The Obelisk Questionnaire: Piotr Rutkowski of Taxi Caveman
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: Piotr Rutkowski of Taxi Caveman
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
The first time I picked up a guitar was at the age of twelve. I was visited by a neighbor in the apartment above excited to learn how to play the “Funeral March” on the guitar. It was only three notes, but I caught the bug and was eager to return the favor. My father showed me some simple blues tune and so it began.
Describe your first musical memory.
At the age of about five playing a tape of The Rolling Stones on my father’s stereo not knowing it was turned full blast. I fell off my chair and recovered for the entire song. What song was it? Unfortunately I don’t remember, but I do remember “Black Sabbath”, which I wanted to listen to on autumn evenings as the rain fell and get scared haha.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
There was a lot of that. I often imagined what it would be like to meet my idols. So I did my best to make it happen. In my high school days I was most into the scene of NOLA with Pantera at the forefront. I started organizing concerts and managed to bring Eyehategod to Poland for the first time. Then a second time. Then Crowbar. The moment when Kirk Windsten praises your guitar skills is a moment worth remembering. The year 2014 brought a meeting with The Kid himself – Philip Anselmo. Suddenly the dreams were over. :) My wish is to meet Tom Waits in my lifetime. :)
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
For a long time I had the mistaken impression that ‘the music will defend itself’. That you don’t need an idea for a band, for an image, for songwriting themes. I did my homework and try to approach my bands much more conceptually from all sides. It’s finally bringing results.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
For peace of mind. For conveying exactly the emotions one wants to convey.
How do you define success?
I used to think that success equaled ticking off accomplishments. More and more. Years of working at it have shown me that’s not true haha. Achieving success is very vague and often eludes us. These days, success for me is playing music that I like and that someone wants to listen to, on the basis of a self-perpetuating hobby. It gives me a basis to reach higher. :)
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
That dozens of speakers on big rock stages are fake haha.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I always wanted to finish “The Fall” project that I had with drummer from Behemoth – Inferno. We’ve recorded only two songs. Playing with this man has been the greatest pleasure in my musical life so far, so I feel very unsatisfied by this small results. :)
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Art can turn hours into minutes and minutes into seconds. It can help you find the emotions you are experiencing within yourself. It can finally allow you to unstick yourself and the world from your problems. That’s a lot of functions, how useful these days :)
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
It is about time to read Dostoevsky’s books again. :)
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