Interview with Huntress-Jill Janus
Huntress recently dropped their new album “Static” and Mick Birchall had a few questions for the vocalist, Jill Janus. Read on as they discuss the new album and production process, heavy metal fans and women in heavy metal.
Mick: With the release of your new album “Static”, what do you think sets this apart from the previous Huntress albums?
Jill: Static is the heaviest and catchiest Huntress album, it’s also the most personal, lyrically.
Mick: Could you tell us a bit about the production and creative process of “Static”?
Jill: I wanted to write and record one album a year for the first three years since signing with Napalm Records. We keep getting amazing tour opportunities, and this can be difficult with scheduling. We chose to record the album between touring with Arch Enemy and Amon Amarth, and we chose producers Paul Fig and Jim Rota because we wanted a more accessible sound.
Mick: Why was “Flesh” chosen as the single to advertise the album? Personally I felt that “Noble Savage” was the more effective song on the album.
Jill: “Flesh” was chosen as the first single by every band member, our producers, manager and record label. Everyone agreed this was the first single. It really represents Huntress with dark imagery and sexually driven lyrics. I love “Noble Savage” yet feel “Flesh” makes more sense as a single.
Mick: What do you enjoy most about writing songs?
Jill: It’s cathartic and healing for me. Writing music keeps me out of trouble!
Mick: Why do you think the Huntress fan base, or heavy metal fans in general, are so loyal?
Jill: Heavy metal fans are loyal because we all possess a sadness and darkness that average human beings can’t comprehend. Together we aren’t so lonely.
Mick: What do you feel is the biggest difference between American/Canadian audiences and the crowds in the UK and Europe?
Jill: Not much is different. I find that people who love metal are very much alike.
Mick: What is your opinion on the rise of women in heavy metal, and not just as vocalists?
Jill: Most women aren’t brutal and they just don’t belong in metal. Many women take the easy route by wearing corsets and singing “easy listening metal” in symphonic metal bands. I’m not a fan of female fronted bands and I feel embarrassed to be a woman in metal sometimes. I do self-loath and I can be very annoying. I understand that women can change the perception of heavy metal, but telling us to stop will only make us want to destroy your world more. That’s the nature of a woman. Just ignore us, you’ll have more luck.
Mick: Do you enjoy any music outside of heavy metal?
Jill: I love ABBA!!!
Mick: What do you personally enjoy outside of playing music and touring, during your downtime?
Jill: Nature and animals bring me so much joy. I like make crystal jewellery on long drives in the tour van. But I really don’t have downtime. Huntress takes all my focus.
Mick: Finally, what is the hardest thing personally you have had to overcome and how did you overcome it?
Jill: I recently had a hysterectomy to remove cancer from my uterus, I’m still recovering from surgery but I’m now cancer-free. That was brutal. Probably the hardest thing I’ve overcome.
Mick: We at Valkyrian wish you a fast and 100% recovery! Thanks for your time and keep it up!
Valkyrian Music 
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