. [Laughs] I loved sports, played a lot, and then in junior year I got into music and started dressing how I wanted to. I stopped caring about being cool, and became myself. It was a big breakthrough. And when I did, a lot of people would call me “fag” and things like that. Actually, that hasn’t changed a lot, but those guys calling me that…I was probably dating their girlfriends behind their backs.

What’s the strangest rumor you’ve heard about yourself?
There’s this disturbing online community where young girls write fictional stories about dudes in bands. It’s fucking bonkers. I can’t fathom the appeal of what that is—hearing a lurid story about a wistful night with Pete Wentz or one of our band members. I don’t get the appeal. But some are well-written. It’s like, keep writing, kid, but…switch your subject matter. That fantasy of yours is beyond me.