Jesus freak Hideout: Why did you choose the name "Skillet"?
Ken Steorts: The name "Skillet" came from the way our music was a conglomeration of
styles, like cooking in a skillet and not knowing what we would sound
like, throw it all in and see what happens.
JFH: How did the band get started?
Ken: Our pastor who had the idea of the name, got us to play together from
different bands locally and open for Fold Zandura and do a demo. We got
interest from Forefront within one month, before we were really a band or
anything- very much a God thing. We knew we wanted to play together due
to our shared vision for ministry.
JFH: How would you describe your sound & why did you pick it for Skillet?
Ken: We call it simply modern rock because the style is diverse enough. It is
intense due to our purpose and passion for Jesus and hardcore worship
and expresses ourselves fully.
JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?
Ken: Sound influences: Kings X and a bunch of other bands to a small degree
each. Again, it is so diverse and the bands we've been compared to we
never listened to much or at all.
JFH: Would you ever consider going into the mainstream market if you didn't
have to compromise your message?
Ken: Yes. We hope to go uncompromised into the mainstream. That is where we can
be most effective in reaching people for Jesus
JFH: Where do you get the ideas for writing your songs?
Ken: Ideas for songs come from Scripture, sermons, books, prayer and life.
JFH: Did you have any goals set for your album before you released it last year?
Ken: We wanted God to use our record to reach the lost and encourage the
church in holiness and purity. We were also excited about the possibility
of selling a bunch of records and playing before many people for that
same reason.
JFH: What is the song "Saturn," about?
Ken: "Saturn" parallels the belief in the rings around Saturn without having
seen them, to the faith in God in what He has promised, and that He is
working in us without seeing Him physically, and that kind of thing. Like
a radical, simple faith no matter what the circumstances.
JFH: What inspired "Promise Blender?"
Ken: "Promise Blender" is John's testimony of making promises to God, but He sees
all we do and knows we can't keep our promises. He takes them in His mercy
and mixes them up in Himself.
JFH: My parents are in their forties and they really like Skillet. Does Skillet's appeal to an older crowd surprise you?
Ken: I think Skillet has an appeal to all ages because we cross so many styles
and sing and play with passion about Jesus--something all Christian
audiences are looking for.
JFH: How important do you think it is for fans of Christian music
to attend Christian concerts?
Ken: Christian concerts that have redeeming value are essential to Christians.
These are the artists that can affect, change, encourage, and move us
and say all we want to say and teach us how to worship. It's very important
if the concert is glorifying God.
JFH: Are you guys working on any new material for your next album? (Any word on a possible release soon?)
Ken: We are working on the next record. We have four songs done. One called "Whirlwind"
will be out in October on the WWJD CD. Our CD will be out next spring.
JFH: What's your favorite movie?
Ken: My fave movie is The Mission, John's is Braveheart, Trey's is Dances with
Wolves.
JFH: The Jesus freak Hideout site was started out of appreciation
for good Christian music. We've set a goal to try to use the site to
spread Christian music, as well as God's Word, & show others how great
Christian music can be. Do you listen to Christian music? If so, what
bands?
Ken: We listen to Christian music a lot. My faves are Black Eyed Sceva, Charlie
Peacock, Choir, Switchfoot... Trey likes Smalltown Poets, John listens to
Skillet and Russ Taff
JFH: I really appreciate your taking the time out of your busy schedule to
answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?
Ken: Worship fully!
