Interviews: Chmcl Str8jckt

In this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the  Rock band Chmcl Str8jckt from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Many years ago in college…..after the only other band, I was ever in dissolved, I said to Scott (keys and backing vocals) “If I’m ever in a band again, I want to name it Chemical Straightjacket” I had just learned in pharmacy class that when a psych patient is out of control, a “chemical straitjacket” is administered. It’s a cocktail of meds designed to render the patient a drooling zombie. Well, the name was already taken by a now inactive musical project….so we had to get creative! Our good friend and graphic designer, Chris Grove, came up with the logo and eliminated the vowels (and added an “8”). We loved it!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Three out of four of the band members grew up together! When we were in high school and college we played a lot of Dungeons and Dragons together and listened to tons of industrial music….Nitzer Ebb, Ministry, Skinny Puppy, etc. Mike (guitars) and I also had an industrial band at the time. It was short- lived but lots of fun. Fast forward a few decades and Mike says to me “Let’s do it again! Same style!”. It was great to start writing in the genre that we loved so much.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes! Mike, Scott and I grew up together...lots of great history! We met Ian after the debut was released. He loved the vibe we were putting out and I really wanted a percussionist! We instantly clicked and he was “one of us”.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Kevin: Ministry

Mike: Iron Maiden

Ian: AC/DC (Bon Scott fronted era)

Scott: Nitzer Ebb

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Stuff from EVERYWHERE! We are surrounded by horrors! It can be a news story…..a book we read...a movie. Most of the lyrics are just little short stories that I come up with.

6. Where was your last gig?

We played a fun set at a convention called Steampunk Con! We headlined a night and had a blast with some very fun people!

7. Where would you like to act?

In any western movie!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Keanu Reeves, Crispin Glover & Mila Kunis We’d clean up the town with a heavy fist! 9. Whom not? Jim Carrey...blech.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I never was a front man until Chmcl Str8jckt. I will admit that I was scared shitless before our first show! I barely slept for a week!! I have no tips how to beat it. I just knew I had to face it! I believe it was our 4th or 5th show and we were direct support for My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult!! We were playing to about 300 people! Well, I just went for it and I saw people responding great! They were really enjoying us and there were a bunch of people who knew the words and were singing along! That’s when I knew “We got this!” Now I enjoy it.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Sooooo many! Ministry, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, KMFDM, Kiss, Black Sabbath, etc etc.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Well...it’s not weird, but after every show, someone asks “Can I be your bass player?” Ha ha! 13. What do you think of your fans? We love every one of them! We love that they appreciate the style that we are helping to keep alive! At some point in every show I seem to say “We love you all!”

14. What do you think of our site?

Fucking killer, man!