The Obelisk Questionnaire: Eryka Fir from Coma Hole
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: Eryka Fir from Coma Hole
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I make music as a cathartic and meditative process. What I do now musically compared to what I was even doing three years ago is vastly different and it really is a product of an impulsive decision to switch instruments 10 years into playing guitar.
Describe your first musical memory.
One of my first musical memories that left an impact on me was when I picked up a guitar at 11 years old. I had a younger cousin with one of those crappy Walmart kid’s guitars and I brought it outside to play it on the swing set my aunt and uncle had. My uncle asked me if I liked playing it and if I wanted one for Christmas and I said yes.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
It was a show we played last May. 33 Golden Street is the place we played our first gig in 2019 and then COVID happened and they didn’t have gigs for over a year. We played a bill with our friend’s band Marvelous Liars and it was 33’s first gig since they closed back in 2019. The bar was absolutely flooded; two band bill, each band having an hour long set, it was incredible. I think everyone was itching to finally get back out again and see live music and the energy was crazy. It was the funnest show I’ve ever played, and definitely the most money we’ve ever made.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Growing up I felt I had a lot of doubt surrounding me regarding the musical path I wanted to pursue. People think unless you achieve celebrity status being an artist or musician is not a realistic career path and the lack of support I received from some of my teachers and some of the people very close to me only compounded with the insecurity I had about my own abilities. I’ve always known I’ve wanted to play and create music and that feeling has never changed, and I’m happy I didn’t allow others’ opinions to sway me into abandoning the things I’m truly passionate about.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Investing in yourself continually can only breed more success. I think it can open yourself up to developing more connections with people and the more people you make friends with the more insight you can gain about your artistry and life in general that you can apply to your craft.
How do you define success?
I’ve always felt the definition of success is subjective. Something you may consider successful for yourself may not be what someone considers success for themselves. Everyone has different passions and skill sets, and if you invest in yourself and find fulfillment in the goals you achieve then I consider that successful. It’s whatever makes you happy.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
The movie Tusk.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
Recently I decided to do more research into block printing. I haven’t block printed since middle school art class and I have had so many ideas for band merch and prints and it makes me feel like my artistic flame has been reignited by a new form of art after a long period of creative burnout.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
I think there’s two functions; one is it functions as a vessel to channel ideas and emotions through as a cathartic process for yourself. The other part is how others receive it and how it helps them process their emotions. Everyone enjoys art for a different reason, but as someone who listens to and also creates music I can think of numerous times where certain albums or songs spoke to me at a particular time in my life. Whether it’s associated with positive times or negative ones, they’ve left their imprint on me and either aided me through something difficult or inspired me to create music myself. It’s a reciprocal relationship and I like to think maybe the music I make for myself that helps me through my emotions can do the same for others at some point. Maybe something in the music I make will speak to someone the way other people’s music has spoken to me.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I cannot wait to go up to the White Mountains in New Hampshire this summer. I love camping and being out in nature, and I’m stoked to cook over an open fire, drink tequila, and go off kayaking or hiking.
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