The Obelisk Questionnaire: Craig Williamson of Lamp of the Universe
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: Craig Williamson of Lamp of the Universe
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
Music, so I guess artistic expression, is part of what and who I am. I define Lamp of the Universe as a catharsis, a deeper expression of what is going on in my subconscious.
I came to do this through necessity, through not having like minded individuals, mostly, to create what I heard in my head, and by needing to move forward creatively, to not have limits, and to satisfy the curiosity i have musically.
Describe your first musical memory.
Being very excited seeing a lot of vinyl records laying on the floor, wondering what they all sounded like.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Getting the first Lamp of the Universe album released. Being locked away for two years working on songs by myself, alone, no band, and then having it come out was an absolute revelation for me.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Many times actually, too numerous to list them all. When you ask yourself “is this really worth all of this shit?” Unfortunately all centered around bands I’ve been in, or the people that have things to do with them, but I guess that’s the business.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
To personal and collective fulfillment, growth, understanding. It leads to doors being opened in a metaphysical sense.
How do you define success?
For me it’s being able to continue, to be creative, and have no limits on what I may want to do – what paths I can go down. That’s both successful and exciting
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Obviously, war….and how it affects innocent people. Also the disregard for animals really gets to me… the world is a horrible place at times.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A full blown concept album, one track, maybe over 90 minutes… one day.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To bring enjoyment, to the creator and the listener, on as many levels as you can understand. And I’m not just talking about cliché uplifting music… but an experience that can stimulate anyone wishing to engage.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Catching up with friends I haven’t seen for awhile mainly, getting new tattoos, looking at classic cars, watching sport.
https://www.facebook.com/lampoftheuniverse/
https://lampoftheuniverse.bandcamp.com/
https://projectionrecords.bandcamp.com/
