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The Obelisk Questionnaire: John Steele of High n’ Heavy

john steele high n heavy

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: John Steele of High n’ Heavy

How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?

I’m one of the primary songwriters, and guitarist, of the metal band High n’ Heavy. After trying a few different band ideas I, along with our drummer and bassist, invited an old friend to start a new project. The original idea has sort of evolved along the way.

Describe your first musical memory.

My parents started taking me to concerts when I was very small. One of the first concerts I remember going to was to see Aerosmith in Providence when I was 4 years old. I remember Skid Row opening, and slightly remember Aerosmith. Mostly because I fell asleep during their set. We always listened my dad’s old records at home, and they really opened me to some of my favorite music. But I also remember starting to play guitar at 9. That’s when it all came full circle, and I was able to learn my favorite songs and use that inspiration to make my own.

Describe your best musical memory to date.

That’s a really tough one. When it comes to going to shows, playing shows, and moments in life that had a certain soundtrack behind it. Getting to see The Misfits at Madison Square Garden a few years ago is definitely up there. They are one of my all time favorite bands, and it felt like being 13 all over again. Made even better by getting to share the experience with my wife. As far as my playing, the first High n’ Heavy show really stands out. Our singer showed up dressed as a wizard from that very show, and still does. The energy of the people in that little bar. Plus, the energy we had. The full excitement of getting to play songs we’d been working on for those months before.

When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?

In one of my earlier bands there was a lot of infighting due to whether or not we should charge people for certain things. I was always of the belief that if you can get music to people for free then you should do it. I understand the need to charge when things get bigger and more involved. We made the demos on our computers and printed the stickers on cheap sticker paper.

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

It opens up so many doors. Like with music. The more I’ve learned. Whether it’s a new instrument, how to record/mix, or how to write a song. It can lead you down so many roads. The pandemic was a big moment of progression for me. Trying to write all different types of music. Building up a home studio. Becoming more comfortable in my artistic skin, so to speak.

How do you define success?

Probably being happy with where you are, and not letting other people’s opinions affect that. High n’ Heavy was the first band I was in where I just wrote what came without worrying how it may be perceived. Before that I was hardly ever happy with what I wrote. It all felt so forced. Once I stopped worrying what other people might think it opened the flood gates and the inspirado flowed.

What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?

I’d like to say instances where favoritism in a music scene screws over a more talented band, or someone who might deserve a chance. However, the thing that always comes to mind is when I saw Iggy Pop when I was 17. At one point a kid climbed on stage. It was just a small club. The bouncers dragged him to the side, threw him off the stage, and started beating the shit out of him while he was on the ground. When they were finished the dragged him to the door that led to the alley, and tossed him outside. I get the position of not wanting people to jump on the stage, but it was a heavy over reaction. Made especially horrible when a few songs later he played The Passenger and invited everyone on stage.

Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.

I’ve been working a lot on video editing. Mostly skate footage, and such. I’ve really wanted to incorporate all my interests into it. Make short films of stimulating imagery. Scored by me. Maybe leading to music videos for my band, or other peoples if they’re interested. Also, been messing with animation a little, so I’d love to incorporate that.

What do you believe is the most essential function of art?

Self expression. Just get it out of you. Opinions don’t matter. Make what you like. On the other side of it just finding what you like, and trying to find more of it. Getting outside of your comfort zone to find things that can move you.

Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?

I have two wonderful children, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they grow. They’re already at the age of their personalities starting to really shine through. The journey is a wonderful thing.

https://www.facebook.com/HighnHeavy
http://instagram.com/Highnheavy
https://highnheavy.bandcamp.com/
https://www.highnheavy.com/

www.facebook.com/electricvalleyrecords
http://instagram.com/Electricvalleyrecords
https://evrecords.bandcamp.com
www.electricvalleyrecords.com

High n’ Heavy, V (2021)

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One Response to “The Obelisk Questionnaire: John Steele of High n’ Heavy”

  1. Ray Temple says:

    Hi, thanx for sharing our album !! on bandcamp.com. Here`s a downloadcode for you. Best regards, Michael (drummer)
    xdg8-vupp

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