The Obelisk Questionnaire: Curtis Caswell of High Karate
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: Curtis Caswell of High Karate
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I define what I do as performing in a rock band. I know it is probably cliché to say I don’t like to put labels but I feel like as a singer in this band I draw from all sorts of music from Metal, to stoner, doom, noise, punk, sludge and grunge. I hope that when people listen to us they can hear all of that in the music.
Describe your first musical memory.
My first musical memory is listening to old 45’s of Frank Sinatra with my grandmother. She would get so excited to play them for me and sing along. This was definitely what got me interested in playing music myself.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Touring in Belgium with Cortez when we were signed to Buzzville Records and playing shows with Brant Bjork, Monkey3 and Deville.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I feel like this is tested all the time. I have always had a really hard time when people treat others poorly especially talking down to or disrespecting women. It is difficult for me to ignore a situation where someone is hitting on or making a woman feel uncomfortable. It has gotten me into some trouble in the past.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Artistic progression should lead to a continued evolution to the art. If you can build upon what has been done in the past and morph into something better, be it song structure, technical prowess etc. In order to do that you have to be able to accept criticism as well as praise. Art is subjective once you realize that some things are palatable to some but also to abhorrent to others it should allow you to grow.
How do you define success?
Success to me is really being grateful enough to be able to perform for people. Be it 20 or 2000 the process of being able to go out on stage and perform night in and out is incredible. If you’re fortunate enough to build a larger fan base while doing so it icing on the cake.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Unfortunately when I was a teenager I saw someone get shot. That stills gives me nightmares to this day.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I would love to be able to play all the instruments on a track. I think that would be cool it will probably never happen. That or I would like to write a screen play or learn to sculpt.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
The most essential function of art to me is having spaces where art can be created. In a lot of cities especially in Boston these creative spaces are being taken away by investors buying the properties and forcing these places to close down with nowhere for the musicians, painters, radio stations, etc., to go. We need to make sure we keep these places and really become advocates for the arts. Go out to an art exhibit, support local music or we will might see ourselves in an Orwellian future.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I love to go hiking in the summer and travel. So looking forward to doing that as the warm weather starts soon.
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