Flyleaf's Sameer Bhattahcharya Talks New Music, Spirituality, and More

Christian pop rockers Flyleaf has been around for a while now but since the departure of former vocalist Lacey Sturm and getting new comer Kristen May, the band has seen it through to move forward with making music, touring, and any further plans they'd like to take and do for this band. Lead guitarist and backing vocalist Sameer Bhattacharya discussed the band's current plas.


1. Do you think talking about spirituality in music is becoming more popular and accepted in mainstream music?

Sameer: I think spirituality has always been an underlying theme in many popular songs, whether or not it was intentional.

2. Does the band ever get criticized for not being Christian enough?

Sameer: We have been criticized for both being too Christian and not being Christian enough. You can't win them all.

3. How do you respond to those people?

Sameer: We usually don't.

4. If Jesus walked the Earth today and had an iPod, what five songs would definitely be on it?

Sameer: I have no idea what Jesus would have on his iPod. I would imagine it would range from Willie Nelson to Sigur Rós.

5. What about modern music?

Sameer: I bet he'd be a Mumford & Sons fan.

6. Can you give me a brief explanation as to why Lacey Sturm left the band?

Sameer: She decided that Flyleaf wasn't something she wanted to be a part of anymore.

7. How has the new vocalist Kristen May, been adjusting to the band?

Sameer: Having Kristen in the Flyleaf family has been unimaginably incredible. I'm not sure how much adjusting was necessary for her. For us fellas, she fit in immediately.

8. How did you find her?

Sameer: We had compiled a list of singers we thought were exceptional, so we could audition them. Kristen just blew them all away with her heart, her character, and obviously her tremendous voice.

9. Do you guys have any new music in the works?

Sameer: We do. We'e been writing new songs and recording them with our long time producer Howard Benson.

10. What can the fans expect to see from you in the future?

Sameer: We will be touring throughout 2013, the US and abroad. You can expect to see a new record within the year or early 2014.

11. What do you hope for in 2013?

Sameer: Tour, write songs, record an album and tour some more.

12. Any last words you want to say to your fans?

Sameer: Thank you so much for all the love and support. We're blessed to have you a part of the Flyleaf Family. You are loved.