The Obelisk Questionnaire: Adam Luca from Mother Iron Horse
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: Adam Luca from Mother Iron Horse
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I guess, in a general sense, I create. Whether it be music, video or just art in any form. Some of my earliest memories are scrawling on paper with crayons. It’s always been a part of me. Now as an adult, I’m fortunate enough to make art with my best friends. That art has taken us all over the country and will take us all over the world before we’re done. Even in the darkest moments of life, art seems to flourish. As a child it started as a coping mechanism and has since blossomed into a compulsion.
Describe your first musical memory.
My first musical memory is watching my sister dance around to “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac when we were very young. I was maybe three or four years old and that song still holds a special place in my heart.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
My best musical memory would probably be my first hardcore show. I was around 12 years old and had grown up listening to those generic rock radio stations. A friend of mine had his older sister bring us to a show at The New World, which was a hardcore punk club in my hometown of Lynn, Ma. It was a true awakening for me. Whatever idea I had about rock music at the time was quickly smashed to pieces. I was at such a young impress age and these cats were going insane both on the stage and in the crowd. It was the coolest thing I had ever seen. I was hooked. The aggression, the do it yourself mantra, the brutal honesty and the unwritten rules that were learned the hard way. I was obsessed with it and still am today.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Oh this happens constantly. We are approached with opportunities to play with these bigger bands and we’re honored by that. However, I will never share the stage with any band whose members have a history or domestic violence, sexual assault, bigotry or racism. I just flat out won’t do it. This has happened many times with bands who are considered to be massive. We’ve missed out on opportunities to grow quickly because of these beliefs and that’s totally fine with me. I’d rather grow at a slower pace than have a brand that I created be associated with anyone like that. I have and will always be outspoken about that. I believe in rehabilitation and people ability to change, of course. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll share the stage with that person or band.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
Artistic progression often leads to a very different outcome than what was initiated. It’s always evolving. Always changing. I see a lot of people get upset when bands change their style of music, which I can somewhat understand. However, the art SHOULD progress. I never want to make the same record twice and I don’t think I’m alone in that mindset. It’s natural to evolve and art is not exempt from that.
How do you define success?
I don’t define success in a monetary sense, especially in music. We exist in a world where the musician is paid last and more often than not we’re paid by pennies on the dollar. So I like to measure success by how many lives we are able to touch. Whether it be through the music itself, the lyrical content, the live show or just meeting people on the road. We’ve been fortunate to make so many amazing friends all over the world through our music and I’m beyond blessed by that. People we’ve never met, in countries we’ve never been to are getting MIH tattoos, or putting out zines that spread the word about us, or play us on their radio shows. To me, that’s success. Money is great to keep things sustainable, but I’m always floored by the stories we hear about how our music has helped someone through a tough time. I’m honored to have helped someone through something.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
The way some people get a pass for their abhorrent behavior in the music industry. I’ve seen bands refuse to speak out about issues because it might hurt their fanbase or ability to play certain venues. I’ve seen members of massive bands prey on underage girls. They say that you should never meet your heroes and I firmly believe that’s true.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I’d love to get more into film making. The music video for Old Man Satan was the first time I had ever directed anything. It was so much fun and was amazing to have my hands in every aspect of it from start to finish. I really hope we get to expand on this soon.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To inspire thought. I believe that good art should make a person think. Regardless of what that thought may be. As long as it provokes something in the target then it’s doing it’s job.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
The sunrise (it’s 4am here). People being held accountable for their actions. A day where women have full body autonomy. A world wear skin color or sexual orientation doesn’t dictate a persons social status. I look forward to seeing my daughter grow up in a better world than the one I grew up in.
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