In this energetic and entertaining episode of the Storehouse Media Group Podcast, host Sherrie Price Clark and Neil Haley welcome members of Flashpoint, one of Upstate South Carolina’s most exciting live rock bands.
Joining the conversation are lead vocalist Brian Goodlett, bassist and vocalist Carl Barnard, drummer Alex Pappas, and founding member Jeff Tewell. Guitarist and founding member Tim Howe was unable to join the interview but remains an essential part of the Flashpoint sound.
Known for classic rock, 1980s and 1990s favorites, audience participation, and full-throttle performances, Flashpoint follows a simple philosophy:
All gas. No brakes. Leave nothing in the tank.
Jeff and Tim formed the foundation of Flashpoint around 2018 after previously performing together in another band.
Over time, the lineup evolved until the current five-member group came together. Brian has been with Flashpoint for nearly five years, while the complete lineup has performed together for approximately four years.
Carl joined after responding to a message through BandMix and successfully auditioning for the band.
Alex entered the group after Carl suggested him as a possible drummer. Following an extensive audition process, Alex arrived prepared to perform some of the band’s more challenging material.
It didn’t take long for Brian to recognize the chemistry.
After only a few songs, Brian walked over, shook Alex’s hand, and told him he was in.
Brian brings commanding vocals, nonstop stage energy, and the ability to read an audience in real time. He frequently adjusts the set list based on the crowd’s response.
Carl provides the powerful low end, additional vocals, a rehearsal studio, and the preparation needed to keep the group operating professionally.
Alex delivers an intense, physical drumming style that helps drive the band’s full-throttle sound.
Jeff helped establish Flashpoint and emphasizes professionalism, audience engagement, chemistry, and respect among the musicians.
Although absent from the interview, Tim is described as an exceptionally skilled guitarist with a phenomenal ear and an unmatched commitment to practicing his craft.
The members describe themselves as “musical lifers.”
Even when they try to step away from performing, the desire to return eventually becomes impossible to ignore.
For Flashpoint, music is more than a hobby.
It is:
- Creative expression
- Therapy
- Escape
- Connection
- Brotherhood
- A way to bring joy to others
The band agrees that rehearsing in a garage is not enough. Live music becomes complete when performers can exchange energy with an audience.
Flashpoint is not interested in simply standing on stage and playing through a predetermined list.
Their shows are built around interaction.
The musicians make eye contact, move through the crowd, encourage singing and dancing, and adjust the performance based on the room’s energy.
Brian often changes songs in the middle of a show using the band’s secret audible:
When the members hear it, they know the next song on the printed set list has been replaced by something unexpected.
That ability to pivot keeps every Flashpoint performance fresh, spontaneous, and connected to the audience.
Despite their different personalities and musical influences, Flashpoint’s members share tremendous respect for one another.
Each musician learns his part before rehearsal, allowing the group to focus on making everything fit together rather than teaching individual sections.
During one recent rehearsal, the band successfully worked through seven new songs in a single session because everyone arrived fully prepared.
Brian explains that as the frontman, he must trust that the musicians behind him will be exactly where he needs them—especially when he throws unexpected changes into the show.
