Hatesex, a curiously named goth rock band based in Los Angeles formed in 2003. Their style calls to mind a musical meeting of the minds between Andrew Eldritch and Robin Zander.

"We are basically a two person band, though we recruit others for live performances. I play guitar and handle the programming," says Benn Ra. "Krisanna Marie is the vocals. We released our first album in 2005 on the Dark Dimensions label based in Germany. We are currently in pre-production for our second. I would say that we are goth rock, though I think I found a new term for our music-- powergoth."

He says this last part with a chuckle (lest you think he is gloomy because of the goth label).

Ra says that on the band's first record he used Acid but since then he has changed software.

"I have since migrated to Reason. I find it much easier to work with." says Ra.

His guitars include a custom built Telecaster (it is entirely black as you might imagine). He also has a1994 Ibanez Iceman and a Fernandes Ravelle Deluxe.

The Iceman is an interesting guitar. It came out in the mid 1970s and was made for just shy of decade (last models were made in 1983). Initially it was an attempt by Ibanez to differentiate their guitars from Gibson and Fenders. Many had accused them of making knock offs. There was even a lawsuit (which Ibanez won). No one, however, could think the Ibanez Iceman was a knock off. It had, to put it mildly, an original body style. In 1994 Ibanez started reissuing the Iceman.

The Fernandes Ravelle Deluxe is another funky shaped electric with a fine pedigree.

Then there are the Hatesex effects pedals--Ra only uses a couple but when you use these you do not need a ton. Keeping it relatively simple with units that offer multiple effects can be a good way to go.

"I use a Vox Tonelab for all tone and effects. I really like this unit mainly because it has a double chorus effect," says Ra. "For bass I use the Line 6 Bass Pod XT Live."

There is a double-sided question Gearwire often asks musicians--because pretty much every musician can relate. One is; is there a piece of gear you used to have that you wish you could have back and the other is; is there some piece of new gear you do not have but want. Ra had an answer to both.

When it came to formerly owned gear he says there are many but he narrows it down.

"I had a Gibson Flying V bass once that I still wish I had. An Epiphone Scroll, 1976 Fender Jazz Bass, and my 1982 Ibanez Destroyer," he says. "Oh well. Mainly I miss them for sentimental reasons."

As far as the new gear he also has a couple of answers.

"I am going to need a bass soon and I am looking at the Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass--mainly because I like the way it looks and it has the Jazz/Precision pickup combo. " says Ra. "I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a Roland JC 120. I think that it would fit my tone and also give me the flexibility of a clean tone."

Next up for Hatesex is recording their new CD. They hope to get to Europe after that to tour.