The Obelisk Questionnaire: Jim Healey of Blood Lightning, We’re All Gonna Die, Etc.
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: Jim Healey of Blood Lightning, Set Fire, We’re All Gonna Die, Etc.
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I am a singer, guitarist and songwriter. I’ve been in a bunch of bands and my newest one is Blood Lightning.
I came to music probably the same way a lot of people did. My dad was really into music and had a decent/weird record collection that he was always playing. Depending on the day, we’d hear anything from The Righteous Brothers to The Beatles, the Moody Blues, Roy Orbison, Roger Whitaker, Bee Gees, Sandy Nelson etc. We had a couple of acoustic guitars kicking around in the house (although my parents weren’t musicians) so I would always try to bang around on those. My Dad showed my brother and I a remedial version of the “Satisfaction” riff on one of the acoustics one day at that was it. He got us electric guitars and drums from the Sears catalog the next Christmas, and I never looked back.
Describe your first musical memory.
I remember listening and dancing around to the old 45’s from my parents. My brother and I had a small Sears record player, and we would spend afternoons just playing through as many of these 45’s as we could. “A Taste of Honey” by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass was a favorite.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
There are many, but I would have to say We’re All Gonna Die touring Ireland in 2007 opening for Diamond Head. We were just three dopes from Boston, and we were received and treated well. Definitely a high-water mark for touring.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I find that in the current political climate, this is an everyday occurrence.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Artistic progression leads to being a better artist. I think the more you strive to be better player, singer or writer, the more “doors” that will open in your creativity.
How do you define success?
“Success” has been a moving target over the years. I find that now, I must be content to write and release music the I like and am proud of and just hope that someone vibes with it. Over the years, the best feeling has always been that one person who comes up to me after a show and tells me that they get it.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
The heavy answer is my Dad dying.
The light answer is Chris Cornell releasing a dance album.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I’d like to write a perfect album. I figured with all the downtime from the pandemic that I could have started on my The Dark Side of the Moon, but that hasn’t quite panned out yet.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
I believe art should convey emotion. Regardless of the medium, I feel that it’s the emotional response to art that keeps the world alive and moving forward.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to my family being able to hang together for the holidays this year.
I’m also really looking forward to The Matrix 4.
https://www.facebook.com/bloodlightning
https://bloodlightning.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzK8wKH5BET_4DWg_2Hp3hw
https://www.facebook.com/JimHealeySolo/
http://www.jimhealey.net/
https://jimhealey1.bandcamp.com/
