Anti-Flag interview with Chris #2

Interview by: Stephanie M.
Big Wheel Senior Staff Reporter

For good or bad, Anti-Flag is one of those bands that has become a lightning rod. From their politically charged themes to the straight up in your face message, this is a band that makes no apologies. They are out on tour with their new album, The People Or The Gun, released through Side One Dummy Records that delivers such thought provoking lyrical content, you’ll feel like you’re in a philosophy or literature class, Punk Rock edition. We recently hooked up with Chris #2 for a little interrogation.

 

Anti-Flag is known to be a very politically aware band, did you start out that way? What moved the band to maintain this agenda?
Chris2: We have always been a band that has believed in a music scene that challenges the status quo. Our belief in this goal has shaped our bands sound and agenda. Writing songs that work toward the goals of eradicating racism, sexism, homophobia.

What prompted you as a band to form the Underground Action Alliance?
Chris2: The vision is to create a sort of social networking site for activists. Allowing the exchange of ideas, art, music, writing, etc.

Besides the Underground Action Alliance, what other organizations are you involved in?
Chris2: We started a non-profit organization that combats predatory military recruitment called Military Free Zone. We love working with Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Peta. They are current orgs that we are bringing out on our current tour.

How important do you believe it is for Punk rock bands to maintain politically and socially aware content in their music?
Chris2: To me it Punk rock is socially conscience music. However, its futile to try and define Punk rock. It is what it is to you.

As a band, do you place the majority of your focus on delivering politically enlightening material to the mass audiences to spread awareness, or is your music simply an outlet for your own self-expression? In a nutshell, is your music for the audience, or yourselves?
Chris2: Both. Our music exists to not only give our audience solace, but for us as well. When we feel the world is in an irreversible spiral, we play a show, spend an hour at the show, and faith is restored.

The Terror State is an album which conveyed much criticism on the Bush administration and the "War on Terrorism". How do you feel about the Obama administration, and should we expect an album aimed at the president's current affairs?
Chris2: I think Obama was handed an awful quagmire. However, he came in with immense popularity and what seemed like immense power. I was hopeful that things would move more swiftly. The closing of Guantanamo bay, health care FOR ALL, the end of the Iraq war. Instead we've gotten delays of all of those issues and an inflated war in Afghanistan. It has been less fruitful of a first year of marriage than many of us have hoped for.

How many countries have you played in and do people in other countries like your message, understand it, or do they just like the music and that's it?
Chris2: It is tough to say. We've been lucky enough to see most of the world. Our interactions with those people have been based on both, for our music and our shared ideals.

What caused your decision to sign onto RCA Records?
Chris2: They gave us a great deal. 2 record contract and the ability to make those records be what we wanted them to be.

Did the criticism of the fans for signing onto RCA ever bother you?
Chris2: At first it was frustrating. But at the release of the records we were able to prove that our focus hadn't shifted. We let the music speak for itself.

What caused your decision to leave RCA Records and sign onto SideOneDummy Records?
Chris2: We had finished our contractual obligation to that record company.

What's it been like working with Fat Mike and Fat Wreck Chords?
Chris2: Mike is an amazing friend. Fat Wreck was the best to us. They treat their bands equally, I think mike being in a band and seeing both sides of things allows him to make appropriate business decisions.

Has Justin Sane ever thought about bringing back his sister Lucy Fester into the band?
Chris2: Ha. I don't think so. They were just kids when she was singing for Anti-Flag. However she is awesome, and really could only make things better.

Tell us a bit about the current tour as well as the meaning behind the name of the tour.
Chris2: The current tour is Anti-Flag, Aiden, Cancer Bats, Trash Talk and Broadway Calls. I think its an eclectic bill of bands, but also a list of bands that put their music first. Honest bands, honest people. The tour is called, "the economy sucks, let's party" obviously social commentary on the economic down turn we are currently experiencing. As always Punk rock show is a great way for even an hour or so, we can put these kind of things behind us.

What's next for the band?
Chris2: Tour! U.S. Australia, South America, Europe... see ya on the road!

Anti-Flag is currently out on tour around the United States and hhave some dates coming up in Los Angeles and southern California so go get your tickets NOW for those show. Stay in touch with all the latest tour at the band's MySpace: www.myspace.com/antiflag