Anberlin: Making Changes in Their Music and The World

Alt-rock band Anberlin talks about their new album, New Surrender, and their charity work with Faceless International.

Anberlin is no stranger to the word “change.” The alt-rock band has been changing things up recently, in both their music and the world around them. For the band’s latest record, New Surrender, the guys worked with a new producer and also switched record labels.

“It was definitely different, doing this record [compared to] our previous records,” says drummer Nathan Young. “Our last three were with the same producer Aaron Sprinkle – everything was just different [this time] – a whole new producer, new studio, new label – everything. Usually with that amount of change, it can go either way.”

After listening to the new record, it’s clear that the big changes have served Anberlin well. New Surrender has been well-received by both fans and critics alike, and their first single, Feel Good Drag, has been getting a lot of airplay on major radio stations.

“Going into it, it was a little nerve-wracking, especially since we’ve only worked with one producer,” Young says. Despite the anxiety, Anberlin has managed to put out a solid record that is worthy of their new major-label status.

The changes that Anberlin has made do not simply extend to its new record; the band has also been working hard to make a difference in the world.

“Stephen [Christian, lead singer] started [Faceless International]. It’s his own organization that he started a few years ago,” Young states proudly. “We all back it, we all support it and we try to be as involved as possible.”

Faceless International is a non-profit organization that, according to its website, “aims to defend the plight of exploited people worldwide who have gone faceless and unknown for far too long.” The organization sends people on trips to places such as the Ukraine and Guatemala for humanitarian purposes.

“[Stephen wanted to] give an opportunity for anyone who wanted to do that; you know, so that they could go overseas and make a difference,” Young smiles. “Anyone, even if you’re 15 or whatever – if it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, you’re able to go and make a difference.”

It seems that making a difference is one of the band’s main objectives. When asked his opinion about what kind of involvement a band should have in global issues, Young replies, “Everyone’s in it for different reasons, but to me, life’s too short for it to be all about yourself. You know, we don’t want to be in this band just for everyone to see how cool we are. That’s not what it’s about. That’s what we’ve always wanted – to show we want to make a difference and it’s not all about us.”

Indeed, through their uplifting music, and charitable work around the world, Anberlin inspires many to make a difference in their own lives and in the communities they live in. As Young says, “It’s all about making a difference where you are.”

Anberlin is certainly making a difference, in both the musical world and the world they live in, and the changes they’re making are inspiring to all who are listening.