Anberlin is a Christian alternative rock band from Orlando, Florida. Anberlin formed in 2002.The band members are Stephen Christian, lead vocals, Christian McAlhaney and Joseph Milligan, guitars, Deon Rexroat, bass, and Nathan Young, drums. They are currently signed to Tooth and Nail records, but just signed on with Universal Republic records. Earlier this year, their third album, “Cities” dropped and they landed at number 19 on the Billboard Top 200. Anberlin also change guitarists when Nathan Strayer left the band and was replaced by Christian McAlhaney formally of the Acceptance. Anberlin also just finished up a summer stint on their very first Warped Tour. Anberlin is now on tour with Mae, Metro Station and Motion City Soundtrack on the MTV U tour and I was lucky to get a phone interview with Stephen Christian while the band was in Atlanta.
The first thing that Stephen and I talked about was college. Stephen attended the University of Central Florida and graduated in 2002 with a degree in Psychology. “I thought that I had ADD and it was the only thing that interested me.” (He went on to say that if he would never become a psychologist, but he would go back to school.) “I want to go back and get a MBA in business and work for humanity organizations like UNICEF.”
Then we talked about where the inspiration for Anberlin’s lyrics. Stephen talked about how life is the biggest inspiration, but also how books and other bands like the Beatles are also inspiration to their lyrics.
Stephen and I spent the majority of the time talking about touring. Stephen said when he is on the road, one thing he has to have is his cell phone. “It is how I communicate with my friends and family.” The other things he cannot be without is his ipod and journal. When I asked Stephen whether he likes better touring or being in the studio more he said, “Being out on the road is hard, but I love it. You get to see new faces everyday.” I then asked Stephen if he had a favorite place to perform. He replied, “Each and every city brings out all different kinds of fans. In San Diego, the fans are insane and overseas in Australia and Singapore, they absolutely love us.” Stephen also said that he enjoys playing in Orlando because of the feeling that he gets playing a hometown show.
Finally we talked about was what is in store for Anberlin next year. Stephen said the band is planning to go back in the studio in January and February to record a follow-up album to “Cities.” Then, Anberlin is going to do a bunch of international tours in Europe and Australia. Stephen also confirmed that they are going to be on next summer’s Warped Tour. There is even a chance that they will play the main stage.
If you want more information on Anberlin visit www.myspace.com/anberlin or www.anberlin.com. Anberlin has a new CD coming out on November 20 called “Lost Songs”. It is a collection of acoustic, B-side tracks, and unreleased songs.