The Obelisk Questionnaire: Serge Skrypniczenka of Stonerhenge
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: Serge Skrypniczenka of Stonerhenge
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I started putting together my first “basement” rock bands when I was 14-15 years old. And even earlier I composed all kinds of “rock operas” and other works of “large scale”. At the age of 17, I formed my own real, full-fledged rock band, we had completely our own musical material. It was the group žygimont VAZA and we were among the first Belarusian rock groups who performed their songs in the Belarusian language. Now it’s hard to imagine, but at that time (late 1980s) in the Soviet Union it was very, very unusual and bold.
Describe your first musical memory.
OL, this is hard for me to do. Because I’ve been surrounded by music since I was born. My mother played the piano, and I sang and held a pencil in my hand like a microphone.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
In the life of every person, sometimes situations happen that from the outside do not look like anything unusual. But for that person, at that very moment, they can be indescribably special. I could experience catharsis at an ordinary classical music concert at the Philharmonic. Or when listening to Pink Floyd’s Comfortable Numb for the first time.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
I don’t think there can be one clear answer to such a question. Each person can change his beliefs during his life – change to a greater or lesser extent. I also had such stages.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
I think that the question is not entirely correct. If creative progress occurs, then the important thing is to realize it first. And secondly, try not to lose this state, this feeling. Any success can disappear. People who have achieved success can sometimes simply “flush this success down the toilet,” destroying themselves using a whole arsenal of different methods.
How do you define success?
The question seems trivial. However, I will try to answer. Probably, this is the general fulfillment of a person – personal and professional fulfillment.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
My country is now embroiled in a most shameful war. And I see what terrible things the Russians are doing in Ukraine. In Ukraine, where my relatives and friends live.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
Oh, I’m really interested in a variety of topics in my life. But still, as a possible example, I would like to see our band’s performance one day published as a full-fledged live video concert.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
I think art has only one function. Art makes us HUMANS.
Say something positive about yourself.
Well, I’m not an evil person in general :) But seriously, I’m not envious at all and always rejoice at other people’s successes. I rejoice consciously and sincerely.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I will not be original if I say that I expect an end to the war in Ukraine and the repressions in Belarus.
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