Project 86 frontman Andrew Schwab spoke to BREATHEcast about a variety of topics including his favorite books and music, and his honest thoughts on Christian music in general.

Opening up a deep conversation about Christian music, Schwab discussed what it was like coming up through arguably what was the golden age of Christian rock - the early 2000s.

It was during that time that bands such as P.O.D., Blindside, Pillar, and a slew of other groups were really gaining steam and traction in both Christian music and mainstream circles. Brought on in part by Christian label Tooth & Nail, Project 86 was part of the new wave on popularity in non-CCM music.

(Photo : Facebook: Andrew Schwab)

"The bands really mattered," Schwab said. "I'm Really thankful that we were sort of a part of that. Back then Christian music wasn't what it is now. It was a revolutionary thing we were apart of. Super grateful to have a voice in that movement."

Moving on from there, Schwab was asked about the authenticity of Christian music, and if he thought sometimes the music took a backseat to various things.

"A lot of the mainstream Christian music is geared toward the Christian audience and is a product instead of an honest emotional expression," the vocalist shared. "I would say that is something different than art, but that's me. I would never speak badly on anyone who is having success creating music. I think with my personal approach, I've always tried to with this band and other things I've had my hands in to be honest with the way I portray my life, my emotions, and my spiritual experience."

He said he has never tried to create something positive and happy just because it will relate more to a Christian audience. Schwab believes because musicians and artists are so desperate to sell records, that they are justified in feeling so.

"I think the ultimate virtue in music in general has remained the same and I think music itself is just music that is honest and that's the music that I listen to," said Schwab. "I relate to artists that are honest and try to portray their emotions and experiences and their worldview right or wrong from a lens that is vulnerable and candid."

He continued, "That's the most important thing about music because it relates to people on an honest level. You say things in a song and you can perform things on a stage that you can't in real life. But you're touching a nerve because that kid in the audience is saying, 'You know, I feel the same way, but I can't articulate it that way'."

(Photo : Facebook: Project 86)

Other than making music, Schwab is a man of artful taste. He is heavy into books, and even more heavy into music that fans would not expect. Schwab does not listen to a lot of rock and heavy music. He listens to a lot of female fronted music and electronic experimental music. He admitted, he likes Lana Del Ray, and a lot of stuff that is a bit more haunting and expresses emotions. Other interests include Hans Zimmer, Great Gatsby, and various film scores.

"Up and down emotional qualities to it. Anything that isn't sunny or bright I sort of gravitate toward...Anything that's weird and out of the box."

Schwab also draws a lot of influence from authors of dystopian novels, and great writers of faith. His favorite spiritual authors are C.S. Lewis and Frances Schaeffer, and his favorite fiction writer is Phillip K. Dick. He is into books that reflect on the culture and society.

Project 86's Knives to the Future was released on November 11, and cracked the top 20 on the iTunes charts. It can be purchased in three different formats on iTunes or their site http://project86.gobigwin.com/. There is the regular version, a deluxe edition, and 24 bit album that enhances the sound of the album.

Read part one of our interview with the Project 86 frontman where he speaks on the concept behind Knives to the Futurehere.