The Obelisk Questionnaire: Deven Anderson of Elk Witch
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: Deven Andersen of Elk Witch
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I create music with the goal of being heavy and impactful. I came to being a musician through my obsession with music and wanting to make music that I like to hear, feel and play. I started playing guitar at around 12 trying to learn songs from Metallica, Megadeth, etc. A few years later I came across the Corrosion Of Conformity, Deliverance album. I think the sound of that album lies somewhere in the realm of stoner, doom and sludge. That set me off on the path that I am on today which is more rooted in Sabbath.
Describe your first musical memory.
My first musical memory or at least one that sticks in my head was my dad rocking some ZZ Top vinyl on his home stereo back in the 80’s. The album was Eliminator. I loved the sound of an overdriven guitar right from the start. Wasn’t too much longer when I got a walkman for my birthday. My grandfather was a jazz drummer in LA and was glad to see me getting into music. When he was up to visit he went to the local music store and asked them what was the “hip” rock music for a kid. I ended up with tapes from Van Halen, Starship, and REO Speedwagon from what I remember. Since then music has always been a constant in my life.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
My best musical memory was from last spring when we went out on our first regional tour. I’ll never forget all the venues, bands and good times we had. Other than that, I have been to some really good shows over the years. One band I love seeing live is Elder. I saw them at Stumpfest in Portland, OR a few years ago and again this year at Dante’s in Portland. Both times were epic.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I guess it would have been when I was 23 or so, I was into punk bands like Bad Religion and Pennywise which led to reading a bunch of Carl Sagan books. His writing advocates for skeptical thinking and the scientific method. After finishing several of the books I had a completely different view of religion
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
I feel like personally it leads to greater satisfaction and the ability to get ideas out of my head and through the speakers. I do feel sometimes it can be a double edge sword though. At least in heavy rock music, progression can take you off on a different path or sound that strays off your core sound.
How do you define success?
I define success by accomplishing the goals you set out to achieve. It’s a moving target as things progress. For me after I accomplish a goal I usually set a higher goal to see how far I can take things.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
I once rolled up on a guy laying on the ground with his leg going in a direction that wasn’t normal. He had just crashed on a dirt bike, I’m assuming his tibia / fibula had full breakage.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I have been wanting to create a music video for one of our songs. Maybe it’s the 80’s kid in me but I love music videos. I wish old school MTV would make a comeback.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Making yourself or someone feel something as you listen or look at it. Art is being able to create and express something that you like, of course it’s cool if others like it as well!
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I’m rebuilding an engine for my Econoline van myself from the block up. I’m looking forward to wrapping up the rebuild then swapping in the new engine.
Also I have some off time that I’m looking forward to. I’ll be hanging with my family and kids for a few weeks.
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https://stoneflyrecords.bigcartel.com/
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