Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.Un
Chris James - Vocals
Alex Olivetti - Guitar
Matt Van Fleet - Bass
CJ Krukowski - Drums (answering the questions)
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Threatpoint? How long has the band been around?
CJ: Alex and myself were in a band called Temptation Denied and coincidentally, we played a few shows with Chris' old band, Dropveil... that's how we knew each other. Matt knew Chris as he almost played bass in his old band and me and Alex knew of Matt as one of our old bandmates went to school with him... small world!
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Threatpoint was a collaboration of Chris' and my idea. Chris kept coming up with all these names and had the word "threat" in there, which grabbed my attention, so I just generically put the word "point" after it and it seemed to click rather well.
Before that, we went by another name that really didn't seem to fit us as well as it could... thankfully we sacked it before we released our first album and had any sort of online presence.
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 collectively... just get in the room, riff and see where it goes. You get two good parts, try to blend them, connect them, etc... it's as old school as it gets for sure. Many times these guys will send riffs through iPhone recordings and what have you, just so we can see if it's workable.
Chris writes the lyrics and writes alot about reality and people and the way they act/behave... just basically about life. You'll find no fantasy/fire breathing dragon stuff in our lyrics. I don't think much will change in that department... we always try to convey a message that people can relate to.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Basically all of our influences inspire us... Chris started out with Iron Maiden then discovered thrash, like Testament, Megadeth, Overkill, to hair metal like Dokken to hard rock bands like Soil and Drowning Pool.
For myself, Metallica and Megadeth are my forefathers... I'm forever in debt to those two bands but I discovered other great stuff along the way as well, like Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, In Flames, Lamb of God, etc.
Alex loves Sevendust, Pantera, Killswitch Engage to name a few.
Matt loves alot of the tuned down simple hook of nu-metal... all of the stuff we listen to definitely inspire us in one way or another.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
For me, Metallica... for Chris, probably Iron Maiden or Testament.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Drink! Ha... no, they might have a few to get loosened up or have a good time but we don't rely on alcohol to make or break the show by any means.
Chris may do some of his vocal hums, while Matt and Alex will break out their instruments and try to loosen their fingers up and I always thump away on my practice pad, just trying to loosen my joints up.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Too many to list! We've played 36 states and had ALOT of killer shows around the country and met some amazing people. We've had some good press, too, thankfully... we're just grateful to still be doing it and people taking to us.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
For me, Metallica... because playing sold out arenas/stadiums around the world would be pretty rad.
For the other guys, I'm not too sure... I know they'd probably want to tour with any of their influences. Then again, I remember answeribng this question awhile ago and someone said "Lady Gaga"! So, try to think outside the box, too.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Always have to thank our fans! Without them, we're absolutely nothing... so we appreciate them beyond words. Check out our new album, RIP!