PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
This is Lee Walker from Planet Mosh meeting up with Candia from Inkubus Sukubus.
LW – Hi Candia, thanks for taking the time out to discuss things Inkubus Sukkubus related for the Planetmosh listeners.
Candia – Absolute pleasure, Lee.
LW – For the people out there just discovering Inkubus Sukkubus as a result of this interview how did the band form?
Candia – We formed in 1989 when we met at college as trainee graphic designers. We’d already been at college together for nearly a year and didn’t particularly hit it off, but when Tony stood up in one of the lectures and did a rant against the Catholic Church, I thought we might just get on. Once we’d talked about our mutual disdain for established religion, we got talking music…
LW – What made you choose the name Inkubus Sukkubus for the band?
Candia – We’d toyed with a couple of other names, such as Belas Knap, after a Neolithic long barrow near to where we live, but as it rhymes with ‘crap’ with chucked it out fairly quickly… You don’t want to tempt fate too much, do you? Inkubus Sukkubus (or ‘Incubus Succubus’ as we were originally) seemed like as good a name as any as we’re both interested in medieval history, demonology, the occult… and putting two fingers up at the hypocrisies of the Church.
LW – You changed the way that you spelt the band name for “numerological reasons”. Could you explain the significance of it?
Candia – It was Tony’s idea as he’s a big believer in numerology. The old spelling added up to a really negative figure (can’t remember what it is off-hand) but we both thought it was worth a go. It also went down really well with our German audience as they found it easier to pronounce. Yes, really!
LW – Back in 1996 you ended up performing on the cult Big Breakfast television programme. How did this come about?
Candia – It’s quite a long story about witchcraft and yoof TV. I think they thought we’d be an interesting gimmick… It was great meeting Lily Savage and exchanging style tips though.
LW – From my own perspective I first discovered the band through the London Vampyre Guild’s “What Sweet Music” compilation cds (as well as though Nightbreed Recordings mail order catalogues). How did the band become involved with that particular project?
Candia – We’ve known both Phil (of Thee Vampyre Guild) and Trev Ghost of Nightbreed a long time. They’re both top people and have been very supportive of the band. Love you, chaps!
LW – Throughout the years you have released numerous albums. Which one was your favourite to put together?
Candia – Blimey… I don’t know. They’ve been enjoyable for different reasons: working on the songs, happy memories of time spent in different recording studios, etc. Possibly one of the ones I enjoyed working on the most was ‘Viva la Muerte’ as it was something I wanted to get out of my system… a zombie love story based in Mexico on the Day of the Dead. I’m very fond of that album.
LW – This month I believe you are releasing a new album (“The Goat”). How does it compare to your earlier releases such as “Belladona and Aconite”, “Beltaine” etc ?
Candia – Yep, ‘The Goat’ is out now and has (thankfully) been very well received so far… Phew! It’s a mixture of song styles and lyrical content, from the dark-Motown-esque ‘Melancholy Blue’ to the folk-rock ‘Two-Penny Whore’ and the stripped back ‘Breath of Wanting’. *Readers – please buy it. Now! Thank you.
LW – What are your favourite tracks from the album?
Candia – I’ve got a bit of a crush on ‘The Goat’, but please don’t tell Tony.
LW – Are there any bands out there you would recommend keeping an eye on right now?
Candia – I really enjoyed Mechanical Cabaret’s performance at MGW… Lots of fun, and Roi’s a great frontman.
LW – Are there any messages that you would like to pass on to your fans?
Candia – Thank you, thank you, thank you… and look forward to seeing you in the very near future! x
For all things Inkubus Sukkubus related please check out their Official Facebook page HERE or visit the Official Website HERE
