Anthony Green is a man who is lucky enough to have three families in his life, each bringing him avenues of creativity and a wholly supportive community that surrounds it. There’s Circa Survive, the atmospheric post-hardcore outfit now in its 11th year together, formed in the wake of Green’s departure from previous band Saosin.
Last year saw the release of Circa Survive’s fifth LP, Descensus, itself a product of the third time the band has completed a two-year cycle, beginning with 2010’s Blue Sky Noise: record, release, tour, rinse and repeat. While a new Circa album may seem to appear like clockwork, Green explains that the cycle comes from a constant craving for new ideas between the five members of the band.
“We’re the kind of people that are always creative and always writing or recording something,” he explains. “Even if it’s not for Circa, we’re always writing and making music. When we get back together to write a record, there’s always something there – the process doesn’t really stop for us. It’s really important for us to keep both going at the same time – to have things away from the band that interest us musically, focusing on different projects. As long as that creative muscle is working, we’re out finding new influences and new ideas – and that all comes back to the music itself. It might seem as though we’re on a factory line, but we’re just always making music. It actually makes it easier.”
One of those separate projects for Green in recent times, ironically enough, is the very band the singer removed himself from originally – the aforementioned Saosin. It was announced in 2014 that the Californians would reunite with their estranged former vocalist for a run of shows to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Green’s sole release with them, the Translating The Name EP. This particular family reunion has proven to be far more fruitful than anyone concerned could have ever anticipated.
“Originally it was just going to be a one-off,” says Green. “Then, we had so much fun with the shows and revisiting that time in our lives, we decided to start writing music again. We’ve been working on a record that is going to come out next year, and we’ll probably tour it in Circa’s downtime. It’s great to have this in the back pocket – it’s something that we’re all having so much fun with. We’ve all grown a lot in the last ten years, and the record we’ve been working on is so great. I can’t wait for people to hear it.”
As for how his Circa peers have reacted to the reformation, Green assures us that they have collectively approved. “I think they were a little wary at first,” he adds. “I think they were unsure of my intentions. Ultimately, though, I think they’ve seen the world of good that it’s done me and the rest of the guys in the band. It’s really helped me to make peace with who I was at that point in my life, and be able to reconcile it with who I am now.”
Circa Survive will return to Australia this month for a run of headlining dates with Pvris, for which Green is considerably excited (“It’s always a kick down there, man,” he enthuses. “I am a huge Pvris fan – I can’t believe our luck that we get to watch them play every night”). Once touring in support of Descensus concludes, there will be a shift to focus on Saosin. When queried on a potential Australian debut for the Green-led lineup of the band, he replies with a laugh and a reminder to “never say never”. For the time being, however, Green is spending time with his literal family – his wife, Meredith, as well as his three young sons, James, Luke and William. Green has found a notable following through social media for videos and photographs of the Green children out and about, using the hashtag #littlegods to document nearly every step of the way in their young lives. It’s even moved into a clothing line – all of which was completely unexpected by the man himself.
“When my wife and I got Instagram, I think our first son was really little,” Green says. “We just got it as a way to send pictures to each other – it wasn’t something we were expecting. It just happened! We never really intended to have a following or anything like that. I don’t even think of it like that – it’s just a great way to show people what you’re involved in, whether that’s music, family, design, fashion, whatever it may be. It’s a fun thing for us, and the fact that so many people have gotten involved with it honestly makes us enjoy it all so much more.
“I know a lot of very private people, but I honestly don’t feel like we give all that much away with these photos. It’s another way to share and express joy – the same way that music does.” Plus, it couldn’t hurt to throw in some Circa Survive plugs along with the cute photos, right? “That’s what it’s really all about,” teases Green with a laugh. “I mean, the kids are cool and all, but it’s just a marketing ploy to get other parents into checking out my band.”
Playing Metro Theatre on Saturday September 19, withPvris,Circa Survive’sDescensus is out now through Ada/Warner.
