The Obelisk Questionnaire: Anders Martinsgård of Black Solstice
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: Anders Martinsgård of Black Solstice
—
How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
Well, in this context I play guitar. I’m one of the guitarists and perhaps the main riff maker in Black Solstice and I also play lead guitar in Cobra Cult, which is perhaps a different matter. I started out learning playing the guitar rather late. It was just something that felt interesting to do when I was in my teens.
I didn’t do sports, I was thinking too much, reading to much, was too shy, but playing guitar got me another way to express myself. I didn’t realize that back then, but that got clearer later on in life. I’m more of a songwriter then a technical guitarist so I kind of talk through the riffs instead of my verbal voice. Nowadays after having releasing records in various band for the last 12 years, this is more of a musical environment where I want to maintain.
Describe your first musical memory.
A bit hard to say. I remember my mom playing Finnish tango records when I was a young kid. I remember when we bought our new LP player and my sister bought Simon and Garfunkel’s Live in Central Park. I guess I was around eight then. And Gullan Bornemark of course. And Pippi!
Describe your best musical memory to date.
There has been a quite few of them over the years. Some extraordinary shows, record deals, great reviews, surprisingly good riffs, etc. But I do remember an occasion at a party in high school when people realized that I could play guitar. And way better then most of them. That was a bit groundbreaking. And I do remember the first time I wrote something on the guitar that I knew that I liked. It was an astounding feeling and I always look for that feeling in my playing.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
In these times? I’m not an anti-vaxxer, that’s for sure!
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Hmm, I think it always leads you away from where you’re standing right now. I can’t write the same riffs or songs as I could 10-15 years ago. But at the same time the latest Black Solstice tracks where unthinkable earlier. Look at your favorite bands, none of those except for perhaps AC/DC and similar hasn’t evolved musically and artistically. I always used hate when my favorite bands changed their style or direction after a few records. But who wants to do the same thing over and over?
How do you define success?
Reaching break-even? It must be that. The moment when I actually don’t end up losing money. I’m not there yet and probably never will be. But that’s ok! On a personal level I guess it is a sign of some success to have to go to the post office to send a record to Australia!
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
I’m turning 50 in a couple of years, so I have of course been through both rain and sunshine. And during some periods it’s has been raining a lot. That’s for sure. What an adult answer.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
Be a part of the perfect recording session? I still have plans and goals. I would want to be in a surf band or a blues band at some point. I would like to record an instrumental album. I want to release a split 7″! How hard can it be?!
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Making people think. And make them reach out to their own feelings. And I do think that people in general should be more open and subject themselves to different kinds of art forms. It’s not bad art just because you don’t understand it. There’s usually always an interesting idea of momentum behind that can be acknowledged if you just take your time. But always remember that good art takes time.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Ah, the Christmas session is coming. I fucking love Christmas!
https://www.facebook.com/blacksolsticesthlm
https://www.instagram.com/blacksolsticesthlm
https://blacksolstice.bandcamp.com
https://www.blacksolstice.se
https://www.facebook.com/oziumrecords
https://www.instagram.com/ozium_records/
https://oziumrecords.bandcamp.com/
https://oziumrecords.com/
http://majesticmountainrecords.bigcartel.com
http://facebook.com/majesticmountainrecords
http://instagram.com/majesticmountainrecords
