MM - Introduce the band members to us. Alice Cates - Lead Vocals / Keys /
Percussion
Ramona Darniene - Lead Guitar / Bass / Backing Vocals
Gia Garrison - Rhythm Guitar / Bass / Backing Vocals
Mickey Hendrix - Drums / Percussion / Backing Vocals
MM - Where does the name 'Candela' come from? The English meaning, (definition), is:
A unit of luminous intensity, or a powerful source that emits radiant
intensity. Although other languages, countries & cultures, have
their own definition of the word, we choose Candela, (the English
meaning), because the word exudes power & luminous intenseness, within
one unit of measure, and that's what defines us .... Candela.
MM - When was the band formed and how did you all meet? We formed in September 1998. We are an
eclectic mixture of previous other bands such as: Area 51, Boobytrap, &
Mobeus Tripp. In those other bands we had played shows together and
gotten to know each other, and knew that our personalities and talents
just clicked.
When all of our previous bands broke up around the same time, it just
happened. We decided to form Candela. Although in August 2000, our
original drummer decided to retire from the music biz and we immediately
took on Mickey Hendrix as our new drummer, who comes from x- bands:
Radiant City and Shawn Mullins. Mickey is also a relative of the late
Jimi Hendrix.
MM - Where does the band call home? Atlanta, Ga.
MM - Describe your music and who would it appeal to? Heavy, melodic, & groove oriented, with
a slight touch of funk and metal mixed in for tastiness, spices,
and overall flavour. Heh heh. Sounds a dinner recipe, doesn't it?
We've surprisingly found that we've appealed to quite a lot of different
people from 15 to 50. But it seems that our main fan base are people
in their teens, twenties, & early thirties.
MM -Are you signed/unsigned at present? Although unsigned at present, we are
keeping a vigilant eye & ear out for that "right" deal. In the last
year, we've had SO many offers on the table from labels, but have
remained neutral about any commitment to any of them as of yet. We'll
know the right deal when it comes along, and I'm confident that it will
be very soon.
MM - You currently have 4 songs available on your website, do you have
plans to make any more available on MP3 or CD? You bet! Those 4 songs are from our 1st
CD. We are in the studio right now working on our 2nd CD; and when that
project is done, we'll upload a few "snipets" of those new songs to our
site.
MM - Who writes and composes the songs you perform? All 4 members of Candela are very
strong songwriters, and compose together as a team. Writing comes very
easily to us. 100% of the time, the songs come from just jamming around
at rehearsal, and were written on impulse, very quickly, in the realm
of TOTAL creative freedom. They just seem to kind of "spark" out, and
then WHOMP!, there it is.
MM - Is all of your music original material or do you do cover
versions as well? We are definitely an original band, but
have tossed around the idea of someday doing a "Candela style" remake of
a song that influenced all of us, when we were growing up.
MM - Who designs your posters/flyers/CD covers? Most of the time we do just about
everything ourselves. It's less complicated that way, but we do have a
person that's been involved with some designing and photography for the
band. His name is Lee Smith. He's a writer / photographer with
Performer Magazine and with that "artsy" newspaper called Creative
Loafing.
MM - What's the worst/best thing about being in a rock band? Worst? The preconceived stigma that
rockers are always involved in drugs and other negative type activities.
We don't go there. No drugs. I suppose that some people would deem it
kind of boring behind the scenes and back stage, but oh well .. our
music is our drug. (As cheezy as that sounds.) Best? The strong
rhythmic creative outlet keeps me sane. Oh yeah!!!!!! If I wasn't doing
this, I'd probably be in some mental institution weaving baskets.
MM - Has the internet influenced the way the band project their
songs and their image? Not a bit. We are who we are. Can't
force certain things, including image and creativeness.
Can't fit a square peg into a round hole...etc. blah, blah. A majority
of people are very bright &
perceptive, and can tell when someone is just putting them on.
MM - Which band/artist has influenced you the most and why? Soundgarden & Alice in Chains.
Fantastic songwriting. Strong melodies. Heavy groove. Exuberant stage
presence. Need I say more?
MM - What was the last CD that you bought and why? Rob Zombie. (Hellbilly Deluxe).
Although I'm not a fan of Rob's demonic & death type lyrics, his
melodies kick ass! I bet I've totally worn out that CD. Actually it's
been about a year since I've
gotten off my butt to go and buy any CD's, so that was the last one I
purchased. Guess I need to go CD shopping soon.
MM - What are your plans for the future? To take Candela to the top, and far as
we can go. I'm ready for the adventure.
MM - What are your views on the Napster controversy? No comment. I never discuss, religion,
politics, or Napster. :)
MM - Lastly, what short phrase would best describe the bands and its
members? CANDELA...an original, all female,
heavy, melodic, tight, well oiled machine of rhythmic, luminous
intensity!
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