The Obelisk Questionnaire: Shawn Pelata of Vøuhl
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: Shawn Pelata of Vøuhl
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
For now, I’ll only speak of the Vouhl project since it’s the only one that’s both public and active. Vouhl is my own, personal dark music project.
I’ve been singing in bands and on project albums for over 30 years at this point, but nearly all of them have been me singing over music other people gave me. Sometimes I would contribute lyrics and write the melody lines and vocal arrangements, other times I would simply sing what I was given.
With Vouhl, I wanted to do something that was 100% my own. The irony is that I do everything BUT sing on it. There are no actual vocals. Musically, I’d ascribe words like cinematic, post-metal, dark, droning. There’s bass, keyboards, drums, loops, samples. I recorded it and mixed it myself. I built everything around percussion/rhythm ideas and just tried my best to create a vibe. It was mastered by Martin Bowes of UK darkwave lords Attrition.
Describe your first musical memory.
When I was about four, I had a step-uncle who was a teenager. He was also a huge Kiss fan. He had loads of giant (to a four-year old) Kiss posters, black light posters, etc. He always called me his favorite nephew, which is odd considering he loved to scare the shit out of me. He would close his bedroom door, turn on his black lights, blast “God Of Thunder” on his turntable and I would literally scream like I was in a horror movie. I think I loved it.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
I did not grow up going to a ton of live shows. It’s something I have tried to make up for in my adult years. In 1999, I went to Ozzfest for the sole purpose of seeing the reunited, original Black Sabbath lineup. Slayer was a bonus, but I was there for Sabbath. The entire show was great, in my opinion. However, there’s a moment I will never forget for as long as I live.
When Sabbath began to play its eponymous, signature song I became completely mesmerized. When the heavy part kicked in before the verses, and when Master Iommi struck that third chord on the tri-tone riff, it was SO loud and SO heavy my clothing vibrated! No joke! I could feel it in my toes! It was absolutely glorious!
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I have had beliefs that, at one time, were firmly held. However, over time and continuous tests, many of them have fallen to the sword of logic and reality. Some would say that letting go of a once firmly-held belief is the same as failing. I don’t see it that way at all. When one has a strong belief that is tested, it should be treated the way science treats a theory. When it’s tested, weigh those tests. Compare the new evidence or new viewpoint with your current viewpoint. Be open to the possibility of being wrong. That’s where growth comes from. Learning that, not only can you BE wrong about things, but that many times you ARE wrong about things and have to adjust is what stimulates growth, wisdom, and well-being.
Clinging to any belief in the face of obvious logic, fact and experience is tantamount to superstition at a certain point; Belief no matter what. It serves no purpose other than to hold one back from growing into a better self.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
I think it leads, or it should lead, to more honest art. I think most, if not all artists begin by emulating. Trying to create the thing that pleases and inspires them. Some stay there, some feel that satisfaction plateau and have to move forward in order to continue to be happy creating. That pursuit, in my opinion, is honesty.
How do you define success?
Being happy with whatever you’re doing.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
This is the most difficult question. After much thought, I honestly cannot think of a single thing. I wanted to reply with something funny like “Jason Mamoa’s Aquaman movie” or “Half an episode of The Masked Singer”, but I’m not that funny. There are, however, things that exist that I wish I was completely unaware of… like The Masked Singer and the Aquaman movie.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A musical project that is 100% by me but has vocals/singing. I’ve never done that.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To inspire. Whether it’s inspiring further art and future artists, inspiring some level of personal growth in the one experiencing the art, or inspiring enjoyment within the creator of that art, I think that’s the function of art.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Retirement. Ha! Not from creating music, but from the daily grind. I’m about 10-12 years out at this point, but I can see it on the horizon. Bring it on, because the less time I have to give to a job, the more time I’ll have to travel with my wife, take naps, and create music.
https://www.facebook.com/vouhlisvouhl
https://vouhl.bandcamp.com/album/v-uhl
https://www.facebook.com/stonegrooverecords/
https://www.stonegrooverecords.net/
