Stephen Christian - Anberlin (09/05/2011)
Stephen Christian, lead singer of Anberlin has just visited our shores with the Soundwave Festival. We had a quick and exclusive chat to him to see what he's been up to post-Soundwave and his plans for the rest of 2011.
Hey Stephen! Where are Anberlin in the world right now? What have Anberlin been up to this past 24 hours?
Funny, in the last 24 hours I have traveled thousands of miles. We were in Toronto and then flew to Jacksonville, Florida. It was the last stop on the tour and now we’re done. I am finally going home after a month of the road. It was a great tour, and it was awesome getting to know the guys in CB7 and 30 Seconds To Mars.
Anberlin have such a huge fan base in Australia. What’s it like to sell out shows, stand on stage and have the crowd along with every song you play?
Incredible. Australia is one of our favorite places to tour in the world, if not our favorite. I love the culture and the people, but the rabid fans and those who lose their voices singing along at our shows down under are my absolute favorite. There is no better or stronger drug in the world than to stand on stage and have people scream your own lyrics back to you.
Anberlin were just in Australia for the Soundwave festival. What was it like to be a part of the biggest line up of the festivals history? Any interesting backstage stories you can share with us?
I think the highlight for me was watching Social Distortion with Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age. It was surreal.
Anberlin have just released their 6th studio album Dark is the Way, Light is the Place. With each new album, Anberlin gain more fans and lots of positive reviews. Is it hard to release new albums without repeating the past?
Lyrically yes, musically no. What people fail to see is that musicians live a life that is abnormally jejune. We get into a van and live the same life year after year, tour after tour. As a lyricist you have to pull from who you are and what you know. The hardship we face is to look at the same scenery day after day and still come up with new ways to describe it.
Stephen, you’re well known for your non-profit charity work around the world. Can you explain to us your work and how you incorporate it into the band and your life?
Every entertainer has a platform whether massive or humble. We need to use our stage or screen to influence those around us and our audience for the betterment of the world. It’s not just reasonable; I believe it is our responsibility. It is hard to juggle so very much, but U have really great friends and colleagues that help me so incredibly much
Anberlin have just toured with 30 Seconds to Mars in America. How was this experience for your band?
It was a great tour, one that I hope to repeat around the world. They have an amazing fan base and really went out of their way to show us that they loved having us out on tour.
You also have a side project, Anchor & Braille. Could you briefly share the story of how this project came about?
They were songs that I had written, I knew they were too gentle for Anberlin and I didn't want them to just sit on my computer and die. I had Aaron Marsh from Copeland produce them and I started my own label Wood/Water to put it out. It was an amazing experience and one that I hope to repeat very soon.
Finally, with six albums to Anberlin’s name, what’s in the future? Can we expect to hear a new release or Australia tour any time soon?
Yes, we will see you in 2011. And I am really excited about the bands we are hoping to bring with us!
Thanks for your time Stephen and sharing some thoughts with The 59th Sound, we hope to see Anberlin back in Australia soon!
Oh you will friend.... oh you will.
Stephen’s charity work involves his own co-founded charity, Faceless International. This organisation aims to defend the plight of exploited people worldwide who have gone faceless and unknown for far too long and to raise awareness about social issues happening throughout the global community.
http://www.anberlin.com/home/
http://www.anchorandbraille.com
Luke Sutton
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