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The Obelisk Questionnaire: Adam Heinzmann

adam heinzmann

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: Adam Heinzmann of Foghound, Internal Void, and More

How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?

What I do. Interesting question. I suppose at the heart of it, I play music for the possibilities. To make myself happy, of course. If it makes other people happy, well that’s a huge bonus. But it’s the connection. That part that you can’t put into words. Because words can’t describe it. With bandmates, that first time you make eye contact and you KNOW they’re in the same space as you. With fellow musicians, kinda the same thing. Whether I’m playing or watching the band or we’re both watching the band. That look. It’s priceless.

How it came about?

My best friend, to this day, told me to buy a guitar. I was 15. Maybe a year later my best friend and two other good dudes got together a needed a bass player. So, we had some smoke and the three of them said ‘sell all your guitar stuff and buy a bass’. Damnation was formed and, here I am.

Describe your first musical memory.

There are so many. Which I don’t take for granted. And while not my first memory it’s certainly the one that truly kickstarted the journey I’m on. December 8th, 1980. Or rather first thing December 9th. I had just turned 10. The Beatles were one of my first loves, still are. I had already been listening to KISS and Queen and had just discovered Neil Young. I didn’t understand at the time why I felt the way I felt. I get it now. And I still feel the same sadness I felt that day.

Describe your best musical memory to date.

Hmmm… This one is tough. So many. But the two that pop into my head oddly enough happened in the same club. Different years. 2016 Internal Void at the MD Doom Fest. Our farewell show. It was everything I had hoped our finale would be. I miss that band.
Second. Foghound at the 2018 MD Doom Fest. Man. Honestly don’t know where to start. Still not sure I can.

When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?

This one has too many to choose from. I’ll go with this one. Got into a heated argument with a then old friend. It was about the reason I play music. He was insistent on stating that the only reason I don’t care for most ‘big bands’ is because I’m jealous of their fame and fortune. Metallica was his constant reference. I tried my best to correct him. The reason I play is for the love of the music and all that comes with it. If fame and fortune are part of that? Well awesome. I’m tired of having a day job LOL. But he wouldn’t back down. And he got increasingly hostile about ‘proving’ his point. While I don’t like conflict, I also won’t hesitate to tell someone to Fuck Off if it’s the right thing to do. I told him to Fuck Off. Haven’t seen or talked to him since. And that’s not a bad thing.

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

It leads you on the path you are making for yourself. If that path starts with your heart. You’ll love everything you create.

How do you define success?

Peace of mind. When you lay your head on the pillow, are you at peace? If you’re not, that’s ok. As long as your plan is to fix what is keeping you from your peace. It’s not always easy.

What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?

My Grandma Rosemary a few weeks before she passed. It devastated me. Stuck with me for a long time. Her funeral was the catalyst for my dislike of open casket funerals. I’m getting cremated.

Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.

A huge sanctuary. It would be fully staffed and fully funded. And it would take in all of the homeless dogs and cats in this country.

What do you believe is the most essential function of art?

To make someone say ‘WOW’ out loud. Think about it. Those moments stay with you. Not that grade on a test. Not that ‘atta boy’ you get from a boss. Art is meant to move you. And if it doesn’t move you, well it may move someone else. And that’s the beauty of art. One piece. One song. One poem. One of so many forms of artistic expression. If it makes just one person say ‘WOW!’ out loud. That’s all that matters.

Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?

Non-musical?

Attending the 105th Indianapolis 500 with my family and closest of friends. It’ll be my 35th 500.

Lastly. Setting myself up for the next 15 years. It involves a lot, obviously. But I’ve got a plan.

And finally. Thank you for this opportunity. I tend to go on a rant. I had to keep myself in check at times while answering these questions. Which is great. Good exercise for my brain and heart

https://www.facebook.com/foghoundbaltimore
http://foghound.net/
https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theripplemusic
http://www.ripple-music.com/

Foghound, “Turn Off the World”

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