The Obelisk Questionnaire: Richie Touseull of Geezer
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: Richie Touseull of Geezer
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I’m a bass player, it’s that simple. I provide the rhythm for the other musicians to stand on. The essential heartbeat of the song, if you like.
And how I came to do it — I couldn’t afford to play drums, and there were too many guitar players around so the bass seemed like a good idea.
Describe your first musical memory.
Watching my elder brother, John, play the sax in the army band. I was so proud. Then, at the age of 12, I saw a local rock band, and that just blew my mind. I don’t remember what they were called, but that was the moment I knew I wanted to do be a musician.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Playing Freak Valley Festival with Geezer. Maybe because it just happened in June and so is top of mind, but it was a blast. Great to be up there with Pat Harrington and Steve Markota.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Oh man, many times playing to empty rooms! We’ve all had that happen. You play your best, keep believing in what you’re doing and hold tight to the dream.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
To possibility — new ideas, new people, new opportunities. And the rush you get when you surprise yourself, that’s some high.
How do you define success?
Being able to do what you love every day. How many people can say they do that?
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
A singer I once played with was tripping on acid and it was no fun watching him roll backwards into the drum set with his legs in the air.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I’ve had an idea to create a space where musicians come together to jam, record, perform, collaborate or just hang out. Just need to find the right space and make it concrete. Maybe I’ll get around to it.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Art connects people. It connects the artist with the crowd or reader or listener. It connects groups of people in a shared experience, around an emotion or feeling. In that way it brings people together, and we need more of that now in the world.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
To travel more. My wife lived in Amsterdam, and I’ve never been. Maybe this fall.
[Photo by Robert Lesic, copyright 2022 www.robles-design.de]
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