1. How did the band get together? Brief history how you got started.

I received a phone call from Mark Laskowski (guitar) in response to an ad I had placed in the Portland Music store and music mags. I was a vocalist/Lyricist without a band at that time. That was the end of March 1998. I went for an audition and was accepted. We went into the studio ten days after my arrival.
I began singing/performing in the late 1980's. I joined a cover band, where my training began. Paid lots of dues and fought my way up the ladder, even though women in heavy metal rock were not really taken too seriously then. Once I had played out the cover thing, I was anxious to write my own songs and express my inner self. I joined an original band and fell in love with the whole song writing process. Making my way to the studio was also an eye opening experience, and something I enjoy each time I record. Songs immortalized in the moment, awesome!

If I were to have one piece of advice to all those interested in performing on stage, it would be to not expect things to happen overnight. If you truly have talent, don't give up, your goals could be right around the corner. It's so satisfying to reach so many, even though it sometimes seems too hard.

2. What were some of your influences? What was the first thing in your life that made you say, “I want to play music”?

My biggest influence would have to be Judas Priest. I remember the first time I heard them on the radio, it was like.... Oh my God, these guys are exactly what I needed and wanted in my life. Talk about an inspiration! Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin were also big influences.

My first concert was the moment I knew I wanted to be on stage. I wanted to feel all those people gathered for just one purpose...TO ROCK Now that I'm performing, I've got to say, it's better than I could have ever imagined. It's the best high; it's the best drug.

3. What is some of the music you listen to now?

Personally I try not to be too influenced by other bands, so I can still reach inside and pull out my originality. I do however enjoy allot of what's coming out now. Some of the bands I do listen to are.... The new Halford albums, Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeth, Marylin Manson. I still listen to the Judas Priest albums, Black Sabbath, and of course, our own music.

4. Can you tell us about some of your first musical instruments, gear you started with and what you play now? Do you have a favorite?

I've tried several instruments in the past, none of which ever gave me any musical satisfaction. Once I found my voice I knew it was the instrument I was born to use. When I sing I use my whole body and use it like an instrument. It has been a wonderful love affair between my voice and myself. I also find writing lyrics have been my therapy. So much can be healed when shared with others. It's amazing to know your audience can feel what you're feeling.

I started on a Peavey 100 watt mixer and an AKG instrument microphone. It was tough, but I really had to learn to sing. I didn't have any effects or equalizer. Now however, I'm spoiled. My personal P.A. consists of...Fender 12 channel board Roland SDE 1000 effects, QSC power amplifier, Sound Tech speakers, and Beyer & Peavey microphones. I'll have to say that my favorite piece of equipment is my Roland SDE 1000. Although most of the places we play have great P.A.'s It's awesome to walk into a club and have a sound tech take over and give you just what you want.

5. Talk about your newest release, how it came together musically (writing) as well as how it was recorded.

Our newest recordings are complied on the latest CD. It's a combination of our new material.... THE HELL CANDIDATES, ACTS OF AGGRESSION. We are currently planning a return to the studio to record some brand new songs. I'm really jazzed about that. Mark Laskowski and I are the songwriters. We collaborate on all the songs that are written. He usually comes up with ideas for music patterns and from there I take it and arrange it with lyrics, melody lines, and harmonies. Then we get together and finalize and polish. Mark is my inspiration. His music and ideas speak to me and tell me what to write. It's so great to find that perfect person who compliments everything you do. We have magic together. We're lucky to have each other. Our recording usually begins with laying down the drum tracks first, with a scratch vocal and guitar. Then guitar tracks are laid down. Then bass tracks, and finally vocals. We go into the studio extremely prepared, do our parts, and boom...we're done.

6. Describe a live show, what can someone expect to experience at your performance? How do you decide on a setlist?

We have different type shows depending on the venue. If we are allowed to do a full show, it would include pyrotechnics, stage set, theatrics, roadies, merchandise, and fire dancers. But since the Great White catastrophe, our fire shows have been put on hold. We design and build most of the pyro ourselves. A smaller show usually includes theatrics and very powerful high energy music. There are also shows that include stage settings and special effects as well.

Our set lists are usually based on a couple different things. The flow of the show, the type of crowd, the ability to pace vocals and drums to use all our energy until the show is completed, and new material along with the most popular material.

7. How do you like being on the road touring? Things you like/ things you don't?

Being out of town are my favorite shows. There's something about the challenge of a new place, new faces, stage, and the unpredictable reaction of the audience. All exciting and a great rush! We've always had a good reception when out of town. I like everything about it.

8. Any funny stories or encounters you had while on tour you can tell us about?

The one show that will forever be immortalized in the history of Portland, was the Satyricon show January 2001. We had full pyro during that show with flame cannons licking the ceiling. The sprinkler system was located on stage just above them. Apparently the heat from the flames triggered the sprinklers, and before we knew it the club was transformed into a raining event. The crowd loved it! We got a standing ovation as we exited with our equipment. It was a first, fire and water at the same show. The one comment I remember hearing was, "I can't believe it's raining inside!" While we became very popular with our audience, the club thought otherwise. It will remain one of the most special nights in the history of the Satyricon.

9. How do you feel about the current music scene in America / Europe and elsewhere in the world?

I think heavy music is finally coming back around. It's what I've been looking forward to. I feel our music has a place in the scene, and I am excited about what is happening. My heavy vocal and real lyrics, along with the expertise, talent, and over the top musicians in this band capture our own style with the feel of what has been and what will always be.

10. What lies in the future for your band?

We would like to do nonstop touring, writing, recording, and sign to a record company that can get our music out and in the scene.

11. Is there any thing you'd like to ad or say?

Since the fall of 2003, The Slayer Hippy (Poison Idea) has joined The Hell Candidates. We are proud to have his outstanding talent as a drummer and I'm confident that his producing of our new material will take us to a new level in the music industry.
The Hell Candidates would like to thank Bryce Van Patten and MIB Music for including us on the "Defenders of Metal, Volume 1-The Seduction" CD, and all the exposure that has been given to us through his label. We along with countless others do believe in the passion that is...HEAVY METAL ROCK.

12. Thanks again for taking the time to talk to us and share a little of yourself.

Thank You,
Jan Bennett
The Hell Candidates