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: Tom Denney of I Klatus & Tom Denney Art

—

How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?

The attempt is to create the heaviest expression. The desire to experience the heaviest expression has not been achieved. The frustration is in the continued attempts to capture the heaviest expression. It started before consciousness started. More of a destiny, or a magnetic tethering. The first expression was pre toddler smashing different cooking pots together to make the noises bend to the will. Then Tuba in grade school. The largest and most primal brass instrument. The amount of air your lungs could produce could generate tones, primal chaotic tones. When the air passed through the various curvatures of the brass pipe system, you could stagger the breath in combination with certain vocalizations to generate the alternating tones which would sound closer to animal. Like an elephant or large cetacean. Also the volume and vibration that would be caused in the room always fascinated.

From the age of 8-18 I was able to grow my lung power to the point that I could yield the tuba as a sonic weapon, creating sharp whipping noises that would create great amusement by the consternation of and within a football field radius. Which was often fun because we would actually perform at football fields, like the Orange Bowl in Florida. I would have to work with an assault line of other tuba players in order to project our internal lung capacity through the winding of the brass tubes over the combined voices of sixty thousand stadium goers.

Soon after that I traded in the tuba for bass guitar. Continuing to search for the sound until I finally got myself a Gibson six-string and proper mesa boogie full stack. Originally it was just noise that would clear out basement shows. Then it evolved. It continues, the search for the heaviest continues.

Describe your best musical memory to date.

Playing on a big stage next to your best friends while every one is in sync. Playing music with other people, there have been so many times where it crosses over into the mystical. To attempt to point out one experience isn’t really viable. To say that there is something very metaphysical to playing live music with other talented musicians, it is as close to eucharistic transcendental experience that you could hope for as a human. Outside of jumping out of a plane, jamming live and really getting into sync with people musically is as close as you can get to the thrill of the void. It taps into a deeper part of my being. It’s proof of the resonance of sound and psychic abilities. They call it “Intuitive Playing”.

When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?

…

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

Poverty.

How do you define success?

The ability to transmit a message and have it received by another participant.

What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?

…

Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.

I would like to create an animated series. Lots of colors and moving elements all set to music.

What do you believe is the most essential function of art?

To capture the imagination, hold it in place. It is to make permanent the flowing of ideas which pass through the mind. Like taking a snapshot into the imagination, which is in itself with the flow of the nature of the universe. Where do ideas come from? Where every thing else in nature comes from. The Void. Pondering the void can lead to existential breakdown for most workers. However the artist stands at the edge of this void, tethered by a single rope, leaning into the void to report back to the rest of the culture the changing tides and torrents of the void. A seed springs forth from the shadowy mud as a stalk of receiving, searching for the light. Most people only want to hear about the light, see pictures of it in advertisements, listen to other people conduct their opinions about the mater. Yet only the artist are compelled to explore it in person. The experience of which can either destroy you or make you whole. For it is the true spirit of man which feeds of art. It holds immense value.

It will be the only way we have to tell our story to future generations. Art is our only document of how our souls are currently surviving, impacted by the flow of creation, and living in the warm embrace of a central star that will eventually go supernova and destroy us in every sense. We look to the art to show us lifetimes beyond our own, possibilities of our seed passing on through the darkness of space into a never dying new form of awareness. Art is the life raft of our culture through the deafening sour void that is existence. Destruction and cosmic survival intertwined. Like coiled serpents flowing in unison into each other for all eternity. Art is the promise of a cosmic rebirth. Through sound, and vision and storytelling in all its forms and conjurations. The art and its creator is our truest form of magick. As everything emanates from the void of the mind firstly and then through skill and control, is transcribed onto paper or computer. Then the engineers set to crafting it and it is made real.

Every technological miracle mankind has achieved from the wheel to the space vehicles, it all started with the artist, transcribing the vision for others to follow. On the cave wall with charcoal or the corporate hi rises with light pens and holographic interface. It will always be the artist at the forefront of these unfoldments. A visionary artist is your best friend when it comes to conjuring and manifesting the unseen or impossible. The artist will find the way, the artist will build the path that leads to kingdoms built of knowing. Like the temple of prayer which all emperors are crowned upon was envisioned by an artist, hanging over the edge of the void. The realms of chaos and noise. From which he conjures something pure. Something that we all can interpret differently, and subscribe to and follow. Art is not a religion, it is THE RELIGION, which is called by many names. Its unfoldment will continue to astound us and lead us into the future. Through fashion and technology, and interpersonal relationships, art will continue to be the life raft that carries all the consciousness of humanity forward. Into the void of unknowing, and the retainment of the past.
Art is our only promise of immortality.

Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?

The Apocalypse

https://www.tomdenney.com/
https://instagram.com/tomdenney_art

https://iklatus.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/iklatus
https://twitter.com/i_klatus

https://deadsage.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/dead_sage_records
https://www.facebook.com/Deadsagerecords

I Klatus, Targeted (2022)

Cheers to Dayton, Ohio-based three-or-four-piece-depending-on-which-picture-you’re-looking-at No Balance for capturing how I’ve felt at precisely every party I’ve ever been to in their new video for “Zerotonin.” Consider the play on the naturally-produced chemical “seratonin” and you’ll have a better idea of where they’re coming from, perhaps. The band — who also write their name as NO balance, perhaps to emphasize the point — self-released their second EP, The Despondent, amid the climate of threat that was March 2020, and would seem to be using the clip premiering below as a part of their springboard back to activity. As it’s my first encounter with the band, I’m glad they did.

The EP — streaming near the bottom of the post — is comprised of three songs, of which “Zerotonin” is the first. In its blend of grit and well-balanced-in-the-mix vocal melody, one is reminded of Facelift-era Alice in Chains, but the tone in the guitar and bass layers is more purely modern-heavy, full in its low end and paced for maximal nod. No Balance, then, offer some balance sound-wise perhaps in spite of themselves. “Zerotonin” is a heavy groover, spacious enough to be deceptive in its efficiency as it smoothly moves into its first verse and into its earworm of a chorus. Interestingly, the video ends with the band, separate from the rest of the aforementioned party, jamming out in a room. I don’t know about you, but I like to think that speaks to a narrative of self-realization. They found, or made, their own party. That’s a happy ending, whatever chemicals one’s brain may or may not be manufacturing at the time.

A clever construction of words and songs alike continues through the sample-laced heavygaze roll of “Napathy,” which is the longest of the three cuts and crashes accordingly, and the closing “Night Mary,” which boasts a highlight dual-layer solo drawn out from No Balance‘s underlying doom influence. They call themselves a punk band, and I love that. They should play with punk bands and piss everyone in the room off. I hope they do, at least a couple times to live that experience. Or house shows. In any case, their style — cohesive and structured but dirty and searching for itself — is engaging across these three songs, especially as “Night Mary” picks up the momentum of “Napathy” and pushes onward to the EP’s end, showing more vocal range and a noisy depth to hold all that forward potential. Two years after the fact, The Despondent reaches out.

Where they go next I guess is up to them. Next month, hometown show. Link is under the player below, followed by some more background and the EP stream.

Enjoy:

No Balance, “Zerotonin” video premiere

Catch the band at Sideshow, Yellow Cab, Tavern, Dayton, Ohio, May 20: https://www.facebook.com/events/720398318880895/

No Balance is an alternative punk rock band from Dayton, OH. After forming in February 2019 No Balance started honing in on what became a trio of songs released in August of the same year titled “The Futile” EP. Fast forward to March 2020 on the brink of a global pandemic, they followed up with a self reflecting single “Zerotonin” off of “The Despondent” EP. Expect a lot more from No Balance in 2022. They show no signs of slowing down.

No Balance is Eric Bluebaum (Vocals/Guitar), Cody Lee Clark (Keys/Vocals), Colin Pauley (Drums), Landon Bellville (Bass)

No Balance, The Despondent (2020)

No Balance on Facebook

No Balance on Instagram

No Balance on Bandcamp

No Balance Linktree

It was not so terribly long ago that I looked not-all-that-hard at the poster with the announcement of Morass of Molasses‘ Spring 2022 tour, saw a Ripple Music logo in the top corner and wondered out loud if that might portend some alliance being formed. Turns out, yes, that’s precisely what’s up, and Ripple has indeed snagged the Reading, UK, trio for their next album, which as I understand it is already recorded? Don’t quote me on that until you see the press release about it, but I think that’s where we’re at.

In any case, no doubt the band could use that bit of good news, as they had to cancel the last portion of the aforementioned tour owing to the fact that they all got covid. Bummer, right? Turns out that’s still a thing. Of course, in light of that, one would never hold against them the fact that those shows booked will not be played at the previously scheduled time, and I’m sure if there aren’t makeup dates already in the works there will be soon enough. After all, they’re signed now and it’s best to handle these things in as pro-shop a fashion as possible.

When’s the new Morass of Molasses out? Beats me. What do I look like, Scoops The Reporter? I’m some schlub from New Jersey typing on his laptop while his kid’s in the bath. This ain’t the Pentagon Papers as regards journalism. I saw the image below on Twitter and bothered Todd from Ripple about it, he confirmed, and that was that. You want anything else on the matter either subscribe on Bandcamp or ask Bob Woodward.

Congrats to the band though, and nice to have it official rather than just the subject of the day’s rampant speculation. I’d say I called it, but really all I did was read the poster.

Here’s the deal:

Morass of Molasses on signing to Ripple Music

Ripple Music has been on our radar for a while now. In fact, we nearly joined forces on our previous record, but alas the stars didn’t align. That did however mean the path was clear for this new offering. We already feel warmly welcomed, and part of the Ripple family.

Morass of Molasses:
Vocals/Baritone – Bones Huse
Lead Guitar – Phil Williams
Drums/Vocals/Percussion – Raj Puni

https://www.facebook.com/MorassOfMolasses
https://instagram.com/morassofmolasses/
https://morassofmolasses.bandcamp.com/
https://linktr.ee/morassofmolasses

https://www.facebook.com/theripplemusic/
https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/
http://www.ripple-music.com/

Morass of Molasses, The Ties that Bind (2019)

The 2020 debut album from Hammada, Atmos, has been picked up for vinyl release by StoneFly Records and will be available to preorder later this week. It’s damn near May already, which surprises me to realize, but I guess, you know, time and all that. Hammada join the roster of the burgeoning imprint, which already includes the likes of Paralyzed, Elk Witch, ZOM and No Stone, and if you didn’t hear Atmos at the time, one can hardly even call you late considering the journey the record’s had from its digital release until now. Just saying. Time means nothing. Did you know it’s almost May?

Get them tones warm’d up, vibe out, and dive in. The hype was pretty significant when the record came along, at least on that social-media-this-is-a-cool-thing-on-Bandcamp kind of way, but I can’t argue with that, since it is a cool thing, and indeed, it is on Bandcamp. Hype away, internet. I think that’s how vinyl releases happen in the first place these days.

StoneFly offers the following:

GERMAN PSYCHEDELIC DESERT ROCK BAND HAMMADA SIGNS TO STONEFLY RECORDS FOR A WORLDWIDE VINYL RELEASE OF THEIR ALBUM ATMOS ON MAY 6th, 2022.

StoneFly Records is stoked to announce the signing of Freiberg, Germany Psychedelic Desert Rockers Hammada and look forward to releasing their first album ATMOS on 2 x 180g vinyl. This album will be the 5th album released by StoneFly Records.

I recall back in 2020 that Atmos made a strong impression on me; you know that’s the kind of album you need to own on wax… But the album was only available digitally… So, when HAMMADA reached me, I didn’t think about it for too long, I knew this album deserved a vinyl release and I accepted quickly to help them do it.

ATMOS is the debut album by German Psychedelic Desert Rock band Hammada. The basic tracks have been recorded live in October 2018 at Barren Rock Studios in Freiberg, Saxony. Guitar Overdubs, Solos, Organ, Synth and Vocals have been recorded between November 2018 and September 2019 at Barren Rock Studio and with The Eden Project in Freiberg. Mixed by Lukas Jonscher at The Eden Project Studios in Dresden. Mastered by Yeti Cave Sounds in Leipzig.

Hammada’s ATMOS released digitally on June 26th, 2020.
Vinyl officially releases on May 6th, 2022.
Vinyl sales will go live on April 29th, 2022.

BAND BIO

The project HAMMADA was brought to life in 2012 by guitarist Christian Döring. Together with drummer Sönke Tautorus, who joined at the end of the same year, work began on own songs. In 2013 singer and organist Kristian Schulze and bassist Lenz Fiedler completed the quartet. In this line-up HAMMADA is active until today.

After releasing two EPs SFAIRA and Monument (both 2017), the band released their debut album ATMOS digitally in 2020. The sound of ATMOS is characterized by the alternation between fuzzy and psychedelic guitars, a deep bass and driving drums. In addition, there is a powerful, but for the genre rather unconventional voice, as well as the use of organ and synthesizer. The following year HAMMADA signed with the Canadian label StoneFly Records to release ATMOS on vinyl.

Lukas Jonscher (Eden Project): Recording, Mixing
Tom Bretschneider (Barren Rock Studio): Recording
Nathan Jonscher (Yeti Cave Sounds): Mastering
Christian Döring (Sun Is Burning Visuals): Artwork

Hammada are:
Kristian Schulze: Vocals, Organ
Christian Döring: Guitars, Synthesizers
Lenz Fiedler: Bass Guitar
Sönke Tautorus: Drums

https://www.facebook.com/HammadaOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/hammada_band/
https://twitter.com/Hammada_Band
https://hammada.bandcamp.com/
https://www.hammada-band.com/

https://stoneflyrecords.bigcartel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/stoneflyrecords
http://instagram.com/stonefly_records

Hammada, Atmos (2020)

Ukrainian progressive black metallers White Ward announce the June release of their third album, False Light, through Debemur Morti Productions. The record is the follow-up to 2019’s righteous Love Exchange Failure (listed here), and the 13-minute opener and first single “Leviathan” has more scope than most bands’ careers. And no, I’m not just saying that because there’s sax and clean singing.

At what is no doubt the beginning of a longer journey, the Odessa five-piece pair squibblies, screams and angular turns with atmospherics more in line with post-metal than charred rippers. Then they have charred rippers too. It is extreme in its purpose but no less driven toward individualism than ferocity. I haven’t heard the full thing yet, but if the rest of the record follows suit — or maybe better, if it doesn’t — it will be a noteworthy realization of who they are as a group. In any case, heads up.

And while we’re here, war. Anyone wanting to give financial support to Ukraine can do so here: https://linktr.ee/HowToHelpUkraine2022

From socials and the PR wire:

WHITE WARD – NEW ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT

We are excited to announce our new album called “False Light” which will be released on June 17!

This full-length record is our most important release at this point. It took more than two years to complete this solid piece. And despite everything that is happening now in our country and beyond, we decided to share it with the world. We believe that music helps people in difficult times. We know how powerful its healing abilities are. That’s why we can wait no longer. “False Light” will be released via Debemur Morti Productions on various formats, including CD, Vinyl, Tape, and Digital.

You can already listen to the first single named “Leviathan” on Youtube and Bandcamp!

You can find it here: https://linktr.ee/whiteward

The album is already available for preorders!
Bandcamp: https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/
EU Webstore: bit.ly/whitewardEU
US Webstore: bit.ly/whitewardUS

The ever-inventive Ukrainian Black Metal band WHITE WARD unleash their defining third full-length “False Light”, a grand work of exploratory depth and a remarkable expansion upon all that made 2019’s acclaimed “Love Exchange Failure” such a triumph.

Always surprising and never less than captivating, from a base of rhythmically creative, furiously melodic Black and Death Metal the band shape-shift through a vivid suite of songs-as-journeys: seamlessly utilising hues of brass-led darkjazz and stately post-rock, foregrounding the evocative contributions of guesting clean vocalists in passages redolent of gothic Americana/post-punk and integrating virtuosic guitar leads, textural electronics and atmospheric sample-work.

Heavily conceptual and rich with meaning, the 8 dystopian tracks use overarching inspiration from “Intermezzo”, a 1908 impressionistic novel by the Ukrainian author Mykhailo Kotsubinsky – in addition to works by Beat-writer Jack Kerouac and psychoanalyst Carl Jung – to explore government-sanctioned murders, imminent environmental catastrophes, police brutality, domestic abuse, the psychic emptiness of cities, falsity of modern mainstream culture and ill-effects of overconsumption.

“False Light” is a multi-layered success story – perfectly balancing tension and traction, restraint and resurgence, fatalism and focus into an indispensable record from a stunning band at the top of their game.

Tracklist:
1. Leviathan
2. Salt Paradise
3. Phoenix
4. Silence Circles
5. Echoes In Eternity
6. Cronus
7. False Light
8. Downfall

– Core Line Up –
Yurii Kazarian : Guitars, Vocals
Andrii Pechatkin : Vocals, Bass, Lyrics
Mykola Previr : Guitars
Ievgen Karamushko : Drums
Dima Dudko : Saxophone

– Guest musicians –
Vitaliy Havrilenko : Clean Vocals on Leviathan, Phoenix, Silence Circles & Cronus
Jay Gambit : Clean Vocals on Salt Paradise
Adam Symonds : Clean Vocals on False Light
Jerome Burns : Trumpet
Yaroslav Tovarianskyi : Doublebass
Mykola Lebed : Piano, Rhodes Piano

“False Light” was recorded at Jenny Records, LipkyZvukoZapys, and our homes.
Mixed and mastered by Alex Sedin (Ghostalgy Prods).

Artwork Photography by Lucas DeShazer.
Layout concept by El Chulito.

https://www.facebook.com/whitewardofficial
https://www.instagram.com/whitewardofficial
https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/
https://linktr.ee/whiteward

https://www.facebook.com/debemurmorti
https://www.instagram.com/debemurmorti/
https://dmp666.bandcamp.com/
https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/

White Ward, False Light (2022)

Dig the slow-motion mathy part at the end of Mountain Wizard Death Cult‘s new single, if you’re feeling daring. The Sydney-based atmosludgers pair impulses from Neurosis and Carcass on “Initiation,” and I’ll be honest, I was already nodding by the time I saw the first band member doing so in the video. And that happens before the 20-second mark is hit, and 10 of those seconds are decided to a bite of caustic feedback. So yeah, pretty much immediately. Not at all shy about being harsh are the four-piece, who’ll issue their debut album sometime before the end of the year through Blighttown Records. I don’t know yet what that record is called — the title of the single would of course be appropriate — but this is heavy, and churning, and mean, and I’m way down with that.

“Initiation” is a somewhat less maniacal and more ambient (there’s a quiet stretch in the middle) than 2021’s “Wretch” (discussed here), but in either case, they’re going for gut-punch-toward-punctured-lung. The only question is how fast they get there.

Crunch, crunch, crush:

Mountain Wizard Death Cult – Sludgy Doom-Metal Merchants Reveal Music Video For New Track “Initiation”

Sydney-based sludgy doom-metal merchants Mountain Wizard Death Cult have recently dropped a music video for a brand new song to be included in their yet-untitled debut album coming later this year via Blighttown Records.

The band comments: “Initiation” feels like a culmination of the journey we’ve been through together as a band… channeling our frustrations, influences and aggression to bring the listener into our World. The record is going to be one hell of a journey and this track is a great example of what’s to come.”

First appearing in early 2019, MWDC quickly built a reputation as one of the most encapsulating and devastating acts in the Sydney metal scene. Their moody anguished debut single ‘Eye Of The Sun’ set the tone, follow up EP ‘ Thrones of Putrid Light’ saw them explore their doomier progressive tendencies whilst 2021’s single ‘Wretch’ revealed MWDC at their most intense and visceral, which appeared on their first split vinyl with Astrodeath entitled ‘The Wretched Invasion’ and received airplay on Triple J’s The Racket.

2022 sees them signing to Blighttown Records for the release of their debut full length, off the back of standout performances at the inaugural Aftermath festival, as well as sold-out double headline hometown shows in Sydney and main support slots for heavyweights such as King Parrot, Potion, Flaming Wrekage & Fangz in 2021, Mountain Wizard Death Cult will deliver a sonically crushing experience like none other and are a band to watch in the years ahead.

https://www.facebook.com/mountainwizarddeathcult
https://www.instagram.com/mountainwizarddeathcult/
https://mountainwizarddeathcult.bandcamp.com/
https://linktr.ee/mountainwizarddeathcult

https://www.facebook.com/blighttownrecords
https://blighttownrecords.bandcamp.com

Mountain Wizard Death Cult, “Initiation” official video

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: Mike Burns of Radian

—

How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?

I’m a guitar player, songwriter and a visionary. I started playing guitar around the age of 12 but didn’t really take it seriously or put much effort into it until the age of 16. My best friend at the time Sean, had a really sweet Iceman and a 2×12 combo amp.

We’d hang out all the time and play guitar. With him being substantially better than me and taking it very seriously, it was a learning curve for me to say the least. A few years later Sean and I started a band that went on for about 4 or 5 years. That was also a serious learning curve. At that point I knew that this is what I was meant to do and never looked back. It’s all Sean’s fault.

Describe your first musical memory.

I grew up in the city with my mother as a single parent. We didn’t have much, and she was always working to provide for us. Music always played a huge role in her life. She liked all kinds of music and would sing every word of every song she’d listen to. This was in the ‘80s prior to video games and the internet. She would listen to things like Led Zeppelin, AC DC, Eurythmics, Inxs, Bob Dylan, and Deep Purple just to name a few. Growing up around that time was much different than today. As a kid you had to go out and create adventures, at least I did. Growing up in a decent sized city your mode of transportation was your BMX bike or your skateboard and in some cases both. We would ride our bikes across town with our skateboards on the handlebars to the “sweet skate spot” or sometimes just skate all day to the spots.

An adventure, ya know? One day I met two brothers that moved in the neighborhood from Florida. These dudes could skate. I mean, like nothing I’ve ever seen in person. I wanted to skate like that also, so I started hanging out with them all the time skating everywhere around town and learning from them. That’s around the time the older brother asked me if I’ve ever listened to hardcore. I’m like what’s hardcore? He explained and turned me on to bands like Minor Threat, Black Flag and Misfits. I was immediately hooked! I was actually convinced that while listening to said bands on a boombox during our skate sessions would have you pulling off tricks that you normally wouldn’t be able to pull off if you weren’t listening to them. I’d like to think this is my first musical memory.

Describe your best musical memory to date.

This is a hard one, but this is the first thing that comes to mind. Growing up we would always have to travel about 45 minutes away to the big venue where all the great bands would play coming through on tour. It was and still is a legendary theater and ballroom that holds about 2500 plus people. That was the spot. Every show was like a huge event and if you didn’t go it was like you’re missing out on something. Years later my band got the opportunity to open for a local band that sold the place out damn near every time. I remember loading in, doing sound check and going to the green room looking at the brick wall that all these amazing bands that inspired me to play had written on or signed at one point or another.

Then getting to perform on the biggest stage I’ve ever been on at that point in front of a sold-out crowd. To me it was like experiencing everything that my peers got to experience. It wasn’t just the performance; it was the entire experience. From load in till load out. It was a taste of being part of something real. Something people wanted to relate to, and it was my creation. From that point on my drive got even stronger to be some part of this world.

When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?

The fact remains that I have mental issues. So, with that being said, I have a solid handful of firmly held beliefs and not necessarily all of them are spiritual. My spiritual beliefs are pretty much in check. It’s the other beliefs that are tested almost on a daily basis especially nowadays. I don’t think I type fast enough to fully go on about this topic and not so sure readers would want to endure it.

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

Every artist that works on their craft, no matter the type of art will progress. Especially with years. What are your motives for progression? For thy self or for others? For me personally it would be for myself as an artist to be able to deliver a better and redefined form of my own art for others to enjoy. People enjoying my art fills my heart with joy. So where does artistic progression lead? I believe that is an individual based answer.

How do you define success?

How do you define success? Is it defined by how many records you’ve sold? Is it defined by how many tours you’ve done? Is it defined by the amount in your bank account? I don’t feel as if the answer is any of those things! Being in my mid 40’s I believe it’s in how you’ve grown as a person. Have you become a better, more helpful person? I’d certainly like to think so. I also believe that success lies in setting goals and then achieving those goals, whatever they may be or how minor they may seem to others. I remember just wanting to start a band with my best friend. After some time, we achieved that goal. To me that was a success. Then I remember just wanting to play a live show. Over time that was a reality. To me that was a success. Any time you achieve goals that you set in place for yourself to me is a success.

What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?

I have no regrets in life. Anything I’ve seen I’ve learned from and moved forward.

Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.

I’ve always wanted to create a documentary film. Eventually I will get to it, but other goals that are more important to me hinder that. It will happen when the time is right. Just like every other goal I’ve set for myself. Time is not of essence in this matter.

What do you believe is the most essential function of art?

Self-expression! If you create a form of art for others to enjoy, I feel like it’s the individual’s expression of creativity that is intriguing to others. You’re enjoying someone’s vision. Someone’s expression of their own art.

Sure, you can steal someone else’s expression, but it would be far less intriguing to others because it is not original. However, on another note. Stealing someone’s expression and making it something of your own I also consider art.

Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?

I’m sooooooo looking forward to Winter being over. Hot days, warm Summer nights by the campfire, fishing, and spending time with the ones I care about. Also not carrying gear in the snow haha.

https://www.facebook.com/RadianAkron
https://radianakron.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/radian_akron

Radian, Discordian (2022)

Pretty sure my timing on this one is terrible. You see the part down below where it says the presale and first track premiere are April 27? Well that’s what, two days from now? Yeah, I should probably just wait until there’s any details about the new Cachemira album — their first since 2017’s Jungla (review here), which was also on Heavy Psych Sounds — to post about it. But here we are, and at least this way I’m not biting off someone else’s premiere. The yet-untitled (give it a couple days) full-length will be the first since the band, who broke up following that debut LP, reunited during the pandemic era (that’s over, right?) with a revamped one-third of the power trio, bassist/vocalist Claudia González Diaz joining drummer Alejandro Carmona Blanco and Gastón Lainé in the new Mk. II lineup.

If I’m lucky, I’ll have more on this ahead of the release. If not, I’ll do my best anyway. I’m only one person, and barely that.

From the PR wire:

Heavy Psych Sounds Records & Booking is really proud to present a new band signing

*** CACHEMIRA ***

Heavy psych blues rock from Catalonia – Spain

We are so stoked to announce that the heavy psych blues rock band CACHEMIRA has signed a worldwide deal with Heavy Psych Sounds for their new album !!!

PRESALE + first track premiere: APRIL 27th

SAYS THE BAND:

“We’re super excited and proud to be part of Heavy Psych Sounds family and for everything that is to come from the new record!”

BIOGRAPHY

Cachemira was born in Barcelona after many nights of jams during summer of 2015, originally composed of Alejandro Carmona on Drums & Gaston Lainé on Guitar, later joined by Pol Ventura on Bass, releasing their first title ‘’Jungla’’ 2 years later, they played across Europe before they split up in summer 2018.

When Covid hit the band got back together with Claudia González on Bass and Vocals giving a new powerful voice and sound to the band.

Cachemira is a heavy psych trio influenced by the heavy 60’s and 70’s music from all across the world.

CACHEMIRA is:
Claudia González Diaz – Bass & Vocals
Gastón Lainé – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Alejandro Carmona Blanco – Drums & Percussion

https://www.facebook.com/cachemiraband/
https://www.instagram.com/cachemiraband/
https://cachemira.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HEAVYPSYCHSOUNDS
https://www.instagram.com/heavypsychsounds_records/
http://www.heavypsychsounds.com
https://heavypsychsoundsrecords.bandcamp.com

Cachemira, Jungla (2017)