The Obelisk Questionnaire: Jon Ehlers of Astrometer & Bangladeafy
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: Jon Ehlers of Astrometer & Bangladeafy
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I’d like to think that I take the overlooked elements of musical timbres and turn it into something that demands attention. If it’s a synth tone, I kind of zero in on the ugliest feature of it and extract it in its purest form and put truck nuts on it.
Describe your first musical memory.
I remember sitting in the backwards facing seat of a station wagon and listening to Marshall Tucker and ZZ Top on the radio while watching the world pass by in reverse.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Watching Nine Inch Nails perform as I was crammed at the foot of the stage on Randall’s Island during the Panorama Music Festival. It was extremely hot out and I had already drank all my water but was too stubborn to leave my coveted spot. As the band began to play, a cool breeze came off the East River and everything fell into place.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I’ve never thought this strongly about my convictions and it’s tough to answer. I’ve been in certain situations where I am forced to interact with extremely ignorant people and I believe that they are victims of some awful circumstance out of their control. I try to approach them with patience and understanding until I can’t because my own circumstances have reached a breaking point.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
I can tell you where it does not lead: perfection. It is a series of challenges, pride and letdowns that hopefully amount to a legacy that will be uncovered by alien archaeologists.
How do you define success?
Success in terms of music or the visual medium of art is best defined in its replay value. How often do you listen or look at what you created and feel satisfaction?
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
When I was about 10 years old, I watched my dog kill a puppy when I was home alone. I blocked it out for a long time.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I would one day like to create a retro-style kaiju series that captures and expands on the magical campiness of it all.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Discipline in regards to the time put aside for it.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
What quantum computing will bring to mankind.
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