Anti-Flag: War sucks, let'sparty!

Tue 22nd Jan, 2008 in Features

Anti-Flag return to Australia for the third time in four years, having secured a coveted slot in the 2008 Big Day Out line up. I caught up with Justin Sane, frontman of Pittsburgh-based Anti-Flag to talk (amongst other things) the Big Day Out, the art of being cool off the job and why the word mature is really, quite a misleading term

Anti-Flag have just capped off a massive 2007 which was divided between touring as well as writing the new album Bright Lights of America. (due for an Australian release March 31st, 2008, unnamed at the time of the interview) “The original release date was meant to coincide with the end of the Australian tour, but that has been pushed back to late March/early April” Sane informs me. “It would have been nice to have the original date, but you know how things work.” Or don’t work.

Album release dates aside, the band are looking forward to their upcoming venture down-under, as part of the 2008 Big Day Out. “It’s our third visit to Australia in four years – Australian crowds are tremendous. We’ve always wanted to be a part of the Big Day Out – it’s like the pinnacle feature for us as a band, especially in Australia, where we have always been well received and made to feel welcome.” Anti-Flag aren’t the only people excited about the Big Day Out though, which comprises of one of more formidable line ups in the past few years. “It makes me feel so much better to be considered a part of a great line up – but you’ve pretty much got it all. Rage Against the Machine and Billy Bragg, who were great influences on our music amongst others” Sane enthuses.

Anti-Flag have big plans for their tour here. Side shows have been announced in addition to a support slot with Rage Against the Machine in Sydney and Melbourne, alongside Big Day Out commitments. “We’ve got so much material to choose from, but we’ve got two set lists organized – the sideshow will focus more on the new album, whereas the festival set will be our classics and conventional songs that fans can rock out to and sing along. There’s nothing I hate more then going to a festival and seeing my favourite band, but not knowing the words because the material is unfamiliar.”

The prospect of a new Anti-Flag album is exciting for the fans and myself included, which was probably detected by Sane. “The new album is going to be more diverse than our previous works. We’ve tried things we haven’t done before, like using orchestral instruments. We tried to produce the sounds all by ourselves, with the idea that everyone would be able to do so.” Orchestral instruments, I mused. Sounds both interesting and terrifying at the same time. Sane laughingly agrees. “Have you ever heard a cello fall down two flights of stairs? That’s what I sounded like, so for the good of the album, we decided not in clue my little contribution. Instead, we have little kids singing. It personalizes the album, not only for us, but for them” Just the album to play at my younger cousin’s upcoming fourth birthday party? Is Anti-Flag tapping into all ages? “I’d be very impressed if your cousin was a fan at such an age, but in all honesty, our music is all about trying to get our voices heard and our message through. The upcoming album is really an introspective look at ourselves, less politically dogmatic compared to the past, and focuses more on questioning underlying social political protocol.”

Then came the moment for the question: the direction of the new album – do you and the boys see it as a sign of maturity? Silence ensues till Sane slowly responds “I find it weird you would use the word mature. It’s such a loaded term. I’m far from mature. I think I hit sixteen and stayed there! However, from a musical perspective, there is always room for development and innovation. An important aspect of being an artist is to evolve with the times, and embrace the changes it brings through. With the new album, there was a desire for us to change, but it didn’t mean we needed to alter the sound completely. We wanted to continue to create music that was true to the band, but we also wanted to allow out creativity to run free and diversity to come through as well. I don’t know if you would classify that as maturity.” In my defense, the term was used because it’s practically tradition to drop it at least once in any interview, much to the delight of Sane. “That’s quite funny.”

It’s always nice to know that even one of the more politically loaded bands has a softer, humorous side and isn’t afraid to show it. The fact that they still get starstruck is even better, as it makes us small potatoes feel so much more at home.

Despite being friends with Tom Morello and the members or Rage Against the Machine, is it still exciting to be sharing a stage with them both at Big Day Out and at their sideshow? “It’s a tremendous honour and our pleasure to be a part of their Melbourne and Sydney shows you know. RATM were missed when they split up, and their reformation at this time and place is something like a dream come true. I though my heart had been ripped out when they split.”

Melbourne alone has Anti-Flag for three performances three days straight, not including promotional appearances, which would leave little time for the boys to see the sights. “On our past visits we never actually had any time to go see the sights, so this time, we intend on visiting the Croc Hunter [Steve Irwin’s] Zoo, and go to Sea World!” The funny thing about all this was that Sane was completely serious. Even when I mentioned that koalas may look cute, but are in fact smelly and heavy. “I’ve heard about that. But I still want to go. I know it sounds so – œtypical American Tourist’ but… am I being uncool?”

Probably, but I’m not once to tell him that to his face… or to the phone. “I also want to go surfing. At Bondi Beach in Sydney. That’s cooler than animals, right?”

Most definitely. Luckily for Sane, his parting words for Anti-Flag’s Australian fans put him right back into the land of cool, and me back into my dilemma of what I can/can’t publish… “Look the fuck out, Australia, because here we come… and we’re very excited to see you again!” I’d be happy with – œWar Sucks, Let’s Party!’

Melbourne fans can meet and greet Anti-Flag at Rare Records Tuesday, 29th January at 5pm to preview the new album Bright Lights of America. Entry is a can of tinned food, with entry proceeds going to the Wesley Mission Melbourne.
Info: http://www.rarerecords.com.au/home/

Big Day Out:
Auckland, New Zealand
FRI 18 JANUARY
Gold Coast, Australia
SUN 20 JANUARY, Parklands
Sydney, Australia
FRI 25 JANUARY, Sydney Showgrounds
Melbourne, Australia
MON 28 JANUARY, Flemington Racecourse
Adelaide, Australia
FRI 01 FEBRUARY, Adelaide Showground
Perth, Australia
SUN 03 FEBRUARY, Claremont Showground

Anti-Flag with The Currency
Sydney
SAT 26 JANUARY, Gaelic Club 18+
Melbourne
TUE 29 JANUARY, Hi Fi Bar, 18+

Rage Against the Machine with Anti-Flag
Sydney
TUE 22 JANUARY, Entertainment Centre, All ages
Melbourne
WED 30 JANUARY, Festival Hall, All Ages