Interview with Chris Volz lead singer of Five.Bolt.Main

Q-Hey Chris, thanks for agreeing to do an interview with us, we really appreciate it. To start off, explain to us what exactly happened to your previous band Flaw and how the journey led you ‘Five.Bolt.Main’?
A-Flaw put in a lot of work and effort to continue its career but we didn't satisfy the label as far as album sales, so we were dropped. This industry can be harsh at times, so you learn to roll with the punches. As some of you know, Ivan, the drummer for FBM was the original drummer for Flaw, so when everything fell apart with Flaw, Ivan made contact with me and introduced me to his new project. I already had faith in his ability, musicianship, and work ethic. So it just made sense with all the other things that had just happened, it went pretty quick. We work well together.

Q-I know that when ‘Five.Bolt.Main’ first formed the band was calling itself ‘Vent’. Obviously this is a popular name that had to be changed, so why did the band settle on ‘Five.Bolt.Main’ and does it have any significance?
A- Ivan came up with that one, so I'll let him explain that:

I- It's a reference to the main bearing caps on a car engine. Basically, they hold the crankshaft in place, so without them the whole motor's shot. For us, it's like saying that without all of the members working together the band ceases to function.

Q-Your new album that is being released on September 13th is titled “Venting”. Does this have any relation to the bands previous name ‘Vent’?
A-Yes. We couldn't buy the copyright to the name “Vent' so we did the next best thing, which was retaining the meaning behind the emotional release of music- “venting”.

Q-Please explain what listeners should expect from ‘Venting’ when they pop it into their CD player for the first time.
A-Full-out, in your face, honesty in mind and ear. And a few surprises on the side.

Q-The albums first single “Pathetic” is a powerful song yet grim at times, what inspired you to write it?
A-Life, people, and a few things that have happened to me in the past few years.

Q-What artists, that are out there today, inspire you and don’t make you want to turn the radio off when you hear them?
A-Not a whole lot. Killswitch, LOA, Breaking Ben, DKL, Alston, Slipknot, Dark New Day, Shinedown, Bobaflex, to name a few.

Q-I know you plan on touring extensively with the release of your new record. Are there any places, i.e. Canada, or venues that you would like to hit on this tour that you have never been to before?
A-We'll play anywhere, anytime, and I would like to hit all of the places I have been before. As we will. And Amsterdam!!!!

Q-How would you describe the relationship with the band and its fans?
A-We are all family, we have a very strong connection, which is music and life. The shows have been great, and we love all of the support we have been receiving. It makes it all real.

Q-Chris, I have dealt with your label mates Sinch in the past and heard nothing but praise for your label Rock Ridge Music. Can you describe what a label like Rock Ridge Music means to a musician like you at this point in your career?
A-It is a godsend, we have full creative control, produce our own records and actually trust the things we are being told. There should be more labels like Rock Ridge.

Q-I have noticed that on your bands website you have been posting samples of your tracks online for the fans. What are your thoughts on the state of the music industry today and how piracy has affected it?
A- The internet is a necessary marketing tool and I believe that rock 'n' roll is on the rise.

Q-Chris, thank you for doing this interview it was a pleasure and an honor to have you. Do you have any last words for our readers?
A- Thank you for all the continued support and we will see you very soon on tour. Record number 2 is on the way!