It's All Downhill From Here: On The Road With Project 86

by Andrew Schwab

Andrew Schwab, lead singer of rock group Project 86, chronicles the highs and lows of life on the road as a Christian band. The spiritual, economic and personal battles highlighted are at times tragic, inspiring or just plain funny. He illuminates many of the issues surrounding bands in the Christian music industry today and pulls no punches when sharing real stories about interacting with celebrities, fans and music industry figures. It’s All Downhill From Here leaves the reader with a greater understanding of the role of believers in the arts and pop culture and redefines many of the stereotypes surrounding the idea of "Christian music."

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

199 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2004

About the author

Andrew "Macabre" Schwab is an American singer, songwriter, author, and journalist. He is the lead singer and lyricist for the rock group Project 86. With Project 86, he has released seven albums and 2 EPs to date. Through Relevant publishing he has released one autobiography "It's All Downhill From Here: On the Road with Project 86" chronicling his life on the road with the band. He has also released two compilations of his own poetry, humorous stories, rants, and insights on life ("We Caught You Plotting Murder" and "Do Not Disturb") and is debuting a new book called "Fame Is Infamy" in November 2009. Schwab maintains a featured blog column at Relevant.com and also currently writes for HM, Relevant, and AP magazines. Schwab is often scheduled to speak at special events, music festivals, etc.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schwab tells a lot of memorable band stories and truly lays out his heart and his thoughts. The book is a window into the life of a lead singer and authentic artist wrestling with interpersonal conflicts inside and outside the band and with the meaning of what he does.

[Justin Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Andrews stories about being on the road made me long to be in a touring band. I read this book in my early 20's and it has stuck with me as one I very much enjoyed. I laughed and also shared his pain as he recounted his stories. 10/10 would read again.

[Josh Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been listening to Project 86 since their first or second record and finally made it to see them live in 2004 (I think it was) At that show as I was purchasing a T-Shirt I think I met Andrew Schwab as he was promoting his new book. Finally over 10 years later I got around to reading the book. Initially I expected it to be something more philosophical, but as I read it, I discovered it to be more of memoir of touring with P86. Andrew's stories had me literally laughing out loud! I thoroughly enjoyed this inside look at band life. I felt a kinship with Andrew as he described his frustrations with band mates and dating situations.

The real kicker that pushed this book from a fun 3 star read to a 4 out of 5 star rating was the last chapter titled "Why I Do What I Do". He tells the ironic story of being judged by Christians before a show and then after the show helping a kid addicted to heroin find the hope to keep him hanging on to life. Its a moment that suddenly validates Project 86's reason for being and inspires me to chase my dreams and use my talents to point people to Jesus!

[Andrew Neveils · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, as an English major, this book was terribly edited and had poor grammar. Other than finding multiple mistakes throughout, I STILL ENJOYED THE BOOK.

It is funny, serious, and a great insight into this character known as Schwab (Andrew, the lead singer for P86). This side of him was great to discover and it brought a new appreciation for both him and the band. I love the stories.

The first chapter is about a dream and is rather weird. Don't let it turn you off as the rest that follows is awesome! I loved the last chapter! It really *hit* me and made me want to find something that could inspire others...

Read it and enjoy it for what it is. It won't really change your life, but it might just spark some hope and passion for you...

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i myself a a huge project 86 fan and, from the lyrics of their songs, knew andrew schwab had a talent for words. i didn't know how talented he is until i read this book. i want to collect more of them, but they aren't easy to find. i could not put it down. the way he descirbes things and the thought that goes into everything. even if you're not a fan of the music, i would suggest this to you. it follows his own personal struggles and that of the band as a whole. he has a talent for telling funny stories in such a way that you feel like you're a part of it.

[Jared · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out slow. Didn't like the writing at first but the stories got better in the second half of the book. Especially when the author begins to hint at his own past which I would have been more interested in hearing more about. But he is honest and had some definite opinions that he acknowledges aren't shared by his band mates, fans and others in the industry. Entertaining overall. He made an attempt at a moral at the end that was okay but not earth shattering.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not really a big Project 86 fan, but I gave it a shot - and could not put it down. I loved Schwab's thought process and recollection of events...very intriguing! It's funny, it's bitter, and it's worth your time.

[Davy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite books. From start to finish its entertaining. It campitvating, funny, and insightful of the chirstian rock world from the perspective of the front man of one of the greatest christian metal bands in the world.

[Nicholas Maurer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really easy read. I burned through the book in 3 days (which I never do). There were a lot of great stories about the band touring and what they went through on the road. Even if you don't know who Project 86 is, you'll enjoy this book.

[Smitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greta view of what life is like behind the scenes for a rock band that isn't full of the typical doucehbags. Also, a very open and honest approach to the mind of Andrew Schwab.

[Nathan Boleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal book. Outstanding! If you care to read an awesome book given an inside look into the life of the band, Project 86, pick this book up!!

[John Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest Christian band of all time. And this is a hilarious and at times very powerful and inspiring true story of their genesis.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. Funny, witty, and encouraging encounters of band life on the road. I read this, gave it to David Cook at a show, and bought another for myself.