Alex R. Interview: The Gaslight Anthem – Exemplary Penmanship

The Gaslight Anthem are far from the new band on the block – their 2008 record The ’59 Sound was one of the most heavily praised rock records in recent memory. But it was their fourth album, last year’s Handwritten, that saw the Jersey boys reach further abroad than ever before.

Being their major label debut, The Gaslight Anthem used Handwritten as both an introduction to new listeners and a platform for existing fans to witness their evolution. The success of Handwritten has seemingly placed the world at the quartet’s feet, with the biggest challenge being to choose where next they’ll conquer.

Soon enough the American rock outfit will return to Australia for a national tour to help expand their ever-increasing fan base. Picking up the phone ahead of the tour was The Gaslight Anthem’s lead guitarist Alex Rosamilia and we talked fandom, solos and short films.

Music Feeds: The Gaslight Anthem has been touring behind Handwritten for some time now. Has the success of the record helped the band become more comfortable playing before larger crowds?

Alex Rosamilia: No, playing in front of a crowd is old hat at this point, not to sound pretentious. Playing live is kind of what we based our whole ethos as a band on. We started the band to be a touring band … the crowds have gotten bigger and you definitely have to play a different show but the idea is [the same].

And that’s not saying I don’t get nervous – I get nervous as shit… (laughs) But we’re used to playing in front of people at this point. For someone who used to be deathly afraid of performing in front of people, I’ve never gotten more comfortable [but] I guess it’s become second nature. That’s not saying I don’t get nervous but I’ve learnt how to hone my chi, as it were (laughs).

MF: In a previous interview you’ve said you find it insulting when musicians are put on a pedestal. With Handwritten bringing The Gaslight Anthem increased stardom, how do you combat that?

http://musicfeeds.com.au/features/the-gaslight-anthem-exemplary-penmanship/

alex r is such a nice and down-to-earth guy, even i think he's too self-critical with his solos - they are great!! haha

thank you for the article

best interview in a while, thanks bobby

I like when Alex R. does interviews. It's always nice to hear from him.