The Obelisk Questionnaire: Tommy Hamilton of Druglord & Omen Stones
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: Tommy Hamilton of Druglord & Omen Stones
—
How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I was always drawn to heavy guitar from my first memories onward. I had older siblings so random records of that time (early ’70s) were around the house & I was really struck by Uriah Heep “Time To Live” & Grand Funk’s cover of “Gimme Shelter”, just crushing tones. From those years through early punk into hardcore blending with metal it’s hard to describe my angle so I just say I play heavy rock guitar.
Describe your first musical memory.
I think it was hearing Rolling Stones’ “Through The Past Darkly” record and Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour”about the same time, I was maybe age six and the sounds on those records blew my little brain. Even then I wondered why the guitars weren’t louder and heavier.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Within a year time frame I saw Black Sabbath Mob Rules tour and the first Ozzy tour with Randy. I was upset Ozzy left Sabbath but to see it turn into two separate hugely influential entities was amazing!
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
That’s happening right now. It’s always been difficult to hold people in high regard but believed enough rational thinkers would overcome the worst basic instincts in society. I’m adjusting my expectations.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Learning how to self edit, knowing your strengths and making the most of it is hopefully the result of progressing.
How do you define success?
People interested in what you write and play, that’s about it. Getting validation goes a long way… but a much appreciated perk is playing gigs that don’t COST me money!
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Can’t think of a single thing I regret seeing, everything is a lesson in something.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A gatefold double 10” record. Label people laugh at me which is understandable.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To take your brain out of the distractions and into the current moment. I hear there are pills for that but art is better.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
My next trip to W VA to the wilderness to climb mountains, which refreshes my brain to write. Everything is about music.
https://www.facebook.com/OmenStonesVA/
https://omenstones.bandcamp.com/
www.facebook.com/DruglordVA/
https://www.instagram.com/druglordva/
https://druglord.bandcamp.com/
https://druglord.bigcartel.com/
