Forefront Conversations with Chris Dudley

It's one thing to be a Christian in a public space, but it's quite another thing to bear the mantle of being a "Christian band" when you're in your early 20s and playing music for millions of people around the world. Chris Dudley is a devout Christian and his band, Underoath, started out with the label of being a "Christian band" releasing their two most popular albums under the Tooth & Nail record label. But what does it mean to be a "Christian band?" What are the expectations thrust upon you? How do you answer questions that you're not equipped to answer as an inexperienced youth? How does the label shift and change as individual philosophies change and priorities shift? Chris talks through his experiences answering all these questions through Underoath's rise in popularity to their breakup to their reunion and redefining themselves as a group that has moved away from, as they say in their own words, "the realm of seemingly impenetrable polemics." ABOUT CHRIS Chris has played keyboards and synthesizers for Underoath since 2000 and has recorded and performed 8 albums (and counting!). In addition to his work with the band, he also composes scores for short form and feature length films, with God's Waiting Room having premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. He lives with his wife and kids, loves horror films, and is one of the friendliest and most approachable people you'll ever meet. Follow him on both Twitter and Instagram @ChrisUnderoath Keep up with Underoath developments at underoath777.com