16/05/2011 – Anberlin (Stephen Christian) – english

Enjoy The Show: It’s been more than six months since Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place was released. How has the response been so far? Is everything going as you expected with this new one?

Stephen Christian (Anberlin): The reception has been stunning, I think people who have sat with the record are now realizing that it is our best work to date and believe that Anberlin is still on their way up. For us in the band, we believe in this record so much; we have poured our own money, time, effort, energy, and care into this one album… like we have never done prior.

ETS: Do you consider it’s your best album yet? If not, which one would be?

S.C.: I think every musician would say yes it is our best album, but honestly I am hoping that it is not. I hope the next record we do is our best, I feel all the elements are in the right place for us to blow minds again.

ETS: Will ‘Closer’ be the next single? Will you be recording a new video anytime soon?

S.C.: We have no idea what the next single is, there has been talks about 3 different songs peering their head. We will see. I always wanted ‘take me’ but who knows what the label is leaning towards.

ETS: This time you decided to go with Brendan O’Brien as the producer. How was working with him?

S.C.: He was unnaturally amazing, I have never heard of or worked with a more prolific producer. It was a great experience and one I won’t soon forget.

ETS: Your style has changed comparing your first and last albums. What do you think about this change? Have the writing and recording processes changed too?

S.C.: I never liked it when a band changes style, its as if they abandoned what got them to where they are. But for us we look at it as a natural progression, we need to evolve and adapt, mature and grow. If we put out our first record Blueprints for the Black Market, and then put out Dark is the Way, Light is a Place that would be hard for fans to follow, but there were 4 albums in between to ‘grow’ with the audience and fans.

ETS: What is your idea of a perfect Anberlin setlist? How do you choose the songs to play and it’s order?

S.C.: My perfect set list is the one performed in front of thousands and thousands of screaming fans who are singing along with every word. I don’t really write the set lists, it is mainly Deon who writes them. If we all had it our individual way it would be way different, but Deon seems to like doing it the most so why not let him be the diva and pick it. Plus when we or the fans hate it we can blame him! (kidding.)

The 2 following questions were asked before the band announced that they’d be supporting Linkin Park and playing a London free show.

ETS: About a month ago, you announced you had to postpone your European tour dates and that you would be supporting 30 Seconds To Mars. What made you change your mind? Do you think that this is a better decision for the band?

S.C.: I think it is a better decision for everyone. We were only going to Europe for a few shows, instead we get to come back to Europe twice this year! So in the long run we get to play more countries and more shows in Europe by cancelling that first short run. We are going to be not only making up some shows, but adding a few just for the people who originally bought tickets. I can’t wait.

ETS: Also, you stated a few weeks ago that you had something special prepared for London. Can you tell us a bit of what is it about? And what about other places, when will European fans be able to see you again?

S.C.: Very soon, like I said we are going to the UK and Europe TWICE this year, I wish I could reveal who it was with and when, but we are supporting and can’t spoil the headliners announcement.

ETS: Are you excited about any specific tour date coming up?

S.C.: Yes we have a lot of festivals coming up this summer that our going to be so much fun, BUT we have never played Paris, France and the rumor is we are going to be going on one of these EU runs.

ETS: What is your best achievement as a band?

S.C.: Staying together this long, you would have think we would have given up years ago… but perseverance and passion go a long way in this world.

ETS: What was Anberlin’s 2010 highlight? Any expectations for 2011?

S.C.: The highlight of 2010 was our first Asian tour which took us to China, Thailand, Philippines, & Taiwan for our first time. Also the release of our new record was a major highlight, breaking into the billboard top 10 was massive for us.
I think the highlight of 2011 is going to be touring to places we have never been before like Paris, and rumored to be going to the Far East again. I would be so excited, but who knows. As for now the highlight of 2011 for me is being off the road these next few weeks. It gives me a chance to start writing for the next record.

ETS: And finally, anything you want to say to your fans?

S.C.: Thank you so much for being such amazing fans, I hope one day to come to Spain and play a few shows, it has been a dream of mine for some time. We love you guys! Hopefully see you soon!

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