Who are the Burning Witches——Metal in it truest form
Interview conducted December 01, 2018
The band Burning Witches was founded during spring 2015 in
Romana wrote her mate Schmier from DESTRUCTION / PANZER about her new project, he was interested in the new outfit and the ladies brought him on board as a producer/consultant
Band MembersSeraina –
- Seraina Telli (Vocals)
- Romana Kalkuhl (Guitars)
- Sonia Nusselder (Guitars)
- Jeanine Grob (Bass)
- Lala Frischknecht (Drums)
Daniel Locke: The band is from Brugg, Switzerland. What is the area like? What is there to do in Brugg?
Seraina : Brugg is a nice small town with nice bars, restaurants and good neighborhoods.
Most of the girls live in brugg. The town has many metalheads and great bands too; it’s like a metal family.
How did the band start and how did you get your band name? Any connection with Burning WitchRecords? Is anyone classically trained?
Burning Witches was found in 2015. It’s Romana’s dream to have an all-female metal band. She began her search for band members back in 2015. She started with her longtime friend and bassist, Jeanine. Later, she met vocalist Seraina at a party. They were able to chat and it clicked right away due to the same musical influences and abilities. After a long search for a drummer, they found Lala to fill in the drums. Playing heavy metal music needs at least two guitarists. Romana ended up contacting her former classmate and guitarist, Alea, to fill in the second axe. Unfortunately, Alea had to leave the band due to personal reasons. As a replacement, Romana found Sonia via Facebook to join the band.
Burning Witches name have nothing to do with Burning Witch Records. Actually, we cannot think about any name that will fit us. We are just a bunch of crazy ladies that are willing to burn in playing heavy metal music. That’s why we ended up of calling ourselves Burning Witches and we think it fits us.
Why is the current tour entitled, “The Tour of the Living Dead”? Any plans to come to the United States?
Grave Digger‘s latest album title is The Living Dead. We will support them on their January entitled he Tour of the Living Dead. We are excited and looking forward to that and at the same time, it’s also a good chance for us to promote our new Album Hexenhammer that will be out on the 9th of November via Nuclear Blast.
We still don’t have a plan for US tour. But it would be great for sure to play and show the people there what good things can we deliver them through our music.
How is it five women on tour work together?
Having a tour is always fun for us and seeing and meeting great new people is always a pleasure as well.
Romana, why do you pick Charvel and Jackson USA guitars? Which instrument is your favorite?
I have played Charvel and Jackson since I started on guitar. These brands are the best for me.
You are an endorsed by Fender/Charvel/Jackson guitars. Is there any reason why you do not use Fender on stage?
Yes, that’s true and I’m so thankful for them giving me the opportunity as it has been my dream. Most of my guitars are Charvel and Jackson; I have 11 of them. That’s the reason that I always used them on stage…
Jeanine- How did you get the nickname Jay?
My friends just called me Jay.
Was that you I saw on your own Youtube channel
This is not my Youtube channel. Maybe, we just have the same name.
Sonia, you are one of the guitarists, but when reviewing your YouTube channel, it showed your bass playing. Did you start off as a bass player and transition to a guitarist? If not, can you explain?
I initially started playing bass guitar 5 years ago. A year after starting, I decided to self-teach myself the guitar as I wanted to play both the guitar and bass lines of my favorite artists. I do love both instruments in their own way. I have always been a bass player on stage but since I joining BURNING WITCHES I am a guitarist on stage too.
Seraina Have you covered any music from Lady Gaga?
Yes. I really like her voice and the feeling she gives into her songs!
For the band- Do any of you have any classic instruments?
Romana plays Classical Guitar & Seraina plays Piano
Are any of the guitars customized for the band? If so, can you explain?
no, we don’t have.
What is you’re feeling about acoustic metal? Metal music played on acoustic instruments?
Many heavy metal songs have great, catchy guitars and vocal lines which works well in an acoustic version.
What makes a good acoustic guitar or bass?
A warm and bride sound.
Here is a list of Swiss bands (Music of Switzerland). I would like to know your feels on each in a couple of words:
JoJo Mayer- Swiss jazz drummer
JoJo Mayer is one of the greats that influence a lot of people for drumming. He has an excellent technique which for sure takes a lot of practice.
Celtic Frost
Celtic Frost is the Band that leaves a great mark when somebody talks about Switzerland. They are one of the most influential band for extreme metal music styles.
Any stories about male groupies and how are they different than female groupies?
We don’t have any male groupies. Our friends usually the ones with us many times for support and of course for helping. That’s why we don’t have any idea how to compare these two.
What kind of music do you listen to in general and to relax?
We are listening to a variety of music ranging from Jazz to extreme metal. I think it really depends upon the mood but jazz music is always the best for relaxing.
If you could open up for any band who would it be and why?
It’s our dream to open up for the two most influential bands for us – Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. That would be awesome.
What festival was the most favorite to play?
As of now, we just played one of the biggest festivals in Germany, Bang Your Head. It was such a great experience for all of us and a moment for us that will be remembered.
If you had the chance to talk to Albert Einstein, what would you talk about?
We would talk all about how great metal music is and how it helps us to grow not only as a listener but as a person.
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