The Obelisk Questionnaire: Justin Daniels of Solace
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: Justin Daniels of Solace
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
Speaking on behalf of what Solace does, probably just like every other band we try to avoid being defined by a specific genre. As a band we pull from so many influences. It’s hard to describe something you’re so close to and intimate with. It means so much more than “If you like Sabbath and heavy music you’ll probably dig us”. But that’s always the simplest go-to for me.
Describe your first musical memory.
Motown, George Benson & Stevie Wonder were the constant soundtrack of my early childhood. But the earliest memory of me actually paying attention to music is probably the Genesis ST (shapes) album. My best friend’s mom had the LP and we would spin it over and over. Pretending to get shot every time Phil Collins belted “BANG BANG BANG” in “Just a Job to Do.”
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Crying to Pink Floyd in a tour van in the Highlands of Scotland. My father had passed away earlier that year after a long, hard fight with cancer. He’d been really into the fact that I was in a band and as we drove through that beautiful, overcast landscape of lonely meadows and mountains, “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” setting the mood, I wished he could see me.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Justice. Everyday I see how unfair and hypocritical the world can be. I believe in justice but I see how unequal it truly is.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
You have to continue to be inspired. If the spark dies and need to create doesn’t touch you anymore why continue? Money? Expectation? There’s no artistry in that. Progressing as an artist, to me, means searching out new experiences and learning new things. That’s what keeps the fire alight.
How do you define success?
In music specifically I think success is getting the opportunity to share your creation with people who feel something from it. People connecting with your music, whether it be live or a recording. I feel successful because I’ve gotten to go places and meet people and experience parts of the world that if I’d lived an “ordinary” life I probably wouldn’t have.
Playing guitar has always been my solace. As a confused and angry young man I’d gotten myself into trouble and ended up doing prison time. Fortunately for me I was able to play guitar over those years of incarceration. Success to me is having been able to go from that low point to joining a band and getting to make records and tour. I never thought I’d have that opportunity after such a rocky start to adulthood. I feel blessed and am thankful.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Death. Abuse. My little brother in a casket.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I’ve toyed with the idea of writing an autobiography but just typing those words just made me cringe. Who am I really? Why would anyone care? The idea makes me feel narcissistic and self absorbed.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To inspire. To evoke a feeling or thought.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
…
https://www.facebook.com/SolaceBand/
https://diedrunk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bluesfuneral
https://www.bluesfuneral.com/
Solace is genius, has been from the first Album. An undiscovered jewel, way too underrated IMO. So much depth, so intense. I saw one show in Holland, in another life. That’s not close to enough.
I thought they perished twice, but they came back (twice). Please keep going, dobt give up. And write that autobiography, you must have a story to tell. News songs and hopefully live shows in the future.
“… I wished he could see me.” He saw you bro. He’s proud as hell at the life you’ve built. Write the damn book! I love you!