The Obelisk Questionnaire: Tony Reed of Mos Generator & Big Scenic Nowhere
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: Tony Reed of Mos Generator & Big Scenic Nowhere
—
How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
“Make Music Daily” are the words I live by and it’s very rare day when I don’t live up to this. I’ve very fortunate and blessed in my life to always have the support of people around me who have recognized and believed in my passion for music. It started with my parents and grandparents from a very early age. I’ve made a living at it for most of my adult life thanks to very hard work and the wonderful people that support what I do.
Describe your first musical memory.
Some of my memories aren’t really my memories. They are stories that my mom has told me about my obsession with the record player and stealing a “Nights in White Satin” 45 from K-Mart when I was 4. My first real musical turn on that I can remember was the album Rock Power. It was a compilation album released by Ronco in 1974. An amazing compilation and very diverse. I still listen to it regularly.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
I’ve done a lot of very cool things with music in my life but what I think what I enjoy most is watching my son play. He is a very talented multi-instrumentalist with a great amount of passion. I’m satisfied by the pride I feel when I go see him play. I know that is not one musical memory but it is something I hold dear.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
When I refused to shake the hand of a person whose belief system was something I strongly disagreed with. This caused me a few years of “watching my back.”
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
I only know that I’m getting better with age and that is something I would have never imagined when I was in my twenties or even thirties. I’m learning not only how to become a better musician and songwriter but I’m also learning how to convey certain emotions in my music. Emotions that I barely understand myself but need to exorcize them through lyrics and music. As I get older I feel that this is becoming more important to me. The music I am working on now is the most honest music I’ve ever made.
How do you define success?
When I was young success meant making records and playing in stadiums. Tour buses, lots of amps and guitars, etc. Over the years I’ve found that all I want now is an honest connection with the listener. I want people to take the time to understand what I’ve been through. I’m sure that most of the people listening can relate to the feeling and emotions inside the music and lyrics.
That being said, I feel like the people that listen to the music I make do take the time to look deeper into what’s there. When I get messages about how my music has had an impact on somebody, that is the payoff. I have made quite a few records and done a lot of touring over the years so I can say that I have achieved a bit of my teenage definition of success but I’ve also succeeded in building something that is just as satisfying as all of the “Rock Star” stuff.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Some of my own actions that have hurt others.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A soul-funk album.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To me art/music is true freedom. It is escapism for some and for others it is life. For me it is about leaving a legacy. My work will be around long after I’m dead and I hope will continue to be recognized long after I’m gone. This is not a new or original concept at all but the older I get, the more I realize that this is my line of thinking and that kind of thinking fuels my creative process.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Driving. I’m driving down to play a show with Big Scenic Nowhere in Yucca Valley in November and I’m looking forward to taking all of the old highways to get there. I like the back roads.
http://www.facebook.com/MosGenerator
https://www.instagram.com/mos_generator
http://www.mosgenerator.bandcamp.com
https://heavyheadsuperstore.storenvy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bigscenicnowhere/
https://www.instagram.com/bigscenicnowhere/
https://bigscenicnowhere.bandcamp.com/releases
https://bigscenicnowherestore.bigcartel.com/
