For starters, what bands if any were you guys a part of prior to forming Breaking Point?
Dennis and Nick were in a hard rock band called Side Effect prior to Breaking Point. For John and James this is their first band.
How long has Breaking Point been around?
Breaking Point formed in 2013 and began writing in a few different styles to see what worked and what each band member liked. Once we found a sound we liked which merged metalcore with clean singing, we started writing songs in that style. We played our first show in October 2014, so I think for two years of playing live we have achieved quite a lot at the moment as most bands don't really tour interstate very early in their career when they are independent.
What’s the origin of that name and did you have any other names previously?
Well we got the name from a Bullet for my Valentine song. It was the best name to fit the style of the band out of a list of 50 or so we had come up with at the time.
Who writes your songs? Do you find there's a reoccurring theme throughout the new material?
John writes the bulk of most songs on guitar first, then as a band we listen to it and collaborate on the song to see what needs changing or adapting based on the drums, bass or vocal parts. The lyrics come last so there is not really a reoccurring theme it is just what Dennis is feeling at the time which reflects how the lyrics turn out. James and Nick usually help out with the lyrics as well.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Killswitch Engage, Bullet for my Valentine and Sevendust are our main influences but then we draw from a wide range of modern and old metal bands that help inspire our songs.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
For John the concert would be Soundwave 2011 and artists Killswitch Engage and Bullet for my Valentine. For Nick the artists were Linkin Park and Iron Maiden. For Dennis the artist was Alterbridge. For James the artist was Karnivool.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any strange rituals?
Not really usually we just hype each other up for the show and warm up a little before hand.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Our biggest highlight would be touring for our debut EP release called Separated. It was a lot of fun and we developed a stronger relationship as a band. It was our first time playing out of state and we got to meet some awesome bands and play some great venues as well as networking with them for future shows.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Killswitch Engage, Bullet for my Valentine and Sevendust would be very high on the list, although we would be happy to share the stage with any big band that can bring us more exposure.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our next show is at the Bald Faced Stag, Sydney August 5th and doors open 8pm $15 entry.
We will be announcing our second Australian tour very soon and will be releasing a lyric video for Decay from our Debut EP Separated, available from all good digital retailers.