The Obelisk Questionnaire: Jim DeLuca of Abel Blood
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: Jim DeLuca of Abel Blood
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I am the drummer for the Stoner Rock/Heavy Psych band Abel Blood from New Hampshire. I was the vocalist in a nineties band No Thanks with my now guitarist/vocalist Adam Joslyn. We reconnected in the winter of 2019 only this time as the drummer. We realized quickly that we had something going and recruited our bass player Ben Cook in the fall of 2020 and Abel Blood was born. In march of 2021, we released our debut EP Keeping Pace with the Elephants.
Describe your first musical memory.
When I was 10, my half brother came to stay with my family for a brief period of time. things didn’t work out too well and upon his exit, he gave me his copy of Black Sabbath We Sold our Soul for Rock and Roll on vinyl. The first time I listened to it, I was blown away.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
It’s really hard to pinpoint one. As I stated earlier I am a huge Black Sabbath fan so naturally when Ozzy Osbourne went solo, I became a huge fan as well. In the 80’s I was obsessed with Ozzy. When I first saw him live in 1986, it was really something special. I remember the intensity of seeing an artist that had such a big impact on me. As an added bonus, Metallica opened for Ozzy and I was able to see the now legendary Cliff Burton.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I don’t mix politics with music, and I was never really exposed to religion growing up. But I guess at one point I believed that for the most part, mankind had evolved past our petty differences. With each passing day, I believe this less and less.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
To new horizons. I believe as we experience more, we raise our own bar and expectations. Always looking to reach the next level.
How do you define success?
Success I believe lies within the individual, not necessarily how we are perceived. If you love what you do, and you are happy with what you do, I deem that as a success.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
The 911 terrorist attack. It was a very dark day, not only in America, but for all of mankind. It showed what humans are capable of doing, and makes you think it could happen again anywhere in the world.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A music video of one of our songs. It sounds corny, but I’ve always dreamed of doing it. Working with a videographer and a producer. I just think it would be a cool experience.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Again, to expand someone’s horizons. The good feelings it gives people in a variety of forms. Art takes you away from the daily grind and reminds us of the beauty in the world.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Putting a man on Mars. How cool would that be!
https://www.facebook.com/AbelBlood603/
https://abelblood.bandcamp.com/
Great questions, great format and great band.
Great no nonsense answers from the heart.
“With each passing day, I believe this less and less” brilliant answer jimmy.