The Obelisk Questionnaire: Dima from Abanamat
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: Dima from Abanamat
—
How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I play guitar for, about, 20 years now, wanted to learn drums at the beginning, but my mother said its too loud and too expensive. Looking back, I believe, it was for the best, its way easier to be a good guitar player than a good drummer.
Describe your first musical memory.
That would be the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. Was about 8 or 9. Till that time all the music that was played at home was from my parents, and this one was too; but that album was the one I digged too and now, thinking about it, I realise my music playing is influenced by it in really strange and subtle ways. Except Urge overkill, thought it was too cheesy at the time, still think it is. All the surf rock, son of a preacher man (the drums!) jungle boogie, lets stay together and the rest – all great songs
Describe your best musical memory to date.
First time I saw Earthless live, ten years ago or so. Blew my mind.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Not a “firmly held belief” but more like “the faith in humanity” kinda moment. When I heard Gucci gang, the second time was just around the corner, when I learned how many views it has.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Its hard for me to answer, because progression feels like a natural thing to do when you are playing music, I am simply bored of doing the same thing. When theres no progression, art becomes craftsmanship. So, I guess, in this sense, it leads to a new period in an artists career.
How do you define success?
For the artist, its to be at peace with the result of his work. For the final piece to be as close as you’ve imagined it in your head. In a broader sense, it can also be when the results of your artistic expression allow you to be independent creatively and financially.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Easy, Axel Rose with the Chinese Democracy tour.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A triptych concept album, so that when you put all the three gatefold sleeves, you can construct a huge penis. That’s the only concept for the concept album so far, but I think it’s worth developing.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Is to bring people together.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
The arrival of the Four Horsemen.
https://www.facebook.com/ABANAMAT.BAND/
https://www.instagram.com/abanamat_band/
https://abanamat.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Interstellar-Smoke-Records-101687381255396/
https://interstellarsmokerecords.bigcartel.com/
