Interview with Steve Hetherington (drummer for Anchor)

by Gabe straight edge



GX: Hey Steve. Your not the original drummer for Anchor, when and how did you happen to join the band, and what was the line-up like before you came along?

SH: The story goes like this: I used to be in a band called Fire at Zero Gravity, our guitarist Wiz, was planning on going to Cleveland to get a job In the spring so we kind of knew it would end at some point. At the same time, I was praying about trying to find a Christian band, because I felt God wanted me to do something different with my musical talents probably to serve Him. So, at a local show, about a month later, our current singer Dan Quiggle, asked me if I wanted to do an old school/punk hardcore band. I was kind of in to it, then he told me it was Christian. I just responded and said "yes" because I thought it was what God had in mind for me. Before I came along, Adam Salaga played drums on the Shipwrecked Life EP, Danny Q. sang, Neil Hartman played guitar. Oh, and Adam also played bass on the recording, and Sean Sundy has been faithfully playing for us since the EP came out just to help us out, or until we find a permanent person.
GX: Have you been in any bands before Anchor?

SH: I've been in plenty of bands before Anchor, none of which have been Christian until now. The reason for this is that I just wanted to dedicate my life to God because I knew He was the one who gave me my talents and I should do it for this purpose. Some of the other bands I have played in include: Fire at Zero Gravity(drums/guitar parts)Erie/Edinboro, Digression(guitar)Erie/Harborcreek, Disgruntled Postmen(drums)Erie, Makeshift(drums for a while)Erie/Millcreek, for a couple of days. I play drums at my church also on Sterettania Dr. (Erie Christian Fellowship Church)

GX: What has your time with Anchor been like?

SH: My time with Anchor has been awesome so far! I love all of these [guys] to death and it has been a really cool experience playing out some shows here and there and practicing at least once a week.(not always)Our after practice dinner ritual is also pretty cool, just going out to eat with a ton of our friends and having fun, goofing off.

GX: At shows, even though your the drummer, I always see you singing along. Did you have a hand in writing any lyrics or do you just like to sing along?

SH: Well, its pretty cool that you even notice my singing. To answer your question, I do not write any of the lyrics, Danny Quiggle writes I think pretty much everything. I do however enjoy singing along, because I think our band can collectively agrees with what he writes.(God, Personal issues, Friendships, Christian themes)

GX: It is fairly well known that Anchor is a ministry band, what other ministries are you involved with?

SH: I guess you could call us that, we just want God to be glorified through our music and possibly lead others to Him, and have fun of course. I know that the other guys do other bands such as Disciple A.D. and Dodgin' Bullets and I think they definitely consider that a ministry, they want to reach people just like us. I do other kinds through my church on Tuesday nights with the youth, I play bass guitar, and drums on Sunday morning at my church. I also work at the Gertrude A. Barber Center with adults with physical and mental disabilities such as Mental Retardation and cerebral palsy. It's cool work and I think it is a real service to some people who need help.

GX: What do you have to say about the Christian influence in the hardcore and punk scene?

SH: I definitely think it is growing, many of the bands on Facedown Records that we have played with are super cool, even if I haven't played every show with Anchor, especially out in California. They got off of break before we did at Edinboro and the plane ticket couldn't be reimbursed the second time they went out, due to budgeting. I think our local scene has lost a little momentum, but I know Disciple A.D. is still keeping it real. I definitely see growth though, and I know God wants to work in this particular scene even nationally, through bands like POD and magazines like HM which is slowly becoming popularized.

GX: How long have you been involved in the hardcore and punk scene, and what has your experience with it been?

SH: I first started going to shows when I was about 14 years of age, around 1994, at the Boys and Girls Club in Downtown Erie. I think I kinda felt out of place with all the skinheads, Hare Krisnas, and other diverse people this scene brought, but at the same time I thought it was very interesting seeing so many different people together in one room all with the same interest, music. This was Despair's first show in Erie and a couple of other bands such as Brother's Keeper played. It was a pretty eye opening experience to see so many kids that devoted to local music.(Finger pointing, jumping on the singer/shouting along) Hardcore has its ups and downs with different people in and out, but its always changing and it will probably always be here no matter how big or small.

GX: In my interviews I like to ask friends to give me a question to ask, so here's one for you:

Emily asks: You seem like a happy guy. What makes you such a happy guy?

SH: I just think its my attitude in general, I think that you gotta take life as it comes at you, step by step. If you get to emotionally worked up/charged over everything you're going to have way too many ups and downs. I think God has given me a lot of peace about things too, and also my family and friends for being supportive with everything I do.

Emily also asks: What is your favorite color?

SH: Hmm, I would have to say, Navy blue, probably because it looks the best on me in family portraits and school pictures.(not to be conceded.)

GX: I heard that Anchor is going to be putting out a new album soon. Any idea on when that will be?

SH: Well we recorded the thing about three and half months ago at Watchmen Studios.(late December)It is supposed to come out on Triple Crown Records hopefully. We will probably be doing a split cd with this band called Breakdance Vietnam or maybe someone else we aren't exactly sure yet, we are just waiting.

GX: Well, I don't want to take up too much of your time, so I'll leave it at that. It's been nice meeting you, thanks for your time. Any last thoughts or comments?

SH: No, not really, just a shout out to everyone who has supported us this far and to God for giving us our talents. Thanks to the interviewer(Gabe)for his time!