In a recent interview with *Church Leaders*, John Cooper, the frontman and bassist of the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band SKILLET, opened up about the inspiration behind their newly released single, “Unpopular.” Cooper explained that the song is not overtly preachy or aimed at converting listeners but rather offers a message that can resonate with a broad audience, regardless of their beliefs.
Cooper noted that while SKILLET is well-known for their Christian faith, the message of “Unpopular” transcends religious boundaries and can connect with diverse groups, including those who follow figures like Joe Rogan, Kid Rock, and even the atheist Democrat Bill Maher. He highlighted that the song reflects a rock and roll spirit that has always had a rebellious edge, but SKILLET’s rebellion isn’t about defying God or traditional values. Instead, it’s about staying true to their beliefs and expressing them authentically through their music.
Cooper emphasized that the song embodies a sense of rebellion, not in the traditional anti-establishment sense but as a declaration of independence in thought and expression. He pointed out that this rebellious spirit aligns with rock and roll’s roots, where artists have historically pushed against the status quo. For SKILLET, “Unpopular” also touches on themes of cancel culture, expressing the challenges of speaking one’s mind in today’s polarized environment, where doing so can lead to losing friends or facing backlash.
The song is a reflection of Cooper’s commitment to creating music that is true to his beliefs, while also being relatable to a wide audience who may feel similarly about the pressures of conforming to societal expectations.
