The Obelisk Questionnaire: Matt Orloff of Near Dusk
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: Matt Orloff of Near Dusk
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
Well… The idea is to connect with the listener (live or on tape) thru personal experiences and the emotions that run with those. As Father Jimi said, “Get into the soul of a person.”
Describe your first musical memory.
My first musical memory is getting stoked on “Puttin on the Ritz” by Taco. I remember thinking how weird and silly of a song it was. Oh also every time I saw my friend’s guitar. I tried to steal it every time. I was likely only two years old in both cases.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Other than hearing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” hit for the first time… I think my favorite was proposing to my wife at Viretta Park next Kurt Cobain’s old house.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Only every time I try to describe Democratic Socialism. Gat dayum people trip on that term.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Pushing always ends up in some sort of genius. If at the very least lands you in some originality. It can also lead to the eternal battle of vulnerability and safe you feel being seen for who you really are. (shiver)
How do you define success?
Achieving any goal you set forth to do. Big or small. My early days as a nightclub DJ I measured success on if I could afford a plasma TV. Hahaha. I still can’t afford one. But I did score a broken one from the side of the road. It was riddled with fractured solder joints. Reflowed everything and now it works perfectly. Still hanging on my wall. 60 some odd inches. Lol.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
A lot of death. Things you can’t unsee you know? But… It has changed my perspective on life, so it’s been inherently positive.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
Musically… Something that can stir the kind of emotions and vibe that were present in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. With a tinge of the early ‘70s.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
It’s everything. It’s the spice of life. I can’t imagine how incredibly dull life would be without creative expression via chosen media.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Running a working ranch. City Slicker riding horses and bringing back generator parties.
https://www.facebook.com/Nearduskband
https://www.instagram.com/near_dusk/
https://neardusk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/goldenrobotrecords/
https://www.instagram.com/goldenrobotrecords/
https://goldenrobotrecords.com/
