Interview: Anarbor

Hoewel de band al zo’n tien jaar bestaat, lijkt het Anarbor nog niet echt te lukken om in Europa door te breken. Sterker nog, in juni verscheen het nieuwste album Burnout, maar deze werd niet in Europa uitgebracht. Na een aantal wisselingen in de formatie is Slade Echeverria, zanger en bassist, overgebleven als enige bandlid. DutchScene stelde hem een aantal vragen over onder meer het nieuwe album en touren.

Could you tell us more about the history of Anarbor? How did you meet?
All of us grew up together during grade school. we used to always go to shows together and one day just decided to start a band. one thing led to another and we started playing shows around the valley and in Southern California and eventually changed our name to Anarbor.

Lately it seems a little unclear who’s in the band and who isn’t, since I keep reading different things. Could you confirm the current line up?
As of now I am the only original member.

You released the album “Burnout” recently. What’s the main subject of this album?
There is no real theme to the record, but if I had to make one I’d say growing up and taking on new life challenges.

Which song on it is your favorite and why?
My favorite song on the record is “Take My Pain Away”, I can relate to it a lot.

What’s the biggest difference between “Burnout” and earlier releases?
When we wrote this record it was different then [with] all the others. We wrote a large amount of songs and sort of picked the ones we liked the best and thought would represent us the best.

Pot seems to be mentioned in a lot of your songs and therefore I feel like you should just come to Amsterdam and play a show. Are there any plans concerning a European tour yet?
I would love to tour in Europe, just a matter of getting there.

Is there a reason why “Burnout” wasn’t released in Europe?
Not really sure why?

The Netherlands is not completely new to you though, since you’ve been on tour with the Dutch band Destine. I might be wrong, but I believe keyboard player Laurens has a tattoo with Greg’s name on it and the other way around. Could you tell us how you’ve experienced this tour?
YES THAT IS CORRECT! And soooooo funny. We did Beyond The Blue tour in Japan with them and it was incredible. Those guys really know how to have a good time.

What’s your favorite thing about being on the road?
Meeting the new fans and spending time with the old fans. Also, playing music. [It] cant get any better than that.

What would your life be like if you wouldn’t be in a band?
I’d probably be playing soccer, i love the game and always will.

Did you ever have any embarrassing jobs?
I worked at a call center.. Also was a referee for middle school soccer games. It sucked.

Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
Thank you for all the support and buying our music and coming to our shows. You’re the reason we are still around :)