The Obelisk Questionnaire: Evert Snyman
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: Evert Snyman
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I’m a songwriter and singer at heart but I do a little bit of everything. Growing up I was always fascinated by musical instruments. My father played piano so I was exposed to music from a very young age. I’ve pretty much been singing in front of people since I was 4 years old. I did a bit of piano lessons when I was 8 but gave up after 2 years (something I regret to this day). I wanted to become a cartoonist when I was a kid but that all changed when I took up bass to play in a band.
From there I went on to guitar and then eventually drums. I had very little friends growing up so it was a great way to escape into my own world.
My first semi proper recordings were on an 8 track fostex tape recorder that my father organised for me when I was about 15 years old.
I became a sound engineer by default as I figured out very quickly that it would be the only way to get remotely close to the sound I was hearing in my head.
Describe your first musical memory.
That would probably be my dad playing piano. He used to play a lot of classical music as well as Beatles songs. I also remember my parents spinning a lot of ABBA, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and my favourite songwriter of all time Billy Joel.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Definitely seeing Pixies live. I’ve been a huge fan since I was a teenager so it was a mind blowing experience to be less than 4 meters away from Black Francis screaming “your mouth is a mile away”.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Every time I start writing a new song. The more I write the more I realise I have no idea what I’m doing.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
If you’re lucky, recognition. However I think it’s more important to expect nothing from music. If you don’t love making music for the sake of making it you will always be disappointed.
How do you define success?
Getting paid for something you love because you’ll never work a day in your life again. That said I would say if you can live a happy stress free life you’re winning.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
When Nickleback did a Maroon 5 vibe song. It’s probably the worst thing anyone will ever hear (or see for that matter).
I like a lot of weird unlistenable music and I am a firm believer of “so bad it’s good”, but even I have limits.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I mainly work with sound but I dabble in video editing and would love to make music videos for other artists. My approach is always a high concept with a low budget.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To give purpose to the artist and to inspire people to make more art.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Spending the rest of my life with my gorgeous wife.
https://www.facebook.com/evertsnymanband/
https://www.instagram.com/snymanevert/
https://evertsnyman.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPQmS6EgQqiyl63eRnaG_gw
http://mongrelrecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/mongrelrecords
http://www.instagram.com/mongrel_records
