The Obelisk Questionnaire: Shane Thirteen of They Watch Us From the Moon
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: Shane Thirteen of They Watch Us From the Moon
—
How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I think the best way I can describe They Watch Us From The Moon is Cosmic Doom Opera. The music itself is very heavy but the vocals are stacked with melodies and harmonies that just brings it to a completely different vibe than most Stoner Doom or Heavy Psych. Just like Opera we also follow a story that comes from a comic book that will also be released in a short period of time. All that story and lore is reflected live on stage when we play. Our sound came to be just by a natural progression. Once everyone had put their influence into the material it just became this beast of a thing on its own.
Describe your first musical memory.
Well I grew up in a musical family. The old man was always in a band of some sort and my mother played piano and sang just about everyday in the house. So it’s always been a part of my life. I think our singers have a similar upbringing. But My first concert was probably 1978 or 79 and my folks took me to see Dolly Parton and Ronnie Milsap.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Wow, that’s a tough one. I’ve seen some legendary shows. But for right now the best memory is what is happening with They Watch Us From The Moon. The attention we are getting right now is an incredible thing and I have cherished each and every moment of it.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Wow, Jeez these are not easy questions. When I started playing music again a few years ago I realized the whole game had changed since I had seriously been involved in the music scene back in the 90’s to the early 2000’s. Everything was different about marketing and promo and how to score shows. It was hard to let go of those old norms. I had to take a year and a half just to learn the lay of the land. Every bit of music business knowledge I had learned as a kid was all of the sudden wrong and it really tripped my lid for a while.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
I think those that are brave enough to be progressive are the game changers. Those are the people who break new ground or invent new genres of music.
How do you define success?
For me in this here and now success is measured by making it to the next goal. Right now for me I’m working on attracting booking agents. We would love to make it to Europe and tour. That to me would be a success.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Sounds crazy, but it’s the thing that prompted the whole beginning of the band. I have seen several UFOs. Multiple times with witnesses. Once you realize what you are looking at is the real deal your mind goes numb. Like everything you ever thought as true or believed in just melts away and you are left with a different reality. Terrifying.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I would love love to get into writing screenplays for They Watch Us From The Moon animated shorts. That sounds really fun.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To be the eyes, ears, and heart for those that cannot make it for themselves. To reflect that back into a positive experience for all involved.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I’m so ready for summer. I love to be outdoors and I’m ready for the sun, and time in the wilderness. I love camping.
https://theywatchusfromthemoon.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.facebook.com/officialtwuftm
https://www.instagram.com/theywatchusfromthemoon/
https://twitter.com/officialtwuftm
