Ethereal Metal Webzine

—From Our Archives— *Old Interview*

Photo © Larry Rostant

Interviewed by Joshua Becker + Fans

Chelsey: What inspired Inkubus Sukkubus to create the music that you, Candia, have helped to create?

I would say the vision of the band stems from Tony’s and my shared interests and passions. When we met 22 years ago, we soon discovered we had a lot in common with music, paganism, vampirism, anti-organized religion and such. At the risk of sounding like a sap, I think we were destined to meet. Sorry… that did sound a bit ‘wet’, didn’t it?

Chelsey: Since your last album “Dark Goddess” in 2010, have you thought about, or planned on releasing another album?

We’re in the process of recording one now. It’s going to be called ‘The Goat’ and will hopefully be released towards the end of this year.

Chelsey: Do Inkubus Sukkubus have any plans to tour the United States anytime soon?

We would very much like to return to the States, but circumstances haven’t been quite right of late. As we now have two children, we like to plan our gigging schedule around them as we don’t like to be away from them for too long and, naturally, don’t want them to miss any school time. Also, it’s quite a commitment for a promoter to get British bands over there… particularly in these commercially unsure times. I really do hope we’ll be back soon though.

Jess: How long have you been practicing the Pagan arts?

I have always known that I was a witch, and practiced – in a very simple ad-hoc way – since I was a young teen. I practiced for some years in a solitary fashion before being initiated (along with Tony) into an Alexandrian coven.

Carrie: What was the inspiration behind the song Vlad? Was it Vlad Tepes? What about him inspired the song?

It’s really not what you think! Vlad was actually a cat that lived with Tony and myself many years ago. You know how some people, children or animals can seem like ‘old souls’? Well, he was one such creature, and Tony and I adored him. Unfortunately, at a very young age, he developed leukemia and had to be put to sleep. We were both hugely distressed at the time and I put my emotions into that song.

Carrie: You write about not forgetting the Burning Times. Being openly pagan has it been hard for you? A lot of pagans suffer persecution even in today’s society where we are supposed to be free to worship how we choose. What advice do you have for your fellow pagans?

It’s not always been plain-sailing, I have to admit. There have been times when we’ve been under attack – generally verbally – by those who take exception to our pagan beliefs. But I think you have to put this in perspective: people are judged all the time for many different things, be it the way they look, the job they do, the education they received, the cultural background they’re from… Being pagan really isn’t a matter of setting yourself up for a fall; it’s important, I think, not to think of ourselves up as victims here.

Carrie: What do you say inspires you the most?

Tragedy and side-splitting belly laughs in (almost) equal measure. Depends how I’m feeling at the time really… Self-indulgent melancholia is usually a good bet though.

Mariana: How do you deal with those who do not want any promotion of Paganism, including music, what is it like to be kept out of the mainstream eye because of those who do not want you to have that?

Do you know what? We genuinely didn’t and don’t want mainstream success. In the early days of the band, Tony and I talked about the possibility of the band being signed by a major record company and realized that this wouldn’t happen as we’d never be commercially viable. And, even though it would be lovely – and it really, really would! – to not have to worry about money, neither of us would cope particularly well with the attention and conforming to behaving in a particular way, both personally and commercially.

Mariana: How do you and the band cope when someone lashes out at you for being who you are?

Doesn’t happen often, thankfully, but when it does, I hope we deal with it in a grown-up fashion… and then punch them on the nose… I’m joking!

Mariana: What advice would you be able to share for those, such as myself who want to make a name for myself as a Pagan artist?

Don’t think about ‘what might be’ and throw yourself into it mind, body and soul. I’ll be watching out for you, Mariana!

Josh: You and the band have been around since the 80’s, I was wondering what has held the band together this long?

Dunno. You should hear some of the, er, ‘discussions’! Band members have come and gone certainly, but Tony and I have remained at the core and enjoy the creativity we share with other musicians. It’s a very intense experience, being in a band with people, and it can either make or break you. If you can get through the break-ups and shake hands, then the battle is won and you can start over again… Hopefully stronger for it.

Josh: After concerts, what do you and the band do to relax; favorite hobbies, places to visit, etc.

Right after a gig we like to have a few drinks, chat and hang-out with the audience. Definitely one of the highlights; it’s a great form of release after the performance, and we’ve met some of the nicest people that way who have gone on to become good friends.

Josh: When did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?

Like paganism, music has always been with me. I used to sing and write (truly awful) songs when I was very young. I think my parents probably humoured me so I stuck at it. When I got my first job at 17 I paid to have classical singing lessons as I knew then I wanted to give it a really good go.

Josh: What are the future plans for Inkubus Sukkubus?

We’re going to carry on recording this album – we’re having a blast at the moment – and will release it, cloven hooves and all, for listeners old and, hopefully, new too. It’s always a little nerve-racking bringing out a new release, so we’ll be waiting with bated breath to see what people think. Terrifying!