Crossing Over From Rock, Hip Hop, and Heavy Metal, The Chimpz Reveal All!

Artimus Prime, Chris Coast “Chuck P”, Cary Singman “Scary Cary”, Shawn Lyon “Sonic” and Sean Capmasterfresh Topham make up the California-based rock band, The Chimpz. Their newest single, “California” has been released to rave reviews.

Learn more about these rockers in the following interview with the band:

Can you remember the moment that you guys all decided to start a band?

The birth of The Chimpz actually started in a living room when drummer Sean met Artimus (vocals/ rhythm guitar) through some mutual friends and just started jamming. Sean remembers “There was definitely chemistry right away, Art has a natural ability to write a killer hook”.

All the rest of The Chimpz came together through long time friendships. We never had to audition a member. I think that is why we have been able to have the same solid line up for about four years.

How did you guys come up with your band name? And what about all your nicknames? How did those originate?

In the very beginning, we were referring to each other as “chimp”. So when it was looking like this was actually going to be a real band, Art decided we were The Chimpz. And it stuck!

Most of us have had names well before The Chimpz formed. Artimus Prime’s real name is Art, and it just make sense that Prime stands for primate. Chris Coast AKA (Chuck P) is an alter ego of sorts, when Chuck P walks into a room, you feel the presence of a man on a mission, don’t be fooled by his charm, he is here to handle business. Scary Cary (lead Guitar) got his name because his riffs are so awesome they are scary to most average humans. Shawn (The Bass player) “Sonic” got his name one day when he decided to dye his hair blue, the way he spiked it up, he totally looked like Sonic The Hedge Hog from the video game. Drummer Sean got his name “Cappy” from a previous band. He was always leading the way, so they all referred to him as The Captain. Over the years it got abbreviated.

How have you guys grown as a band since you started?

We have grown a lot by figuring things out the hard way. This band has been an evolution of 10 years (pun intended). One of the most important things that most bands don’t understand is that all members are required to hustle their asses off! NO ONE GETS A FREE RIDE! The way the music business is, you can’t afford to miss an opportunity!

What sets you apart from other rock bands?

I think what I said in the last answer, (hard work) is one major thing, but you also have to have the music and talent to back it up (Which I can say with confidence that we do). Plus interaction with people, professional attitudes, fun personalities, the ability to make the impossible possible under the most extreme pressure, and love what we are doing!

Your self-titled EP came out today!! Congrats! What are some of the emotions that you guys are feeling now?

Very excited to get this new product into peoples ears. We believe that this EP has all the elements that will get the masses to join The ChimpzNation. Big memorable choruses, heavy riffs, and melody.

What are you favorite songs on this EP? What are you most excited to share with the world?

My favorite is “California”. This is our latest single and we are shooting a new video for it right now. As a California band, this song embraces all the things we love about living here. Beaches, sunshine, girls, etc. This song really motivates me!

Tell me about your current single, “California”. I assume that you guys are all now living in California. What made you want to write this sort of ode to the state? How involved were you all in the creation of the lyric video for the song?

We reference LA and California in many songs. It is who we are. We write about real things that we live through. I guess it’s why most people that live in the country write about what they go through. That is what they live and breathe. The “California” lyric video was something that needed to be put out quick to backup the release of our single, so we took all the elements that make California an exciting place and put them together, tossed in some lyrics….BAM an awesome video is achieved. We are now taking our time making a real band video that will really show who we are.

More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making? And what are some of your all-time favorite bands?

We are a melting pot of influences. We all come from different backgrounds. We don’t craft our music to sound like any one in particular, so I will just throw some names out in no particular order. Led Zepplin, Tupac, Pantera, Korn, Faith No More, Slipknot, Hendrix, and Rage.

What do you guys think of rock radio today? Any new bands that you are enjoying?

One thing we noticed is when we tour the Mid West and South West,  there are some killer hard rock and metal stations. They don’t play enough metal on the radio in California except for some specialty stations. Where we are there are two choices, classic rock and alternative, which is cool. But I miss the hard rock and metal that the rest of the country gets to enjoy. 😛

As far as new bands, you need to check out this band from Texas called Downfall 2012. These guys are so amazing! They are three super talented musicians that it makes me want to put my instrument down because they are that good. Oh yeah and check out Steel Panther. They are a class act!

Your music has been featured on Sons of Anarchy, several MTV shows and more. What has been the most rewarding so far?

Son’s of Anarchy for sure. We have a third song coming out in the second episode of this last season on Sept 16th. The popularity of that show has brought us so many new fans. We are super stoked to be a part of it!

In the past 3 years, you guys have toured A LOT! What’s been a favorite festival? A favorite venue and/or a favorite crowd?

By far Rocklahoma has been the most fun. We have played there twice and have always had a loyal fan base in Oklahoma. With the help of KMOD and our sponsor Jagermeister, everyone knows who we are there and they treat us like the rock stars that we deserve to be.

Where are you looking forward to playing next? Are there any places/venues that you all would still love to perform at?

We are about to finally hit up the east coast for the first time. We are very excited about that and can’t wait to play in all these new venues with local and national bands and build the ChimpzNation out there.

Any pre-performance rituals?

Yes, one shot of Jagermeister!

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place with the band (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?

There are so many wild stories we have from the road. One memorable one was when we almost got nailed by that big tornado that ripped through Oklahoma City last year. We were an hour behind it and got slammed by one of those cells. I thought the hail was going to smash our windows in. My suitcase was on the roof and it opened up. All my clothes were blowing away. We have video of it on YouTube.

Can you tell me how your deal with Converse sneakers came about?

With most sponsors, it’s about a relationship and not just getting “Free Stuff”. A piece of advice for an upcoming band is when scouting sponsors, think about what you can do for them. I think it’s a much better approach than “Here is my EPK, we are doing all this, now what can I get from you?”

What would you say the band has already accomplished and what do you have your eyes set on next?

We have come a long ways, but have a very long way to go. Our goal is to tour nonstop and in other countries. We want to make The ChimpzNation grow faster than the Ebola Virus! Special thanks to Jagermeister, Converse, Schecter Guitars, Bone Custom Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Sullen Clothing, Xcel Drumsticks, Outlaw Threadz, Bogner Amps, Coffin Case and All Access!