The Obelisk Questionnaire: Scott Simpson of Hemlock Branch & Opium Doom Cult
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: Scott Simpson of Hemlock Branch & Opium Doom Cult (Ex-Beneath Oblivion)
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
What I do now, is Hemlock Branch, which could most accurately be defined as gothic rock, or doomgaze, maybe? We don’t really think about what direction we’re trying to take, or what our songs will sound like, or where we fit. We just write music we like, and it has many broad, and probably unexpected influences. That includes all things dark, hypnotic, and introspective; so then you add amps! I came to this point through years of playing sludge and funeral doom music that consisted of 20-minute songs, but started learning to be a better singer over the pandemic, writing two-minute songs instead, and jamming with this crew of awesome people I’m proud to call my bandmates.
Describe your first musical memory.
Hmm. Probably making my own Halloween tapes in real early childhood, but also my mother’s Rolling Stones records, then later discovering her Steppenwolf and Cream albums, and so on…
Describe your best musical memory to date.
A lot of the cool musical milestones I made when Beneath Oblivion was active. There were many good ones, but a memory that sticks with me was a fairly dismal show in Salem, MA, when Jeff Hayward from Grief was in attendance, dooming the fuck out to our set, then drinking with us till closing time afterwards… I’ve got lots of good Wino memories, but those are probably too wild to talk about.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
When Beneath Oblivion was robbed in Little Rock, years ago. Eventually, most of everything was returned through our L.R. friends/bands/music community, who I’m ever-grateful for; but the act of being ripped off changed the way I felt about everything and still gives me PTSD.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
New genres, new approaches, new risks, while refining what you already have been doing.
How do you define success?
Lots of money. Gluttony; I’m talking like one of those chocolate fountain deals used for wedding receptions, but filled with Cincinnati-style chili, and a massive cheese coney buffet after every show. And having people to do all of my hard work for me.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
I saw a homeless person taking a shit by the side of the road on my way home from work. I could’ve done without that.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
Soundtrack music!
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
I’d say therapy, catharsis, expression, and feeling good all seem to fit under one tent, and that’s what purpose art serves to me… But it is also for protest, for bringing attention to issues, testing boundaries of standards and taste. Art is subjective and that’s what is beautiful about it.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I [recently] receive[d] my graduate certificate in Historic Preservation. In 2022, I’ll have more architectural journalism pieces published, as well as a video documentary about modernism and preservation in Cincinnati through Modernnati.com. Though, all I can really think about is any day now, hearing a complete master by Doug White of the Hemlock Branch debut. He mastered two Beneath Oblivion records, and has a great ear so I’m looking forward to hearing what he does with this one. Also a new Opium Doom Cult record is on the way. Anyone who liked the 2020 release will love the new one.
https://www.facebook.com/hemlockbranch/
https://www.instagram.com/hemlock_branch_/
https://hemlockbranch.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/opiumdoomcult
http://www.opiumdoomcult.com/
https://opiumdoomcult.bandcamp.com/
