Candlebox Singer Kevin Martin on ‘Disappearing in Airports,’ Rock + More

2016-05-09

Story by Anne Erickson

Interview: Kevin Martin chats with Audio Ink about Candlebox’s latest album

Candlebox got their start roughly 25 years ago, and they continue to carry the torch for real-deal rock ‘n’ roll with melody and bite. The band’s 1993 self-titled debut went platinum, and lead single “Far Behind” is still a staple on rock radio. Longstanding vocalist Kevin Martin and Candlebox just released their sixth studio album, “Disappearing in Airports.” The 11-song set offers glimpses of punk, melodic rock and alternative.

Martin spoke with Anne Erickson from Audio Ink about the new album, the state of rock music in 2016 and the band’s current hit, “Vexatious.”

Congratulations on the new album, “Disappearing in Airports.” How does this album differ from your past Candlebox releases? What makes it stand out to you?

I think it’s the cohesiveness of the tracks. There’s a sense of urgency to them, almost like they can’t be ignored. I don’t recall a Candlebox record that plays like this album, maybe the first record but I still feel that “Disappearing in Airports” is just more focused. We have had those songs that meandered or maybe somehow got lost somewhere in the middle, and I don’t hear that on “Disappearing in Airports” at all.

The new single “Vexatious” is doing really well on rock radio. How did that song come about?

Silly girls taking selfies, pop stars, rappers and reality TV stars and their public feuding and this incessant sense of entitlement that we all feel. It got me to thinking that we’ve become so self-absorbed and so disconnected. How did we get here? Why can’t we live in the moment without having to post about it, share it or tweet it?

Back when Candlebox was breaking out in the ‘90s, there was definitely a vibe in the rock scene, with grunge breaking out early in the decade. Do you sense any rock revolution right now? If so, what do you see as rock in 2016?

I don’t sense a rock revolution at all. It feels very stagnant to me, as though we’ve all forgotten that rock ’n’ roll is supposed to be dangerous. It’s supposed to piss you off. It’s supposed to make you cry and open your mind, and I’m just not seeing that at all right now. It’s all just me, me, me and not enough us. This year seems to be falling short, as well, but there are still quite a few bands that are releasing records this year that are sure to turn our heads. We’ll have to wait and see!


Why are you excited to take the songs from “Disappearing in Airports” on the road?

Because I love this record. I haven’t been this excited about a Candlebox record since 1993.

When you aren’t making music, what keeps you busy?

My 8-year-old son!

What’s next for Candlebox?

Hopefully Europe, Japan, Australia and South America. Fingers-crossed.

Courtesy photo via Fresno Media

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Anne Erickson
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Posted by Anne Erickson | Alternative, Features, Interviews, Music, Rock

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