Next Monday sees the release of the new album from veteran political punk-rockers Anti-Flag. The Bright Lights Of America promises to deliver more of the bright simple punk and social commentary the band have long been known for. [Image lifted from Wikipedia]
The Dreaded Press got the opportunity to pester Chris #2, Anti-Flag’s bass player, with a big list of questions. The results are below, so read on to find out why gigs in the Deep South are no fun for Anti-Flag to play, and Chris’s hopes and fears about the coming US elections.
TDP: Where are you right now, and what have you been doing today?
Chris #2: I am in Sauget Illinois, I’ve been playing street hockey with our drum tech Neil.
TDP: How did the recording of The Bright Lights Of America go?
Chris #2: Fantastic, it was the easiest recording experience for our band. Three and a half weeks of good times documenting these songs.
TDP: What goals or plans did you have before you headed for the studio?
Chris #2: The mantra was to challenge ourselves to write songs that would last longer than we will.
TDP: What was influencing you (musically or otherwise) during the writing and recording?
Chris #2: Life, the people, friends and families at our shows sharing life experiences. Musically, the usual. The Clash, The Buzzcocks, etc.
TDP: You’re off on the road again soon – what’s the worst aspect of touring?
Chris #2: Being away from my dog.
TDP: What’s the best aspect of touring?
Chris #2: Sharing ideas and having a dialogue about each local scene we visit. Its important to take the time to recognize the fact that its too rare in this world that we can be in a place with different people, different races, sexes, getting along and being respectful to one another. There is a immense amount of power in that.
TDP: Which was your favourite show, and why?
Chris #2: Montreal, at Le Medley - the first note of the set, the barricade breaks. It was intense to say the least!
TDP: What’s the best country to tour in?
Chris #2: We were in Russia for the first time not too long ago, that was the most interesting place we’ve been in a long time. Germany or Canada are close seconds.
TDP: Do Anti-Flag have any favourite venues to play?
Chris #2: Mr. Smalls in Pittsburgh, The Metro in Chicago, SO35 in Berlin.
TDP: What are the ingredients for the perfect live show?
Chris #2: Loud guitars, and community.
TDP: On the flipside, tell us about the worst show you ever played.
Chris #2: Probably somewhere in Texas or South Florida - the bouncers were Nationalist Skins who spit on us, and the kids were much of the same.
TDP: What do feel is your best piece of work (song or album), from a personal perspective? What was the inspiration behind it, and how did it match up to your expectations?
Chris #2: Either “The Project for a New American Century”, or “The Modern Rome Burning”. Both songs far exceeded our expectations, they both are the most Anti-Flag songs and the least Anti-Flag songs at the same time.
TDP: If you could delete one song from your back catalog (and from the minds of mankind), which would it be?
Chris #2: I’m really into all the songs we’ve done, I’m not embarrassed by anything.
TDP: Which song or album of someone else’s would you erase from history, and why?
Chris #2: Anything by Godsmack, or any other Red State Rock.
TDP: What do you feel is your biggest limitation as a band?
Chris #2: The fact that people often forget that punk rock is an idea and lifestyle, not a sound.
TDP: What was the [album/gig/artist/book/religious experience] that tipped you over and made you decide to become a musician?
Chris #2: Dead Kennedys - Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death.
TDP: If you could go back in time and visit yourself just after you made that decision, what’s the most important piece of advice you’d give yourself?
Chris #2: Practice your instrument, dude!
TDP: Where would you be right now if the band had never taken off?
Chris #2: Playing these songs with my friends.
TDP: You’re an outspoken politically-charged band; in what ways has that made things harder for you as musicians?
Chris #2: Its a lot easier to take apart songs that take a black and white stand. Dealing with the negative side of people has been the hardest part.
TDP: If you could somehow deliver a one-sentence political message to every person under thirty on the planet, what would it?
Chris #2: Cynicism is our biggest enemy. Not any president.
TDP: What results are you hoping for from the forthcoming US elections, and why?
Chris #2: Obama, he’s not the answer to the worlds problems, but he is the best option we have.
TDP: What results, in your more pessimistic moments, do you suspect you might actually get?
Chris #2: Clinton. Which is awful: Bush. Clinton. Bush. Clinton. Who runs next, Jeb?
TDP: Thanks for your time, Chris - good luck with the new album and tour!
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Posted in Interviews |
Tags: Anti-Flag, Chris#2, political, punk, The Bright Lights Of America
