The Gaslight Anthem candidly discuss opening for Springsteen, the year 1959, and growing up

The Gaslight Anthem aren't afraid to wear their hearts--and their influences--on their sleeves. Playing the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for the first time, however, may have been a bit daunting for the Jersey-based trio of Springsteen-obsessed punk rockers. We spoke with bassist Alex Levine in a candid, exclusive interview about the constant doors that seem to open for The Gaslight Anthem. The band hoped their mature message, their infectious energy, and their passion for playing real, genuine, and emotional music would win the desert crowd over.

Buzznet: So I actually wanted to know how you guys got the gig on that festival where you're opening for Springsteen.

Alex: Yeah, I think actually...he actually got in touch with our management and asked us to do it, which is a trip, in of itself. We obviously were very excited.

Buzznet: Yeah, I can't imagine turning that down. How'd you guys get Chris Wollard to sing on The '59 Sound?

Alex: Chris was actually recording...I think it was in San Francisco? Don't quote me on that. Anyway, we'd just finished touring with Hot Water Music six months prior to that and became friends. It was a perfect opportunity, really. We gave him a call and he was like, "Yeah, I'll come down to LA." His girlfriend lives down here, so he just came down, hung out, and sang some back ups.

Buzznet: That's awesome.

Alex: Yeah, he's one of our heroes. It was pretty wild, man!

Buzznet: So why did you guys pick the year 1959 for The '59 Sound?

Alex: That was the year soul music really hit. Otis Redding had his first hit that year. Everyone thought it would be...I don't know, different, you know? Also, I used to play a 1959 Fender Bassman, so I'm into the whole style as well.

Buzznet: Well, one of the things you did different this time around was have a producer on your record. Was that a weird experience?

Alex: I wouldn't say weird. Different, for sure. It turned out to be an amazing experience. At first, going into it, we were all a little scared. It was our first time that most of us were working with a real producer, not just somebody throwing out ideas. Two weeks pre-production, the full thing. It turned out to be awesome. I think we're going to use him again.

Buzznet: I think music is affected a lot by geography, so how has living in New Jersey affected the sound of your music and the lyrical content of it?

Alex: A lot, for sure. I guess there's a certain attitude that comes with the east Coast, especially the Tri-State area, New York, New Jersey, that you won't get anywhere else. Maybe some places, but you won't get that Jersey/New York mentality out of most things. That's just the way it is.

Buzznet: I mean, if you think about bands that come out of Jersey, like Thursday, it's very specific. Their sound, the things they sing about...

Alex: Bouncing Souls, bands like Lifetime, bands like Saves the Day, and back to Bruce Springsteen. And then you go to Bon Jovi and Skid Row! Everything's got a vibe to it. Everyone's proud of it, I guess.

Buzznet: When I listen to The '59 Sound, I think a lot of it I can relate to because -- and I've read interviews where you guys talk about this transition, where a lot of your friends are growing up and whatnot -- it's the same way with me. My friends are just starting to get married and are having kids. I turned 25 last year and it's all starting.

Alex: Yeah, you're like, "It's beginning!"

Buzznet: So how has being in this band and this sudden popularity of your band affected the way you guys are growing into adulthood?

Alex: Yeah, you know, I guess so. Because recently, things have definitely changed for us. I'm not going to lie. Things are pretty crazy for us. We've been on the road...well, basically since the record came out.

Buzznet: And now you're playing Coachella!

Alex: I know, we're at Coachella! And now we're opening for Bruce Springsteen. I personally can't really say exactly any examples.If you asked me a year from now, I'd have the time to sit down and think more about what's really happened to me. I'm sure this is definitely taking a toll on our characters. Obviously, I think it's in a good way. But we're still the same dudes!

Buzznet: You know, this whole festival is very...well, I was surprised to see you guys on it.

Alex: I was too, man! I thought we were going to be in one of those little tents, too.

Buzznet: Coachella tends to sort of stray from anything that's really aggressive. I mean, there are not very many punk rock bands or anything. So you'll be playing for people who have no clue who you are or have heard you at all. What do you hope people pick up from you while watching your set today?

Alex: Just the energy and the love that we have for performing live. I think anybody can attest to that. I mean, I've never been to this festival, so I don't really know the bands, except the headlining bands that I've seen. I don't really know what kind of vibe this place really is. We're just going to do our thing and hope people come away happy from it. It's gonna be hot! It's gonna be three o'clock. Hopefully, people show up and they're not dead  by then.