Finger Eleven released their new studio album, Last Night on Earth, on Nov. 7. They are now embarking on a tour across the country with Headstones and The Tea Party, including a stop in Winnipeg at the Canada Life Centre on Dec. 1.
Scott Anderson, Finger Eleven frontman, said he will miss his son while on tour. “My little five-year-old thinks the new album is great […] That’s the best review I’m going to get.”
The tour’s setlist includes new songs and older compositions. They touch on themes of connection and uncertainty, like in “Lock Me Up,” which Anderson described as “a song about not wanting to be forgotten.”
“It could be misconstrued as a romantic idea, but really it’s […] a plea to have us stay with you [musically],” he elaborated.
Steve Molella, Finger Eleven’s current producer and drummer since 2014, originally joined the band as a fan.
“[Molella]’s the hardest working, best looking member of the band, which is annoying, but he’s great,” Anderson complimented.
Finger Eleven is prioritizing playing songs that audiences will be excited to hear.
“You’re going to see a band that is still invigorated by playing live,” Anderson promised.
One of Finger Eleven’s most well-known singles is “One Thing,” released in 2003. Anderson is proud of its wide-reaching resonance.
“I have so many people come up to me and tell me how much that song means to them […] Maybe it hit them at [an emotional] time in their lives,” he commented. “I’m so honoured by that.”
Their most successful single to date is “Paralyzer,” released in 2007.
Anderson and guitarist James Black’s first rehearsals were during their middle-school lunch breaks. Anderson started out on drums but switched to vocals when a more skilled drummer joined them in high school. They played covers at their school’s assemblies under the name Rainbow Butt Monkeys until they won a radio contest for a record contract. The label cut ties with the band a week after releasing their debut album.
Contrary to popular belief, it was the band’s own decision to change their name to Finger Eleven as a sign of their changing sound.
“It is such a wild idea to still be able to say we’re a band […] My last real job was working as a gas station attendant,” Anderson recalled.
Visit fingereleven.com for tickets and more information.
