RED – Pushing Through

To hear Armstrong discuss the potential end of RED seems far-fetched, to put it mildly, given their global fan base and sustained success. They’ve not only outlived the life cycle of most bands, but they continue to sit atop charts in both the Christian and general market. Yet RED’s members are instead reflecting deeply as they ask challenging questions of their purpose and calling.

“It was weird to think about this coming to an end—about our mortality as a band and our legacy,” says Armstrong. “Did we accomplish what we set out to do when we started this band? Did we change people’s lives with our music? Did we help them think about their faith and mortality? That’s a deep subject for a rock band, but music moves people like nothing else. It’s a great platform for us to get those feelings and questions out there.”

Given the electronic experimentation on Gone, the band’s platform should continue to grow as they expand their influences and interests. Anthony says the band has been listening to a lot of electronic/dance music on the road and the influence made its way from the tour bus and into the studio.

Michael Barnes performing live with RED in 2017 (photo: Annette Holloway)

“We’re all listening to something different,” says Armstrong. “You’d be surprised what we pulled inspiration from. We’re really into a lot of the EDM stuff and we like a lot of those artists. So many of those artists are doing such a great job. Part of being a musician is taking pride and enjoying other people’s work.”

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