Hellcats-Chat About Jim Beam Welcome Sessions, Story Of the Band And How They Really Got Their Name
Interview by Duzzy Clayton
Intro
Hellcats is a two-piece band with Alessandro Benigno on vocals and drums and Warwick Rautenbach on guitar.
The band is amazing especially when playing live, even though they are a two-piece band, they bring as much energy as a four or five-piece band. The band are part of the Jim Beam welcome sessions, so we chat to the band about Jim Beam Welcome sessions and we also get to know the band a bit better
Enjoy the read
Questions
Hi guys, welcome Fanbase Music Magazine, before we get to know more about your band , how are you doing with COVID, is the band and your families been safe?
Hey thank you so much for having us!!! We are all doing fine thank you, just pushing on through these unprecedented times.
Did you do the whole online streaming gigs thing that seemed to take off when we were on lockdown and weren’t allowed to do venue gigs?
We did indeed! We only did one as we felt there was only a need to do it once, we felt like rather doing a great one and that’s it, we had put a lot of time and effort into it, and it was a major success. As they say “one and done” lol!
How long have you been going as a band?
We have been a band for 7 years, but we did play together in a four piece prior to Hellcats, which in turn turned into Hellcats today.
Can you tell us a bit about each band member and what each member does in the band?
We sure can, myself (Alex) I play the drums and I sing as well in the band, I never used to sing but somehow I found my way into a band doing both hahaha! Warwick is the guitarist and the only other member of our band, we are a two piece as you know. Wick started out playing in a band before Hellcats as the guitarist and landed up being a front man/guitarist instead.
You are a duo band that has a drummer that sings, which I think is great, how is it being in a two-piece band with this kind of elements within the band compared to a 4-piece or a 5-piece band, I have seen you live and you definitely have loads of energy, do you feel it is harder to make up for the energy that a band that has more people to play other instruments would be?
We certainly are! In terms of playing in a two piece, it’s actually easier because there’s only two dudes and we really get each other, we don’t have to worry about others doing their job, but it can be a double-edged sword because if either of us makes mistakes it’s extremely noticeable.
What is the story behind the band name Hellcats, how did it come about?
Normally we will give an embellished answer because it sounds amazing but in truth, the name came about when I was messing around with those old styrofoam planes we used to get as kids, and the one was called a Hellcat, and that’s pretty much how it became our name.
For readers who don’t know the genre of your band yet, how would you describe your sound?
Hard rock n roll. We’re both are very 70s influenced, so I think that comes through a lot.
What are some of the bands and influences that some of the band members have?
Haha, where do we begin! So the likes of Death from above, Led Zeppelin, Graveyard, Bowie, George Michael, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Royalblood the list goes on and on …
You are a part of the Jim Beam Welcome sessions, first can you explain what is the Jim Beam Welcome sessions, and how has it been being a part of it all?
The Jim Beam Welcome Sessions are bringing really cool indie bands to their fans. It’s about getting together and enjoying great music and awesome performances.
Jim Beam’s South African YouTube channel
#JimBeamWelcomeSessionsSA #AllTogetherForTheMusic
#JimBeam #JimBeamSA #JimBeamWelcomeSessions
Where can people get tickets to attend one of the shows?
They can follow our Facebook page/Hellcats, all the info is there. Or click HERE to get tickets. We’ll be performing at Hell’s Kitchen (Johannesburg) on the 23rd of July, we hope to see everyone there, it’s a free show but you still need to get your tickets from Quicket.
Do you have any music out and where can people check it out?
We are on all social and streaming platforms Spotify/apple music etc type the name and you will find us there , we have one current studio album called Hex and the Healer ,as well as our EPKs.
Do you have any new music in the pipeline we should check out?
Funny you should say that as we just wrapped up our music video for our new track called Sugar Witch will be released with the music video, so soon we will have new content!
When you are writing music, can you explain the process, do you do the lyrics first and build a song around that or do you come up with the instrumentals music first?
So basically we will jam and if something sounds good we will jump on it and see if can progress, we make music together extremely quickly, so mostly it will be instruments first with vocal melody will follow.
Can you explain a typical band room practice to us?
Loud !!!!!!!!!!hahahahahahah!!!!
For readers that haven’t seen you play live yet, can you explain what a Hellcats gig is like?
It’s a bit like having the best time of your life, while falling down a hill and waking up like wth just happened!
You have opened up big name bands such as Seether and Incubus, how was it to open for acts like that and what kind of preparation goes into these kind of shows?
We have been extremely fortunate to open up for some of the biggest international acts. I think the initial excitement is what gets you first, but then it’s work as usual – shows like those are extremely draining and taxing on you physically and mentally so it’s really important to be professional and get in early nights and no drinking etc, rest is key!!!!
Can you give us your social media please?
Facebook:hellcats
Instagram:hellcatsband
Twitter :hellcatsband1
Thank you for doing this interview, do you have any last messages for our readers and your fans?
Thanks so much for having us it was a blast! I think just everybody stay safe, be kind and spread the love and rock n roll forever!
Social Media Links:
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