Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Billy Hulcup – Vocals
James Fyvie – Guitar
Kyle Jennings – Guitar
Rob Clements – Bass
Cody McGhee – Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Throne to the Wolves? How long has the band been around?
We have all been involved with several different local bands in the cities where we grew up but nothing that was taken too seriously. We more so just played music for the love of it. Throne to the Wolves is the first project for all of us where we have looked at it more as a business (without losing the love of actually playing).
Throne to the Wolves has been active since the beginning of 2016 putting out our first single for ‘Hellraiser’ in May of 2016.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
“The Animal Kingdom. And chairs (large important ones)” – Cody
“We were shooting a bunch of different ideas back and forth, we wanted something that was easy to remember and easy to say. I’ve always liked the meaning of being thrown to the wolves, like a sink or swim kind of scenario. We decided that the play on words was something that would be memorable” – Billy
Thankfully we have never had to change the name.
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?
“The song writing starts off with Kyle and James putting together the guitar work. Then we will all sit together and begin structuring out the song. Once we have the basic structure I sit down and begin writing the lyrics, making any changes to the structure as needed.” – Billy
“Topics are what we are feeling socially and emotionally at the time. Topics will always change as we grow and evolve as a band and people.” – Rob
“I try to write songs that I feel on a personal level, but in a way that is relatable to people from all over that may be going through a similar situation. Nothing feels better than having a room full of people screaming our lyrics back at us.” – Billy
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
“I listen to a bit of everything from every genre so I like to add different things to our songs that don’t follow any metalcore formula.” – Cody
“Bands that currently inspire my writing would be While She Sleeps, and Stick To Your Guns.” -James
“I would say bands like Wage War, As i Lay Dying, Beartooth, The Ghost Inside, Of Mice and Men.” - Kyle
“I have always loved the vocal style from Winston in Parkway Drive; he has always been a major influence of mine and sounds incredible live.” - Billy
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
“I spent my high school years at a music venue in my hometown called ‘The Dungeon’. It was this shitty basement that would just be packed wall to wall with kids every weekend. I think that atmosphere is what got me. Music is one of those things that can bring complete strangers together from all over the world. It’s something that I want to be a part of for as long as I’m able” – Billy
“Bands that inspired me to pick up a guitar and start a band range from Nirvana, Papa Roach, and Pantera; to bands like NOFX, strung out, AFI, and death by stereo.” – Kyle
“Bands like korn, slipknot, system of a down, and deftones.” – Rob
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
“The ol’ paradiddles and a single to double stroke roll exercises at various speeds to warm up.” – Cody
“Tune. Tune. Tune. Then I stretch and grab a double jack and coke and a beer for on stage.” – Rob
“To prepare for a show i usually go over a couple licks on the fret board just to get my fingers moving. Tune, stretch, and relax.” – Kyle
“Jack Daniels plays a pretty important role in prepping for a show. I have a set of vocal warm up exercises I go through before every show. I cannot stress the importance of warming up your voice and stretching before a show (especially on tour).” – Billy
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
“Highlight for me was playing with Norma Jean as they're one of my favourite bands” – James
“Hands down the biggest highlight was playing with All That Remains at the legendary Opera House in Toronto. I’ve seen so many big shows there, but getting to be on the other side of that stage for a packed house was unreal.” – Billy
“We played with ‘Deez Nuts’ this past summer and I had the chance to hang out with those guys and join them on stage to sing Band of Brothers” – Rob
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
“Family values tour 98....Korn, Limp Bizkit, Rammstien, Ice Cube... Come on that's insane.” – Rob
“Parkway Drive, Architects, The Holly Springs Disaster, Alexisonfire. Touring through Europe and Australia. That line up in some of the best places for live music in the world.” – Billy
“I would have to say Pantera. I never got the chance to see them but judging by the live videos and band personality they had going on, I think they would be fun as hell to tour with. Obviously watching them shred every night would be legendary.” - Kyle
“The chariot… they put one of the most insane live shows I’ve ever seen.” – James
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We just want to thank every single person who has supported us through the first two years of this band. We are gearing up to release our new record this March so stay tuned. This is only the beginning.