The Obelisk Questionnaire: Patrick Brink of Volume
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: Patrick Brink of Volume
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
For the most part it’s in your face psychedelic fuzz rock. We land on the fringes of stoner rock that melds punk’s rawness and edge with the psychedelic fuzz and sounds of late 60’s early 70’s. It’s for fans of the Stooges, Blue Cheer, and early Monster Magnet.
It was a natural progression of growing up on Black Flag, and other SST bands like Vitus & SWA, and loving the ability to be taken away by the sounds of music like Pink Floyd, Loop and Love and Rockets
Describe your first musical memory.
This is absolutely true! Singing “Rubber Duckie” (by Ernie) all the time in the bathtub. I loved singing and just making some noise.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Singing the second verse and nearly whole chorus of “Wild in the Streets” at a Circle Jerks show. It was in 1989 at the Underground in Phoenix, Az. Keith put the mic near my face, and I grabbed it and just started wailing- having a blast. Halfway through the verse Keith was wanting me to give the mic back but I was caught up in the rush, having too much fun and kept singing. I eventually gave it back, but man that was awesome.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I don’t know if there has been a point of crisis in things I believe strongly about. But I’m often evaluating my beliefs. I have had many conversations within my own head and with others who disagree with me. So I’m constantly testing my beliefs to see if they hold up or are things I hold onto for sentimental purposes and no real reason other than not liking change or its easier that way.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Artistic progression leads to an excitement in what you are doing. It’s not always the case -look at the Ramones, they tried very little and seemed to keep the fire burning. But that’s probably the exception. If you are not pushing yourself and exploring new things, even just getting better on your instrument, you are going to find yourself burnt-out, and the next song, album, what have you, is just that, with no real connection to it. Art is about connections, connecting the senses to your heart. It takes work. If it’s not something you’ve worked hard at with all you have got, there is very little reward and feeling of accomplishment to this thing you have created.
How do you define success?
Success for me is being able to do what I love while making sure the family is not neglected. I took a long time off playing in bands because for me I couldn’t maintain both. Now that the kids are older, I have more time to devote to music. Having said that I feel successful each time I’ve written a song, and someone feels a connection to it- that’s what it’s about- It’s about all these connections that we as people make. We need to enjoy them, be thankful for them.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Kid Rock open for Monster Magnet at the Troubadour.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A book. I would like to write a book one day. I read a lot of Ancient Church history and would like to write maybe on that.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To express feelings and emotions and make connections to people through those things.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Getting out of the construction trade. My wife and I have a little business selling used clothes and I’m hoping to make it full-time in the next year, year and a half. It will free us up to travel, tour anytime, and just have more time to do the things we dig doing.
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