The Obelisk Questionnaire: Edward Barakauskas of Teen Mortgage & Tired All the Time
[PHOTO REMOVED BECAUSE THE PHOTOGRAPHER WAS AN ASSHOLE.]
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: Edward Barakauskas of Teen Mortgage & Tired All the Time
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I currently play drums for the groups, Teen Mortgage and Tired all the Time. Teen Mortgage is a heavy stoner punk duo I joined in 2016 after responding to a craigslist ad. Tired all the Time is a dystopian post-punk project consisting of musicians I’ve collaborated with for the past decade in different musical projects.
I am also a registered nurse, specializing in emergency medicine and ambulatory care. I have a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from University of Maryland Baltimore, where I also minored in music for percussion. After graduation, I joined the Americorps National Preparedness and Response program working at the Central Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross Emergency Services. I went on to work as a medical assistant before going back to school for my second bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Describe your first musical memory.
In kindergarten, I remember my mom talking me out of bringing the Blue Öyster Cult cassette to show and tell. She was afraid the school would think I brought in satanic music.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
It’s tempting to name some shows, where we shared the stage with one of our influences in front of some massive crowd. However, I find it more significant when I realize my music has truly made a connection with someone. Someone told me that one of their best friends passed away shortly after the last show they saw us play. After apologizing for dropping something so heavy on me, he said he was happy the last memory with his friend was rocking out to a Teen Mortgage set.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Working as a nurse, I’ve dealt with families during end-of-life decisions. It’s my responsibility to guide and support their choices regardless of my own personal beliefs. I’ve often taken care of patients with little chance of survival or quality of life afterwards. I’ve also taken care of patients that refused care in highly survivable situations.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
I feel that artistic progression coincides with personal progression across a lifetime.
How do you define success?
I don’t believe life has an inherent purpose. The idea that existence is meaningless, is understandably discomforting to many people. However, I’m relieved to believe that we’re not all playing some big game where we’re trying to win by racking up points. I define success as being able to live your life on terms you find agreeable despite whatever compromises or sacrifices you make.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Philosophically, I have a hard time saying I wish I hadn’t seen something. I’ve learned that negative experiences, though unpleasant, help you better appreciate the positive ones.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I want to play drums in a much heavier doom or sludge band. I have something in the works right now that might fill the need.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Being in a band is more than just writing songs and playing music. You’re cultivating a sound, an image, a performance, a story, etc. I view them all as heightened extensions of my personality. When I’m performing, I’m sharing who I am with the audience. If it connects, then I feel like who I am is being understood.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I renewed my passport and I finally have time to travel more. Though I’ll be using a lot of that time for band touring, I’m looking forward to breaking away with my significant other on some purely recreational vacations.
http://instagram.com/teen_mortgage
http://facebook.com/teenmortgage
https://teenmortgage.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tiredallthetimeband/
https://www.facebook.com/tiredallthetimemusic
https://tiredallthetime.bandcamp.com/
