The Obelisk Questionnaire: Dave Chandler of Saint Vitus
In many ways, Dave Chandler and Saint Vitus are inseparable. You cannot have one without the other. Since founding the band as Tyrant in 1979, Chandler has been Vitus‘ principle songwriter and lyricist, presiding over some of American doom’s most essential works in albums like 1984’s Saint Vitus, 1986’s Born too Late and 1990’s V on SST and Hellhound Records. When Vitus were once again laid to rest after a 2003 reunion, Chandler formed Debris Inc. with Trouble‘s Ron Holzner on bass and a host of drummers, including Henry Vasquez, who’d later replace Armando Acosta in Vitus after they got together again in 2009 for a reunion that has, to date, stuck, resulting in tours around the world and their first studio outing since 1995’s Die Healing, the 2012 Season of Mist release Lillie: F-65 (review here), a tour de force of Vitus‘ trademark no-frills, no-letup doom that only served to demonstrate how many others in their wake have taken their influence but not managed to capture the same vibe — that’s not to say “magic” — that makes Saint Vitus wholly distinct in their approach.
In 2012, Vitus officially released the limited Marbles in the Moshpit, a former bootleg live album on vinyl, and they’ve worked with Scion A/V on two releases, 2012’s Live EP and a split single with The Casualties. A stage presence like none other, Chandler lives in New Orleans and reportedly has songs in progress for a follow-up to Lillie: F-65. As anyone who’s ever read his lyrics knows, he’s a master of word economy, and that’s as true as ever in his answers to The Obelisk Questionnaire.
The Obelisk Questionnaire: Dave Chandler
How did you come to do what you do?
I learned how to play music very young in grade school and it eventually progressed to rock and roll.
Describe your first musical memory.
Playing the coronet, small trumpet, in the grade school band.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
That would have to be when we headlined the second stage at Hellfest in 2009.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
When we stuck to our guns and played what we wanted during what we called “the punk rock wars” within the first two years when we were signed with SST. Eventually we gained the respect of the people that didn’t like us because we refused change.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
That depends on oneself, but in can lead to a betterment of what you create.
How do you define success?
If you are happy with what you are doing, regardless of what it is, and you are happy with your life… you are successful.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Dead bodies on the street.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
Our next album.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
The legalization of marijuana throughout the United States.
Tags: Dave Chander, Saint Vitus, Season of Mist, The Obelisk Questionnaire
That was shocking, hilarious and… just awesome to read. We share the same definition of success, like, word for word.
Fucking awesome!!