Being one of the most Christianised cultures in the world, it’s no surprise when Skillet frontman John Cooper reveals Christian rock is largely an American phenomenon. More about spirituality rather than religion, this Memphis four-piece are changing some misinformed perceptions.
Being one of the most Christianised cultures in the world, it’s no surprise when Skillet frontman John Cooper reveals Christian rock is largely an American phenomenon. More about spirituality rather than religion, this Memphis four-piece are changing some misinformed perceptions.
“The Christian rock scene is largely based in America,” states Cooper. “There are a lot of church-going people here and yet Christian music has always been looked down upon in terms of the music industry.
“It’s weird because the Christian music industry is big here,” he adds. “It’s considered a little like being a B-level act, or like being a director for theatre rather than motion picture. It’s like ‘diet soda’ instead of soda. I’ve never been embarrassed of being a Christian hard rock band. It’s just a name, really, and I think the stigma comes from the fact that people think they’re gonna be preached to about Jesus. Well, I love Rage Against The Machine and all they did was preach about government! I don’t care for politics but I like their music, you know?”
It’s been a massive hill to climb, as Cooper adds, but thanks to the success of bands like Switchfoot and P.O.D., the last decade has seen a significant shift in the way people view Christian rock and metal. In 2009, Skillet’s seventh album Awake proved it after it went gold and reached number two on the Billboard Top 200.
“It’s absolutely been a big record for us,” confirms Cooper. “It’s big-sounding, it went gold here in the ‘States, but it’s also been a big radio record. I have no idea what happened, it’s a mystery to me. We got to the end of that year and out of nowhere Skillet is the number eight most played band on hard rock radio and we’re climbing up the Billboard charts – and the year before that it was nothing.”
Maybe it was the big man upstairs, or maybe it was just sheer talent. According to Cooper, it’s most likely the simple formula of hard work and undying passion. At the same time, it’s just as likely the much-needed message Cooper delivers on Awake – something he is especially keen to bring to Australia given our recent unfortunate events.
“I’m really big on lyrics and stories and rock ’n’ roll has always been so influential in my life through the hard times. I feel like it’s my responsibility to say something meaningful. The overall themes on Awake are the fact that we may be living in this dark world full of violence, whether man-made or by nature, and despite how hard life gets, we still find hope in life and a reason to keep living.
“We’ve seen how hard it is for you guys right now with the crazy floods in Australia. All these things are happening over there but all we see is how hopeful everybody is. The album is also about staying awake and not going through life as though you’re asleep. You’ve only got a small amount of time to be on this earth, make the most of it.”
SKILLET will be bringing their impressive riffage to The Hi-Fi this Saturday January 22. Tickets from thehifi.com.au or 1300 762 545. Their latest album Awake is out now through Warner.
