Flyleaf Guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya on the Band's Spirituality and Upcoming Album (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)

Posted on Aug 27th 2012 12:35PM by Chris Epting Comments

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Flyleaf recently released the catchy title track of their forthcoming third album, New Horizons. Formed in 2000, the Texas group's brooding brand of alt-metal has clearly connected with the world. Flyleaf's 2005 debut self-titled album has now sold 1.3 million copies and their last record, 2009's Memento Mori, debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart and has gone on to sell over 325,000 copies in the U.S. alone.

With the "New Horizons" single out on radio and iTunes now, and the album hitting stores this fall, Noisecreep caught up with Flyleaf guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya who got us up to speed with the band.

First of all Sameer, that new single – "New Horizons" – is incredibly catchy. How does it compare to the rest of the upcoming album?

Thanks you so much! We're very happy with it. The message of the first single definitely reflects where we are as individuals and a band. Musically, I think "New Horizons" is the most upbeat song on the record this record, which also is very emotional, with lots of heavy moments. "New Horizons" is definitely the poppiest, happiest sounding song on the record.

Listen to 'New Horizons'
You're a Christian band – does your faith usually find its way into the lyrics?

Absolutely -- when you're serious about your faith it reflects in all aspects of your lives. In a very large way, the messages of the songs reflect where we are as individuals and how we look at life. Faith plays a big part in our music and we all wear that proudly.

Do you find the many fans relate to the spiritual aspect of your music?

It's amazing how our music has touched people of all faiths and walks of life. We love that people grasp that message of hope and love, that inspires us right back. It's everything we prayed for and hoped for. No matter where people are in their lives, they find power in our music and it's been amazing and really rewarding as an artist. We're so fortunate to get the feedback that confirms what we are doing is right. I couldn't ask for more than just that -- the validation, and hearing that the music brings hope and helps you live life to the fullest is a beautiful thing.

What band or music influenced you growing up in Texas?

There was a local band in Texas, where we are from, called Lesermor. There was something so magical and powerful with what they did. Musically, vocally – they inspired me so much. Grown men would well up with tears. That feeling was so special. As an artist, that's what I've always strived for. I've always wanted to make people feel the way I did when I heard Lesermore. They were a Christian band as all – writing about real life struggles and real life things – they really spoke to me and reached me in a way very little music does. Thy broke up a long time ago but we're all still friends. The influenced me probably more then anything besides being a Christian and getting married.

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