CHAINSNAP Interview
by Freddy Metal
Chainsnap formed mid summer 2002. On August 24th 2002 Chainsnap played their first show at Four Stools Short, In Wisconsin Rapids, WI opening for "PECH" A local cover band. The set included 8 cover songs from the likes of Static X, Rob Zombie, Godsmack, Seven Dust, and more. A few more shows were to follow while adding more covers each time. Thanks to "PECH", the Chainsnap shows continued throughout the 2002-2003 winter season.
Over the spring of 2003, Chainsnap recorded their first CD. A three song demo that included the bands first original works, including, Gods Breath, Death By Deception, and Wanted Soul. Chainsnap pressed a total of 320 Copies to sell, and send out to music professionals. After a few more shows, that now included upwards of 20 cover songs, and three originals, the team went back in the studio in the fall and early winter of 2003 to record the full length CD "Hollow"
Where & what studio did the production of Hollow take place?
The "Hollow" CD was recorded in the middle of the woods in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin @ Strantrax studios www.strantrax.com.
What's the bands long & short term goals as far as touring, recording, writeing ect?
Perform and promote is all we are doing now. We will soon be working on a few new songs for our next CD or as bonus tracks for the next print of "Hollow"
What would you say is your biggest gripe about the music industry?
Many venues seem to be staying away from new bands...it's getting harder and more expensive to get your name out there.
What type of image would you say the band projects?
We tend to project a dark and evil image, but yet doing it the old style( i'm sick of the term "old school")
Do all members contribute to the writing & arrangements of your original tunes?
We all contribute. The musicians write most of the music and Steve, the lead vocalist, does most the lyrics but we all pitch in.
How did the band name "CHAINSNAP" come about?
The lead singer, Steve, got this name from a plumbers tool.
What's the band's long & short term goals as far as touring, recording, writing etc..?
Short term is perform and promote. At the end of the year we will m ost likely start recording a new CD.
Are you happy with where Chainsnap stands today in the Int'l underground Hard music scene?
Chainsnap has been active in getting music out all over the world. Our CD's and/or mp3's are in or on radio stations and websites in Greece, Australia, Great Britian, Canada, Brazil. Mexico. England, Germany , Italy and all over the US.
What do you feel sets Chainsnap apart from other Metal Acts?
We are not nu-metal or old school...but we mix and come up with a variety of song styles but yet all metal on the "Hollow" CD. We also thrive to entertain for our live performance with high energy.
What does each member bring into the band?
Alex, the drummer, brings straight forward metal pounding and beats. Matt, on bass, brings some classic thrash bass riffs to the band. Steve, lead vox, brings a needed vocal range to our band so all of ou r songs don't sound the same. Jermey, lead guitar, brings the musically correct leads and technical side to add to my(Keith) straight up no frills mosh guitar riffs.
How about the low-down such as how you guys formed the band & how long you have been together?
Matt, the bass player, and myself have been trying to get a band going for years with constant band member changes. We hooked up with Jermey in early 2002 and hooked up with Alex, the drummer, mid 2002. Alex had been in the band before. Steve, the lead vocalist was the final addition. Matt and I met him at a Blues music fest, we set up a try out, and he was in. By the end of 2002 we were performing shows and early 2003 we released our 3 song promo CD.
What is the most outrageous thing that ever happened to you on stage during a performance or rehersel?
So far, i would say our show at Th e Rave in Milwaukee, WI. I smashed a guitar after a solo and broke the stage stairs - they looked sturdy at the time.
Your musical influences and why?
We all have a few of our own, but over all I would say Pantera and Slayer for our old style and Mudvayne and System of the Down for our new style. But, we all have a little of our own...Alex has the Misfits , Matt has Six Feet Under, Jermey has Metallica, Steve has Kiss and i have Anthrax.
What can fans expect to see at a live show?
High energy that usually results in something getting broke.
Where do you see the band in 5 years?
Hopefully signed and performing enough so we can quit these damn day jobs that are getting in the way.
Who would you like to tour with and why?
Stick us on Ozzfest every year and a few metal fests and we will be set. Those big shows are the way to go- so many people get exposed to you r music that way.
Do you have a special ritual that you guys do before you hit the stage?
Beer.
What is your fan base like?
We have our group of friends that have been backing us from day/band one. We also are starting to get a following in the Midwest part of the US with all the perfromances, website listings, radio play and free CD's given out.
Parting shot?
I'll take Tequila.
http://www.chainsnap.com |
