We chatted to Chris James, vocalist from American Thrash/Groove/Metal quintet THREATPOINT....
Threatpoint is a Thrash/Groove/Metal quintet from Scranton, Pennsylvania (yep, the same place where the TV series THE OFFICE is based) who blend many different styles of hard rock and metal to make up their unique sound. Growing tired of the endless negativity they see out there in the world, they focus on positive messages within their music to bring hope and strength to the listener.
We caught up Chris James (vocalist) from the band for a quick chat about how they started out, meeting heroes and what he loves and hates about the music industry, here’s how we got on….
Please tell us a bit more about the band
Chris: Threatpoint started in March 2012. Our home base is Scranton Pennsylvania. We all live around the general area not too far from each other. Threatpoint is made up of all types of rock/metal. We touch on so many different influences creating our sound. Definitely I would say we are Thrash/Groove/Hard Rock .
We’ve been together now for 7 years and we’re still playing around the United States and this year we are heading into Canada. Hundreds of shows, 4 full length albums, 1 acoustic album, hundreds of thousands of miles and still no label. We’ve been on our own pushing and pushing. Although January of 2019 we hooked up with Voodoo Queen Management out of Chicago. They are helping us into new venues and areas along with PR as well.
If I were to use the phrase "for fans of", who would you say you are similar to?
Chris: We get told Testament, Annihilator, old Sepultura & Overkill to name a few.
How did you get into music in the first place?
Chris: We all got into music at younger ages. For the most part through our parents and friends. Ya know it’s always crazy when you think of how people get hooked into metal, because it’s only a small percentage. Like what clicks in a certain person? It’s like you get it or you don’t. Metal is like in you somehow and other people just don’t understand it.
Are you from a musical family? If so, who plays what?
Chris: My father plays guitar and sang, but my mom just listened to a lot of music. There were always records spinning in the house. Alex’s father plays guitar and sings. Sam’s brother plays. Greg’s Dad and Grandfather both played.
What was the first CD or record you ever bought?
Chris - Survivor
CJ - Nirvana
Alex - Lenny Kravitz
Sam - Metallica
Greg - Korn
If you could only play one CD or record until the end of time, which would it be and why?
Chris: Geez, that’s actually an awful thought ... forced into one record till the end of time. Maybe Journey’s greatest hits, because it always makes me feel good listening to it. They just never get old.
Which was the first ever gig you attended? Do you have many memories about it?
Chris: Mom took me to see Frankie Valli & the 4 Seasons. I got to meet them. I was just a kid but he picked me up n told me I had awesome cowboy boots.
Tell us about any upcoming shows or festival appearances and where they are….
Chris: We are headed out West for a short run in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri etc...
Finger Lakes Metal Fest and Trishstock are both coming up.
Have you ever met any of your musical heroes? if so, what happened? (they say you should never meet your heroes!)
Chris: First off ...who is “they” ??? I never listen to ‘they’ I listen to myself and what I want. Yes, I got to meet Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick of Testament these guys are definitely two of my greatest influences and to me one of the greatest guitar duos out there. It was really cool to meet them. They are humble and very kind. Had a good conversation with them.
If you weren't a perfomer / in a band, what would you be doing now? (as in what job would you have?)
Chris: I’m a trucker by day. 24 years, and seen a lot. I don’t like to sit still or be trapped in a building. There’s a freedom to it ya know ... me and the open road.
What do you LOVE and HATE about being a performer / in a band?
Chris: I love music and playing out and traveling. I absolutely hate and despise the lies, the empty promises, being used and screwed out of money and the ‘clickyness’ of some bands when you’re trying to break into new areas. It’s like they don’t want the outsider on their turf ...
Where can we find out more about you?
Threatpoint can be found anywhere just type in the name and hit search. Our official site is www.threatpointofficial.com
We’d like to thank Chris for sparing the time to chat to us and we wish the band every success in the future. Keep up to date with their whereabouts using their social media sites below;