My association with Stephen Christian goes back many years. As lead singer for the rock band Anberlin, a chart-topping ensemble with hit song Feel Good Drag, Christian performed throughout New Mexico, often joining me for interviews on a radio program I co-hosted.
Later, the radio station began to play an album from his other band, Anchor & Braille. The album was 2009’s Felt. It was then I took notice of Christian’s songwriting prowess. The song Like Steps in A Dance was a favorite of mine, debuting at number 30 on Billboards Top Heat Seekers chart.
Christian moved to New Mexico with his family, living in Corrales for roughly four years, becoming a staple in the community. After moving back to Florida, Christian continued his musical journey with both Anberlin and Anchor & Braille.
Recently, Christian was in town for a photo shoot for his newest Anchor & Braille album, aptly titled New Mexico. I was able to catch up with him to discuss the record.
I enjoy your new album, New Mexico. What is it about New Mexico that inspired the project?
“New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment for a reason. I’m captivated by the state. I’m a Type 3 person, always thinking three moves ahead. But in New Mexico everything slows down, including my brain. It was peace incarnate; I was present like never before.”
When you lived in New Mexico, you called Corrales home. There’s a song called Corrales on the album. What’s the song about?
“Self-reflection and honesty; it’s a very special song to me. I love Corrales. Perea’s at lunch, the community at Ex Novo, Candlestick when I first wake up, the quirkiness of the library, and the Bosque and Ditch Bank. It seems that I live more life in New Mexico. The days are longer, complaints are shorter, and the Rio Grande is there to watch it all float by. I tell my loved ones that I will die in Corrales someday; that's where I want to be buried. “
There are many other New Mexico-inspired songs from Backlands to Rattlesnakes. Though the album is not a concept album per-se, what is the common theme found on New Mexico?
“This is as close to a concept album as I have ever done. I think the themes of New Mexico are found throughout the project, things I experienced while living there. As far as genre: One will hear Mariachi, Spanish guitars, and rock tunes; it’s all present. I wanted to create a Spaghetti Western Indie Rock album, and I think we achieved that.”
What is it that you miss most about New Mexico?
“Everything. I was there recently and was ready to move back. It is wild, untamed, and free. I miss the culture, the food, and the natural artistry that seems to emanate from its people.”
New Mexico is scheduled for release in February 2025, available on all major music platforms. To learn more about Anchor & Braille, go to https://www.toothandnail.com/anchor-braille.
Brian C. Nixon, Ph.D., is Chief Academic Officer and professor at Veritas International University in Albuquerque. As a writer, musician, and artist, his interests surround the philosophical transcendentals: truth, beauty, and goodness. You can contact Brian via his Bandcamp email address: https://briancharlesnixon.bandcamp.com
