The Obelisk Questionnaire: Phil Swanson of Solemn Lament, Vestal Claret, ex-Hour of 13, and More
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: Phil Swanson of Solemn Lament
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
Surreal is the first word that comes to mind. A massive underground music nerd who was just wanting to be part of something in any way possible. Started writing reviews for a friend’s fanzine in the ’80s that led to interviews. Tape trading and vinyl collecting that led to a small retail and wholesale distro working with bands to get their music heard and released before deciding to sneak my own music into the mix. Eventually I got better at it apparently to the point even more talented people than myself wanted to be a part of it with me.
Describe your first musical memory.
Staying home sick from school in the ’70s bored and exploring my parents’ hi-fi and record collection. Nothing good, but at the time I really didn’t know what listening to music was all about until I pulled the record out of the sleeve and put it on while watching the cover come to life. It literally blew my mind.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
I have been lucky enough to experience everything I could ever want to in music. Met my heroes, played with my friends I idolized and earned their respect. Developed relationships with musicians who are now the closest people to my heart as I will allow whether they know it or not. The journey has been the best memory. To be a part of something I only dreamed of and never thought possible.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
As a child of 13 when I was brutally beaten by a group of kickers in Texas and the people I thought were there to keep me safe looked the other way. My belief in trust was tested and lost forever in that moment and so many moments after.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Catharsis.
How do you define success?
Achieving personal goals however large or small. It’s a very relative thing and can happen in many different ways.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Violence on more occasions than I would like to admit at this stage of my life. Things that haunt me and make me feel my struggles in present life are justified by things that surrounded me in my past.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A finished graphic novel or film. I have written several scripts, one came very close to publication but timing was lost. I was writing scripts at the same time as my music progressed and then music took precedent. If I wasn’t so complicated and difficult that I could play along I probably could have had the opportunity, but I tend to pull back every time I have the chance to move forward.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Escape.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Taking my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the highest level I am capable of while I still can. To be a legitimate player and threat in any room I enter. To have the respect of anyone I tap hands with.
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https://solemnlament.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrWvrLIkGZEmsJwRx2_Plmw
https://www.facebook.com/svartrecords
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https://twitter.com/svartrecords
https://svartrecords.com/
