The Obelisk Questionnaire: Tom Corino of Kind
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: Tom Corino of Kind
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I’ve spent the majority of my life playing bass in bands. Before I even owned an instrument I had agreed to be in a band so my skills on the bass took some time to catch up with my first skill which was being a bandmate. I’ve been lucky enough to develop my own style of playing over the years and I’ve also been to be surrounded by musicians who gave me the platform do my own thing in one form or another.
Describe your first musical memory.
The first time I heard music and it really clicked for me was being exposed to Black Sabbath in high school. A friend of mine got the Reunion live album as a gift and lent it to me for a trip to Shea Stadium to watch the Mets lose. I popped it in my walkman and it’s been all downhill from there.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Honestly it’s pretty hard to choose. I’ve been really fortunate that music has afforded me so many opportunities over the years. I’ve gotten to see most of the US and met some of my absolute heroes thanks to playing music (Opening for Slayer with Rozamov comes to mind).
That said, playing Desertfest London with Kind was a total trip. The reaction we got from that audience was just unreal. I also got to share the experience with my wife and explore the city for a bit which is not something that happens very often as anyone who has done any touring will tell you.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Having a child completely dismantled most of my firmly held beliefs. It changed everything and it’s hard to explain to people who haven’t experienced it themselves. Certain things I used to take so seriously are now completely trivial and things I once took for granted are now of utmost importance. Frankly, I look back at my former self in pity at how ignorant and self involved I was.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
I think everyone’s progression is different, and the journey is way more important than wherever it “leads” to. I’m not really sure it leads anywhere, artistic progression should never end if you’re doing it right.
How do you define success?
Success is enjoying the process.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Watching loved ones deal with serious mental health hurdles is the most debilitating thing ever and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I’ve always wanted to run a studio or venue of some kind. I have exactly none of the expertise needed for either venture but hey… maybe someday we’ll do it.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To allow the artist and audience to lose themselves collectively and have a respite from the outside world for some stretch of time, however brief.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
All of my son’s “firsts”.
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