Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Charlie Vocals, Chris Kmit Bass, Brian Hanks Drums, Jaisen Hinds and Kevin Lemus Guitars
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to (insert band/artist name here)? How long has the band been around?
bipolar formed in 2003 in Sacramento, CA. After the economy dropped in 2008 we relocated to Las Vegas.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Initially the name was kind of a stab at a person Brian and Charlie had dealt with in a former band, but after the sound of the band developed it became a definition of that sound. It represents the duality of the hard and soft that can be found in their songs.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
We all write together very collaboratively. The music is all written and arrange by the band as a whole and Charlie focuses on the lyrics. The themes shift depending on the vibe or situation. Most the songs touch on life experiences and emotions but some come from dreams or imagination.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We all have a vast range of music that we are inspired by. As a whole I think we all draw from Mastodon, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Machine Head. For me personally (Charlie) I've recently revisited my love for Norma Jean and Every Time I Die.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I don't think I can nail it down to one band or concert, the love of music and singing I have has been within me as long as I can remember. As far as deciding what genre/style I went for it was definitely a shift from really loving punk rock in high school and the rebellious angst I could relate with to finding the same but more mature and better musically developed themes in hard rock/metal. I specifically remember getting the first System of A Down cd in high school and being super impressed with the way Serj sang and screamed. When Brian and I met he turned me on to Pantera, Slayer and more and the rest just kind of fell into place when we started playing together.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
As a band we try to practice a bit more before a show. Tighten up the songs, especially the new ones. For me personally I do yoga stretches and vocal warm ups the day of and a few days up to our shows.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
The release of our latest ep Seven and the two videos we did most recently has been the most rewarding. We had a great time making all of them and the reaction from the fans has been great.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
I'd love to be on tour with Norma Jean, Every Time I Die and Dillinger Escape Plan, It would be the most fun yet brutal tour and all of us would be wrecked. Even the fans would be destroyed after those shows.
Thanks!