The Obelisk Questionnaire: Adam Sage of Sonolith
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 Sage of Sonolith
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
First and foremost I’m a bass player. It’s what I love and will continue to be that until I die or my hands fall off, whichever comes first. I’ve never stopped learning and growing on my instrument and I’m truly in love with the feeling I get when I know I’ve done my job properly, both live and in the studio. Admittedly though, I first picked up a bass due to that now age old cliché. When my friends and I started our first band at the age of 12 I played drums… beating on an old Olympic kit from the 50s with a pair of vacuum extensions.
Until another friend joined who was immediately better (and also had real sticks). The other guys: “Sage, all that’s left for you is bass.” Me: “Fine, I’ll do it, ugh.” But something about it felt right immediately and I never looked back. I also have an intense interest in mixing/mastering and have had the privilege of working in that capacity as well as providing basslines for various projects over the last several years.
Describe your first musical memory.
My first musical memory is seeing B.B. King at 5. I don’t remember him actually up on stage playing but I do remember the feeling I got being there… wonder and excitement. I’ve been chasing that dragon ever since.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
This question is tougher than it should be. I have so many “best” memories. The B.B. King experience, playing Psycho fest with Demon Lung (what an amazing feeling of camaraderie that show was), getting a genuine chuckle out of one of my musical heroes when I randomly ran into Geezer Butler and cheesily told him “thanks for the music” and that “I’ve been badly trying to rip your basslines off since I was 10.”
And of course proposing to my wife, whom I called onstage during a show, under the guise of thanking her for all her efforts in helping organize the holiday canned food drive that the concert was highlighting. The show also happened to be at a strip club. Fun times.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I find that my personal beliefs are simply just best educated guesses based on all of life’s experiences to date. An invaluable tool when looking at any new subject/challenge. But what do we really know? We know nothing. Right? Mental malleability is the best baseline to operate from and for me accumulated knowledge, coupled with openness, equal personal growth. My beliefs are challenged all the time, and I love it.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
This question ties into the last one in that without that openness no artist can ever grow. And hopefully from that something will be created that’s never been heard, seen, or experienced before.
How do you define success?
I usually don’t define success through money… although hey, when that happens, I’ll take it. As long as I know I did the best job I could and everyone is happy then I consider that a success. I’m speaking musically, but that could really be applied to anything.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Years ago I attended an autopsy for a class while I was on mushrooms…jk, that was awesome. Being involved in pet rescue I’ve seen many beautiful stories and equally horrific ones. I’ll spare the gory details but the depths people will go to neglect and abuse their ‘pets’ is just abhorrent.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I’m going to take the easy way out of this one and jokingly not jokingly say… a mix that I’m 100 percent happy with every time I listen back.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To intrigue, to challenge, to give perspective, to evoke an emotional response, to give a window to someone else’s human experience.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
My wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and we have a tough road ahead of us. But after we finish kicking this disease in its ass I look forward to being out there again traveling and living life together. And of course (sorry to bring music into this question) back to raising hell at shows.
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