Five years have passed All Star United released their latest album Revolution (2002). Many people thought they must have split up, especially when frontman Ian Eskelin released a solo album, Save the Humans, and went on to produce and write songs for other artists. But in early 2007, rumors began to spread that this Brit-pop-influenced band, which had largely been playing outside of the United States, was releasing a new album. “Last year I felt like I had 11 All Star United songs I had to record,” explains lead singer Ian Eskelin. “So I grabbed my phone and called all my pals at All Star United and next thing I knew we were in the studio doing Love and Radiation.” Eskelin pauses, then adds with characteristic wit: “The album, Love and Radiation. Not making love and radiation.”
Released in June, All Star United’s latest project has received critical acclaim and is delighting fans old and new. “We never broke up. It’s just that whenever we feel like we need to make a record, we go in and do it,” he states simply.
According to Eskelin, while the band remained inactive on the new releases front, All Star United have continued to tour for the past five years, playing mostly international venues. Playing in over 13 different countries over the last 10 years, All Star United are often asked to play just one or two shows in places like Australia, Slovakia and Scotland, and they do so, not just because they want to brand themselves international. band but because they are passionate about music. To complicate matters, the band members live all over the United States. “Our drummer is in Los Angeles, our guitar player is in Phoenix, and our bass player is in Chicago. I pick up the phone and I’m like, ‘Okay guys, October 12 in Vienna,’ I get off the plane in Vienna and there they are. It’s a weird and hilarious outing that we love,” laughs Eskelin.
Known for the energy of their live shows, in their best year, All Star United played a whopping 300 concerts. The fusion of energy and personality in their music has been a big part of All Star United’s broad appeal as a band. “We played a show years ago and our drummer got so excited that he threw his drums and launched himself onto the stage into the audience on the second song. The audience probably remembers that more than the song, that kind of funny banter and personality that shines through. through a show can sometimes outweigh the importance of the material,” says Eskelin.
But the material, both lyrically and musically superior to many of its peers, is another reason why music lovers have been awaiting the release of Love and Radiation with bated breath, wondering if All Star United would compromise its Brit-pop style. . “The idea was to go back and simplify things and get back to what we really enjoyed doing on the first album: capturing energy in the takes, not taking ourselves too seriously, having fun with the lyrics. We’re also known for some sarcastic social commentary. , and there’s a bit of that, but there’s also serious nuggets of truth.” Taking a moment to reflect, Eskelin reflects: “We are modern rock and roll social commentators.”
Perhaps the most controversial song on Love and Radiation is “Song of the Year,” a passionate commentary on the Christian music industry. “We originally wrote the song for the sole purpose of being able to put a sticker on the album cover that said, ‘All Star United presenting ‘Song of the Year,'” laughs Eskelin. The album’s first radio single, radio stations steered clear of the song’s scathing lyrics. Undeterred by the industry reaction, Eskelin says, “The song is about writing songs to glorify God and not about winning awards.”
Of course, it was Eskelin who, along with Stellar Kart’s Adam Agee, won a Dove Award in May for a song they co-wrote. When asked if he thought “Song of the Year” could be a possible 2007 Dove Award nominee, he laughed: “It’s not a possibility. But it would be pretty fun, wouldn’t it?”
Probably one of the only bands that could get away with “Song of the Year”, All Star United have been praised by fans for their lyrics. Eskelin, the band’s main lyricist, explains: “I love the idea of writing songs around metaphors you wouldn’t normally hear on Christian radio. I’m also tired of hearing God described as ‘holy, holy, worthy, worthy”. ‘, which is Him. But there are so many more colors in that palette that you can use to paint the picture of him.”
Metaphors are prevalent in Love and Radiation and, most notably, in the transparent song, “Before You Break My Heart,” a song about being beautifully broken. Lines like “I’m a big wall of fine china” and “Come on, kick my sand castle” give listeners images of powerful words to express thoughts, which is exactly the idea behind Eskelin’s metaphorical composition. Eskelin says that this song is about “the urge to let God tear us apart and put us back together.”
“Like Hallelujah” began as a love song for Eskelin’s wife, but turned out to be a song about the far-reaching aspects of love, both on a human and God level. “I like the dichotomy of songs that mean different things. The song uses biblical terms to describe love.” But Eskelin also appreciates the beauty and simplicity of the song “We Could Be Brilliant,” a song about a relationship with God.
Also known for their thumping beats, fast transitions, and melodic choruses, Love and Radiation is also about having fun, most vividly seen in the song “Let’s Rock Tonight,” a pop ballad about having fun. Songs like this, says Eskelin, have broad appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike. “It’s funny. We write these songs, we play them live, and then a year and a half later they show up at the NCAA Final Four basketball game,” Eskelin says with a smile.
Taking it easy and getting real is central to the ministry of All Star United. “Honesty is a very important factor for us. The only difference with someone who has a guitar and a microphone is that they have a guitar and a microphone and the ability of God to put words and melody together.” Eskelin and the rest of All Star United are also passionate about showing a true picture of the Christian life to others. Seeing teens and young adults walk away from the church, Eskelin urges youth leaders, “Make it a reality for people and they will come back.”
In fact, All Star United is as real as it gets: hanging out with fans at venues, sharing fries with teens at summer festivals, and flying to multiple continents to play a show. Eskelin closes the interview, and subsequently this article, by saying, “I can’t live a lie. I’ve been guilty of this in the past: people go on stage and say things they haven’t meant and maybe don’t believe is true to get a positive impression from the audience. I’d rather say something that’s really honest than say something that’s not totally true.”