The Obelisk Questionnaire: Pierre from Atolah
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: Pierre from Atolah
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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 acting as the cement between various elements, whether it is between my band mates, my family or my colleagues. When talking specifically about Atolah, I like to see myself as a project manager. The interpretation and execution of ideas is definitely a collective endeavour.
Describe your first musical memory.
My first musical memory would be listening to Bleach – an album by a new smallish band called Nirvana – in the back seat of Ford Ecoline Cargo Van while driving through Northern Virginia in 1990.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
My best musical memory to date would either be my first gig (Immortal/Angel Corpse in the mid-90s) or catching Electric Wizard and Cathedral on the same bill. Both events were simply memorable.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I had always thought that we would leave a safe place behind us…I am not so sure anymore. Time will tell.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Artistic progression means getting out of your comfort zone while still enjoying what you do. Progression to me does not necessarily lead to progression in the execution or evolution of your art solely but also to the evolution of the vision you have of yourself as an « artist » where you fit in the big picture, what you want to do and why you are doing it.
How do you define success?
Success from a musical point of view is having a post-gig chat with a punter, who genuinely enjoyed your show. Having an impact on one person is something extraordinary and something very humbling. Even better if the entire crowd enjoyed what you have just done.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
I am pretty curious by nature so I don’t think that there is anything I have seen I wish I would not. Even the most gruesome things I can think of. I am just glad I have kept my eyes open for all of it so far.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I don’t think I will ever create anything revolutionising… I will leave that to other people who unlike me, have the potential to do so.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Art enables us to shape what is real but might be unattainable. It gives our intuition the ability to access what is real in the Human mind and expand it.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I look forward to going back home to France for a bit after six years away.
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