From Middle School to Global Stages: The Rise of Austin Band The Point
The genre-bending trio opens up about their roots, their sound and what’s next on their rise
Austin-based trio The Point is producing genre-defying sounds and infusing its own touch in the process. Members Joe Roddy, Jack Montesinos and Nico Leophonte share insights about their beginnings, inspirations and aspirations.
The band began as a high school venture with Roddy and Montesinos as the founding members, though their beginnings stretch back even further. The two met in middle school, where they bonded over their boredom in band class and spent their free time experimenting with after-school jam sessions in the garage.
“We were friends first,” states Roddy.
Before long, they were spending more time playing music and eventually decided to take the next step with their craft.
This leap had been a long time in the making, as both Roddy and Montesinos grew up in the Austin music scene. Roddy, son of rockabilly artist Ted Roddy, picked up the trumpet at age 12 and continued to master several instruments. Montesinos began attending Monday blues nights at the Historic Victory Grill (now Victory East) with his father when he was just 10 years old. Since then, the two have grown up together in more ways than one. Musically, they’ve played their fair share of hole-in-the-wall coffee shops.
“I call them ‘bother gigs,’” says Roddy. “People are studying, and nobody’s really enjoying it. But it’s awesome because we get to workshop and have that opportunity.”
These early stepping stones have helped them refine their craft and earn stage time at more classic Austin venues like Sagebrush, the Continental Club and Sahara Lounge.
Forming a trio
In 2023, the twosome recruited Leophonte, a French drummer whom they met at his recording studio while making their debut EP, “Berto’s Banquet.”
“We just started jamming with him and never stopped,” says Montesinos.
The fit was immediate. Leophonte brought an exotic influence, shaped by exposure to Algerian and West African music, all similar sounds that Roddy and Montesinos tend to toy with in their improv-style songs.
“I love rhythm in all forms, and melodies are very important to me,” Leophonte explains.
All three members bring a cratedigger’s curiosity to their music. Beyond their early influences, much of their musical knowledge comes from exploring obscure corners of YouTube, Spotify and record stores.
The band’s creativity is centered around collaboration and freedom of expression.
“We always play with a sense of danger,” says Leophonte. “I know they’re there for me if I need them to rescue me when I take a chance.”
For these rockers, songs tend to evolve over time, shaped by instinct, late-night sessions and the amount of dancing a crowd will do.
“When it feels right, it’s time to hit record,” explains Montesinos.
Once a track takes shape, it refuses to settle into a uniform genre. First-time listeners should press play on “Maquina Pura” — the song that starts at the top of their set list and blends desert guitar tones with rhythms of Turkish psychedelic rock, Thai funk and an eclectic vibe. Alternatively, “401 Canejos” is another jam-forward sound that’s similarly built on simple melodies and is layered with sonic experimentation.
From Austin stages to international adventures
For The Point, music is a shared language, and their goal is to connect with as many people as possible. With songs combining cumbia, jazz, psychedelic rock and more, they’ve been able to cross paths with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
“With how divided the world is becoming, we’re even more interested in other cultures’ music,” says Montesinos. “The more music we share, the more we can understand each other. It’s a universal beat we’re chasing and we’re mixing it with our own influences.”
This out-of-the-box approach has propelled the band to new heights, including a European tour. They recall their initial disbelief when a booking agent first reached out, unsure if it was real. But now the opportunity is happening, and the band has a busy year ahead with a two-month tour this summer and a scheduled set at Austin City Limits (ACL) Weekend 2 in October.
Austinites can catch them live this summer at The Drop-In — a free concert series hosted by the Long Center, featuring surprise sets from local artists every Thursday through August 14.
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