Matty Mullins joins Paul Cashmere on Noise11 to discuss Currency, the first full-length Anberlin album featuring Mullins as the band’s lead vocalist, and how an opportunity to keep the band touring developed into a new musical chapter.
In this interview, Matty explains how he joined Anberlin after original vocalist Stephen Christian was unable to commit to future touring plans. What began as a live role gradually expanded through new recordings, a re-recording of Never Take Friendship Personal for its 20th anniversary and, ultimately, the creation of Currency.
Matty discusses the personal experiences behind the album, which explores identity, heartbreak, loss, addiction, shame and the lies people tell themselves. He explains why music can help listeners feel less alone and how Anberlin’s approach differs from his work with Memphis May Fire, even when both bands tackle similar emotional subjects.
The conversation also explores the fascinating history behind Currency. Anberlin drew on previously unused instrumental ideas from the Never Take Friendship Personal, Cities and Vital eras, giving Matty the opportunity to develop songs from material written long before he joined the band.
Matty reveals how Switchfoot became part of Trenches, why the collaboration was a natural fit for a song about helping others through pain, and the technical challenges of bringing both bands together on stage. He also explains the thinking behind the contrasting singles Never After, Gravity and Trenches.
The interview tackles the comparisons that inevitably follow a lead singer change, with Matty explaining his relationship with Stephen Christian and why he sees himself as someone helping preserve Anberlin’s legacy while building its future.
Plus, Matty discusses Anberlin’s setlists, the songs fans remain most attached to, his continuing commitment to Memphis May Fire and the realities of maintaining two international touring schedules.
Watch the full Noise11 interview with Matty Mullins for an inside look at Anberlin, Currency and the next stage of the band’s career.
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