The Obelisk Questionnaire: Karen O’Connor of The Lucid Furs
Posted in Questionnaire on November 23rd, 2021 by JJ Koczan
The Obelisk Questionnaire is a series of open questions intended to give the answerer an opportunity to explore these ideas and stories from their life as deeply as they choose. Answers can be short or long, and that reveals something in itself, but the most important factor is honesty.
Based on the Proust Questionnaire, the goal over time is to show a diverse range of perspectives as those who take part bring their own points of view to answering the same questions. To see all The Obelisk Questionnaire posts, click here.
Thank you for reading and thanks to all who participate.
The Obelisk Questionnaire: Karen O’Connor of The Lucid Furs
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
If you would have told 20 year old me if I thought I would end up singing on stage in front of a crowd, I wouldn’t have believed you. I puked after trying out for a solo in high school choir. My first involvement with the music scene was doing event booking and then screen printing t-shirts for bands. At that time I only sang to my dog, almost never publicly unless I had too many drinks.
I was asked to join my first band, Karmic Lava, after doing karaoke at a party, “White Rabbit” I think. I tried to back out of it but my friend Rob Cedar razzed me until I finally caved and came to my first band practice. I am very glad that he did. After a few live shows I came out of my shell. The music was good, just not really what I wanted to play and I didn’t have much of a hand in writing. Two years later, I left the project and began seeking out musicians to form my own, that project turned into The Lucid Furs. I still work for musicians as a printer and try to show my support to anyone who puts themselves out there, knowing how much courage and hard work it takes.
Describe your first musical memory.
When I was a kid my grandparents had this huge antique reed organ in their living room. Spent lots of my time pretending I was playing it while watching Lawrence Welk reruns on public TV. I vividly remember the day I realized I was finally tall enough to reach the foot pumps from the bench.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
In 2018, we played a show at World Famous Kenton Club in Portland. Not a particularly packed gig but, the energy in the room was radiant. As I got off stage I was stopped by a woman, who informed me that we had just played her wedding reception. Their previously reserved spot had double booked, so they moved it to our show spur of the moment. They were super cool, we took some pictures with them, hooked them up with some merch and a round. I’m not much for ceremonies but it did feel nice to participate in a momentous life event of a stranger.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
My beliefs are continually being tested and that’s a good thing. I am too new to this world to permanently dig my heels in.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
A sense of inner peace and enhanced self worth.
How do you define success?
I only ever really set loose goals. Having a rigid definition for success always brought out the avarice in me. Right now the goal is simply to continue writing and touring with my three best friends. Continue pushing forward expanding the band’s horizons and making new connections with potential partners.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
The US political atmosphere between the years 2016 and now.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I’d like to create a communal working space, not just my band but other bands from my area. There has always been a lack of functional private secure spots for musicians here, now more so than ever after the pandemic.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Comradery and connecting people from other walks of life.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I made sure our tour route landed us near SC on our Monday off so I can stop in Hilton Head Island and see my Grammy. She’s 95 years old, sharp and a tack, very sweet and a riot at happy hour.
http://www.facebook.com/thelucidfurs
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https://thelucidfurs.bandcamp.com/
www.argonautarecords.com
www.facebook.com/ArgonautaRecords
