Skillet is a new modern rock group who debuted last year with their self-titled release in October. Skillet's making waves & cooking up a storm in the music scene & can be heard on all Christian rock stations across the nation! Their guitarist, Ken Steorts recently made time to answer some questions.  

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!