Anberlin: An Interview with the Florida Based Band

One might dismiss the Florida based band Anberlin as just another passing phase in the vapid world of emo but upon listening to their latest disc it becomes clear that there is more to this quintet than tight jeans and quaffed hair. On their latest disc "Cities" Anberlin combine blasts of rock energy, soaring guitars, sweet harmonies and depth, yes lyrical depth to the twelve tunes that make up their second offering. "Cities" boasts an arena rock sound with stories of spiritual guidance and soul searching. A real sense of looking inward and faith drives the disc along with a truly bombastic sound. Recently I had the pleasure to sit down and chat with lead vocalist Stephen Christian on the second day of this summer's Warped Tour.

Associated Content: What was the impetus for the band to be a part of the Warped Tour this summer?
Stephen Christian: We have always wanted to be on the Warped Tour! In the past there had been scheduling conflicts but this summer we were able to participate and we have been looking forward to it. This really is the testing ground. This is where you come to pay your dues as a band! We are only two days in but it has been great. It has been almost like a reunion for us seeing the other bands on the bill.

AC: Are there any bands in particular you want to check out on the tour?
SC: I am looking forward to seeing Coheed and Cambria and also Circa Survive.

AC: On your latest disc there seems to be a lot of lyrics that deal with looking inward. What inspired this disc lyrically?
SC: With this record I took a more personal route. The record is very introspective on a lot of levels. I found myself reading a lot of "coming of age" books lately and I think that type of theme became part of the disc.

AC: The idea of faith runs throughout the songs on the disc "Cities" and the band has at times been labeled a Christian rock band. First, how important is your faith?
SC: Well, a lot of what you have said is interwoven in the disc. I can't depart from who I am when it comes to my music. My faith is who I am. I am a Christian and my faith is a big part of me.

AC: Are you wary of being label Christian Rock?
SC: Honestly, there was some frustration about it...I was frustrated about it in the beginning. After a while though I just realized there was nothing I could do about it. As I said before, my faith is part of who I am. I am a Christian and I am proud of it but I don't think we are pushing it on people. It's just who I am.

AC: You have been a part of a few humanitarian trips around the world recently. How did you get involved with that?
SC: I helped start a non-profit called Faceless International. The idea is to take members of different bands around the world in order to make a difference. We have made trips to Calcutta India, Haiti and Kenya. We have been restoring half-way homes for victims of human trafficking.

AC: With humanitarian efforts around the world and this summer's tour it sounds like you are a busy man! What does the future hold for Anberlin after you wrap up the Warped Tour?
SC: We will be taking a month off! After that we will be doing a European tour, a tour in Mexico and then we will be back in the states in the fall touring as a support act for a really big band whose name I cannot disclose at the moment! Sorry!

Secrets aside, if you are hitting the Warped Tour this summer make sure to check out Anberlin.