The Obelisk Questionnaire: Steve Austin of Today is the Day
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: Steve Austin of Today is the Day
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I play music. Music that I feel inside. I was alone a lot as a kid and lived out in the country. A friend of mine showed me AC/DC “Back In Black” and I was hooked the minute I heard it.
Describe your first musical memory.
Going to Square Dances with my Mom and Dad and my Dad jamming out on his Gibson ES-175D and Twin Reverb. I didn’t know that rock music existed until I was around 13 years old.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Playing Hellfest for the second time, in 2023, and bringing both my sons, Hank and Willi with me. It was a dream come true.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
Throughout my entire career. Music has its ups and downs. Especially if you stay true to your musical vision. Especially if that musical vision isn’t trendy and goes against the musical norms. Van breakdowns, injuries, music business madness, missing band members that were dear to me.
It’s a tough business to be in and everyone is not cut out for it. I’ve wanted to quit my band probably five times, and like a deranged masochist, I just can’t let it go. It means way too much to me. Music is my life, it’s real and I can’t imagine living life without it.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
You gotta play what you feel in your heart. How you really feel. I always want to make a new song that I have never ever heard before. Life is ever changing. If you are being true in your writing, then your songs should reflect the evolution that you are living through.
How do you define success?
My wife Hanna, my sons Hank and Willi, my dog Abi, my friends, my fans, my home.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
I saw a man that was Dead, sitting behind the wheel of his car yesterday at Home Depot. EMT’s were gently trying to remove his body from the car. He was very old. It made me extremely sad to think that his last moments were by himself in a shitty Home Depot parking lot.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I would like to write and direct a film sometime and then do a score for it.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
To share the human condition with others and hopefully provide shelter from the storm and inspiration to keep moving forward for others and myself.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to deer season this year. I hunt every year to provide food for my family. When I am out in the mountains hunting, there is a certain tranquility that really is special. Nature, only nature and me. No bullshit, no problems, no pain or suffering. Just me and all that being in the wilderness holds.
Photo above by Nathaniel Shannon.
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These were great questions with even greater answers… honestly I found much peace and honesty in this interview that spills into my own life, for that I’m grateful to have read this
Also, I can’t be the only one who read this in Steve’s voice! Haha