The Obelisk Questionnaire: Nathan Carson of Witch Mountain & Nanotear Booking
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: Nathan Carson of Witch Mountain & Nanotear Booking
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
In the broad sense, I’m a creator, a producer, a communicator, and a connector. How did I become a booking agent, internationally touring drummer, FM radio DJ, music journalist, and published author? Baby steps. Thousands of them.
Describe your first musical memory.
In the mid-seventies, my aunt Vicky was the 17-year old bombshell lead singer of a regionally successful Midwest rock group called The Hot Ice Band. They sounded a bit like Jefferson Airplane, and had a development deal with a big label that put out their single “Fly Away.” My parents took me to see them in concert at a college show with a couple thousand people in attendance when I was three years old. All I remember is that it was very loud, and I hated it. But I kept the 7” and have always enjoyed that.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
I have enough of those to fill a book, and I plan to. Honestly, though, Witch Mountain played two shows last weekend, and the chemistry and communication we have developed over the years is exactly what I would hope for. It feels amazing to play with my friends in front of an audience who appreciate what we do.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
There have been a few times when I upheld an obligation to a friend or client, even though a better opportunity had come along for me. In the moment, I didn’t question it. I just stuck with the plan because I didn’t want to back out on anyone who might be relying on me. In the long run, I’ve come to regret a few of those, because some of those opportunities didn’t come again. I’m not saying I would ever leave someone in the lurch, but I think there could have been a graceful way to have my cake without burning anyone in the process. Live and learn.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
From what I’ve seen, it’s an infinite road that only ends with death. Very few creators retire from making art. They might retire from the cumbersome commercial aspects, but I can’t think of anyone who made great art and then just decided to watch bad TV for the rest of their life.
How do you define success?
I grew up in a mobile home in the backwoods of rural Oregon. My parents impressed on us from a young age that all that matters is being happy, without fucking anyone else over. I feel incredibly successful simply because I spend the majority of my time on the things I care about and want to work on. Sure, I am driven by praise and accomplishment and I do enjoy any recognition. But I’ve already met or exceeded most of my life goals, which were not terribly unrealistic to start with.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Korn opening for Ozzy in ’95.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I have started my novel. It’s not done yet. And it’s taking longer than I’d hoped. But I aim to make it good.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Inspiration. For the creator, and the recipient.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I’ve got five good friends coming over tomorrow to play a long afternoon game of vintage 2nd Edition Talisman Fantasy Board Game (with all the expansion sets). We’ll see who truly wields the Crown Of Command this time!
www.facebook.com/witchmountain
https://www.instagram.com/witchmountainband/
http://witchmountain.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/Nanotear/
https://twitter.com/nanotear
http://www.nanotear.com/
