The Obelisk Questionnaire: Steve Colca of Destroyer of Light
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: Steve Colca of Destroyer of Light
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I write and play guitar and do vocals in various projects including Destroyer of Light and Temple of Love, as well play guitar in Lady Strange (High n’ Dry Def Leppard only). Ever since I started my first band at 15, music has been a passion for me. I played rhythm guitar in my first few bands from 15-23, and then I started a 3 piece sludge band that I originally wanted a separate vocalist for, but then I said screw it, and started throat scream/singing in a Matt Pike/Scott Kelly mix from 23-29. From 26-29, I fronted a melodic death metal band as well with growls and high pitch screams.
When I moved to Texas and started Destroyer of Light in 2012, I wanted a frontwoman and to combine melodic doom vocals and death metal growls, but once I again, I said screw it and decided to do it on my own. Becoming a vocalist has been an incredible journey for the last 16 years, and I am glad that I took on the challenge. With the new Destroyer of Light stuff, I feel like I have gotten to the point I’ve wanted to since I first started the band. With the guitar and singing, it is continuous learning curve and growth, and that’s why I love and still do it at 39 years old and have no intention to slow down.
Describe your first musical memory.
Two of the greatest memories from my first band were Brent Oberlin from Thought Industry booking our band at Harvey’s in Kalamazoo, MI, and he actually took somewhat of a “liking” to us, and helped us with shows from time to time. Also, the first time that I got to play Club Soda in Kalamazoo, which was a legendary club for all of us. As a teenage kid, that was a big deal.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
So many to choose from. We’ve gotten to share the stage with some legends that I grew up listening to that I never thought I would. One recent memory is our first post pandemic local show on the Mohawk outdoor stage on 4th of July weekend. A bunch of local homies: Abject Terror, Greenbeard, and Eagle Claw. It was a packed crowd and the energy was electric. You could just feel the happiness of everyone being at a live show again from the bands to the crowd. That’ll be one for the books.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
A few times. However, I would say that 2016 was a weird year. I contemplated quitting Destroyer of Light. Music wasn’t fun for me and started losing my passion for it, which music has always been my cathartic release. I’ve battled depression and anxiety from my teenage years to adulthood, and music has always been my constant. There’s been times I’ve strayed from it and I go down a dark path. With that said though, as a result, we wrote, recorded, and released the Hopeless EP, which is a very honest record about depression and sadness. Every time I listen to it, it’s pretty powerful… and glad that I stuck around because I feel we are writing our best stuff now.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
It leads to personal and musical growth. The last few years, I’ve been expanding my musical influences in all my songwriting. If you keep doing the same thing, it gets boring and repetitive. So, you have to mix it up. Sometimes play with new musicians, start new projects, and if your main band stays together long enough, expand and explore with your sound. During the pandemic, Destroyer of Light wrote and recorded two new records and we kind of let loose. You got new wave, ’90s grunge, melodic doom, heavy rock…
These records were really fun to write because we just let it flow. Can’t wait for people to hear it.
How do you define success?
Success comes in many forms. I’m 39 years old, I still get to play guitar through loud amps, play shows with other awesome bands, and go on tour. I get to create and record music in some cool places with my musical friends and go through that process. I will also say this too, when a fan comes up to me and tells me that our music has gotten them through some dark times, or our music uplifts them when they are in a dark place, that means something to me because I’ve been there and that is why I write music and play because other bands’ music did that for me. So, that is success to me.
Would I like to play big arenas, play in front of sold out crowds, make big money, and drive in a limousine with a pool drinking gin? Hell yes I would, but you know, I don’t need that to feel successful in the arts, that’s just an extra bonus if that ever happens.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Most gas station bathrooms in small town USA
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
During the pandemic, I wrote a song that was in the vein of Sade. I would love to do something in the style of Sade or Steely Dan. One of these days, I will release a smooth jazz/funk album. That day will come if I live long enough.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Art should be defined on what you create and do in its purest form. The way you express yourself through your art and letting yourself be honest and open with the people experiencing your art, I find that to be the most important.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
MLB Baseball playoffs, NFL football season, and Halloween. Best time of year.
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