Eric Church: A Steadfast Spirit in a World of Fleeting Trends
Eric Church isn’t chasing fleeting viral moments; he’s after something far more profound: music that truly resonates. With his latest album, "Evangeline vs. the Machine," his first since 2021, Church dives deep into the battle between artistic integrity and the soullessness of technology. The eight-song, 36-minute collection is a powerful statement from an artist dedicated to crafting meaningful experiences for his listeners.
In "Hands of Time," the album’s opener, Church, who turned 48 on May 3rd, humorously reflects on aging by name-dropping iconic songs from AC/DC, Bob Marley, Meat Loaf, and other artists who shaped his youth. It’s a nod to the enduring power of music and its ability to define generations.
The album’s title track, "Evangeline," underscores Church’s central theme: the struggle between creative expression and the stifling influence of technology. He sings, "Take me down to the water/dunk my head into the river/raise your hands, all hail rock ‘n’ roll," a declaration of faith in the raw, untamed power of music.
"The way people consume music, it puts chains on creativity," Church laments from his Nashville home. He believes the relentless presence of technology, from phones to AI, diminishes our capacity for genuine human experience. He wants to make albums that make people listen and feel something.
Church is bringing his rock-infused country sound, along with classics like "Smoke a Little Smoke," "Springsteen," and "Drink in My Hand," to arenas across the country on his "Free the Machine" tour, beginning September 12th in Pittsburgh. Elle King, Marcus King Band, and Wesley Godwin will join him as guests.
The concerts, Church reveals, will begin with a "big" production and transition to a more intimate setting featuring him and his guitar, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for fans.
In a wide-ranging interview, Church elaborates on why he creates albums for his "10-year-old self," his indifference to the "chaos" of politics, and his lack of regrets regarding last year’s polarizing Stagecoach performance.
The Enduring Power of Music
Church emphasizes the pivotal role of music in his life, stating, "One thousand percent. Music is the way I’ve dealt with anything good or bad in my life. I’m a fan first." He describes music as a "siren" that has guided him through struggles, triumphs, and moments of devastation.
He expresses concern about the lack of commitment and thoughtfulness he observes in contemporary music, contrasting it with the dedication of artists who inspired him. "You think about the way they committed themselves to their art and I see that lacking today, that care and thoughtfulness."
Church attributes this shift to the changing landscape of music production and consumption. He criticizes the trend of artists rushing to release music without careful consideration, stating, "A lot of artists nowadays, you write a song on Tuesday and put it out Friday. There’s this flooding the zone."
He remains a staunch advocate for the album format, believing it’s the "right way" to experience music. However, he acknowledges that many people now treat music as background noise, diminishing its emotional and artistic impact.
For Church, music was never just background noise. It was an immersive experience that demanded his full attention. "For me, it was something you committed yourself to and spent 45 minutes listening to that artist. You didn’t have the TV on or weren’t sitting there on your phone."
He remains committed to creating albums that resonate with his "10-year-old self," who would listen from beginning to end. He insists on having "something to say" with his music, driven by a desire to create a lasting connection with his audience.
Influences and Inspiration
The album is filled with the sounds that inspire him. The French horn that segues into "Evangeline," for example, is a clear homage to the Rolling Stones’ "You Can’t Always Get What You Want." Church laughs, "Two things I didn’t see coming on this album were the French horn and the flute! Yeah, there’s a lot of Stones and a lot of The Band, who I also love."
A significant portion of the album’s material originated from his Stagecoach performance last year, a unique show featuring him and a choir. Despite its unconventional nature, Church believes the performance served as a powerful platform for his artistic vision.
"At a festival where a lot was about 30,000 TikTokers and the whole ‘look at me’ stuff, we wanted to do something that would last for fans," he explains. The experience inspired him to incorporate orchestral elements into the album, further emphasizing its depth and complexity.
Addressing Tragedy and Taking a Stand
Church addresses sensitive topics in his music, including gun violence. "Johnny," written after the Covenant School shooting in Nashville in 2023, is a poignant reflection on the tragedy and its impact on the community.
He acknowledges that his stance may alienate some fans but remains unwavering in his commitment to addressing important issues. "I’m an artist who played the deadliest mass shooting in history in Vegas (2017’s Route 91 Harvest Festival, where 60 people were killed and more than 400 injured), and we lost a lot of fans at that. I own guns and am a Second Amendment guy, but I never really had a viewpoint one way or another until Vegas."
The Vegas shooting profoundly affected him, shaping his perspective on gun control and the importance of speaking out against violence. He still identifies as a Second Amendment supporter, but his experience has left him emotionally wounded.
He recounts the difficulty of dropping his sons off at school the day after the Covenant shooting, describing the fear and helplessness he felt. "The school they go to is a mile from Covenant and the hardest thing I’ve ever done is drop them off the day after the shooting. I remember pulling off in the parking lot after they got out and I sat there and didn’t want to leave."
The song was written after Church heard, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," a song that includes the lyric “Johnny rosin up your bow and play your fiddle hard because hell has broke loose in Georgia and the devil deals the cards. If you win, you get this shiny fiddle made of gold. If you lose, the devil gets your soul.”
Church thinks about how the devil is not just in Georgia. The devil is everywhere. He then thinks about how we need heroes. Church went home and, from there, the song wrote itself.
Church emphasizes that his motivation stems from personal experiences and a desire to connect with others who have shared similar struggles. "I’m not an overly political person. Politics, in general, bore me. It’s nonsense and chaos and makes my eyes and ears bleed, no matter what side you’re on."
Making a Difference Through Music
Church also uses his music to support communities in need. He released "Darkest Hour" after Hurricane Helene devastated his home state of North Carolina, directing all royalties from the song to relief efforts.
The experience culminated in the "Concert for Carolina," which Church describes as "the most important musical thing I’ve done as far as concerts." The concert brought together artists and 80,000 fans to raise funds and support for those affected by the hurricane.
For Church, this is what music is all about: making a tangible difference in people’s lives. It’s about using his platform to create positive change and foster a sense of community. The emotion of the night proved that the best thing about music is when the music makes a difference.
