The Obelisk Questionnaire: Jay Brown of Weddings
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: Jay Brown from Weddings
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I am a songwriter first, singer second and guitar player third. I started bashing on a guitar and poorly singing in Calgary, Alberta when I was 17 and just couldn’t stop.
Describe your first musical memory.
My father is a big country music fan. I remember a lot of outlaw country artists played in the house or car when I was a kid. Merle, Waylon, Johnny Cash, Johnny Paycheck, David Allan Coe, these were tough fuckers who, in retrospect, were kind of the OG punks before it was even a thing. They were on the fringe, they walked it like they talked it, they oozed authenticity and sang about life’s darker moments. Their music really resonated with me.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
I love the band R.E.M.. Getting to meet and interview them years ago after they played an amazing festival show alongside Radiohead in Vancouver is a fantastic memory.
The first time I took to the stage in Europe with Weddings was another great memory. As a Canadian, getting to play in front of people in Europe was always a dream. I ‘m glad I was able to manifest it into a reality.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I think our beliefs are being challenged and tested on a daily basis. And it’s supposed to be like that. Designed to be like that. It’s how we get shaken out of unhealthy patterns, how we make progress, how we access new ideas and information. Isn’t this the goal, to search for truth?
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
To a better understanding of self and the human condition. Songs are basically a living diary, but the whole world potentially has access to reading and hearing it.
Connecting with music and lyrics creates unity, a sense of community or rather a sense that that at least you are not alone. At least it did for me.
How do you define success?
Accomplishing a goal is success.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
I’ve seen some dark shit. But I wouldn’t wish it away. The dark moments are equally as important as the light ones. It’s a yin and yang thing.
But darkness that lingers or repeats in your life is fucking toxic and needs to be dealt with.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I want to make a stoner rock album with synths and horns.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To create connection, shake the status quo and make us feel alive. “Got to kick at the darkness til it bleeds daylight.” – Bruce Cockburn
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Spending time at Austrian mountain lakes and Portuguese beach breaks.
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