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The Obelisk Questionnaire: Gideon Smith of Galvanic Gypsies, Dixie Damned & Gods of Atlantis

Posted in Questionnaire on September 20th, 2021 by JJ Koczan

GIDEON SMITH

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: Gideon Smith of Galvanic Gypsies, Dixie Damned & Gods of Atlantis

How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?

I define what I do in music and life by the good it brings. If I’m pure in my flow of the music everything is in harmony to become what it needs to for my life and for others who are affected by it. I came into music by natural attraction and excitement then as I grew, I wanted to make music too and give it.

Describe your first musical memory.

It would be difficult to name just one memory or the very first so I’ll name a few that stand out in early years. Listening to my folks play old records like the Allman Brothers, Doors, Beatles, Hendrix, stuff like that. I loved all those, hearing them ride into the air off vinyl was so magical for me. I was a forest running hippie child, climbing trees and swimming in rivers, magical times. My brother had an eight-track player in his car. We used to ride around and listen to Queen, Blue Öyster Cult, Led Zeppelin. I still get excited when I see vintage eight track tapes. The first records I bought were a Bowie and a Jethro Tull album.

My first concert was KISS and Nantucket which I think was in 1978. It was exciting and larger than life to see them rise up through the floor of the stage. Maybe the first real one that got to me was the Cult Love album when it came out in 1985. My friend had the record and we laid on the floor in his house listening to it. I was totally captivated with the sound. By the time it got to the song “The Phoenix” on the second side I was amazed. We listened to it like we had some secret thing, this band and the record. If I hear the opening riff and Billy Duffy’s wah-wah power I’m always in awe of the music. I saw The Cult and Billy Idol live in 1987, both were fantastic. Seeing early Guns ‘n’ Roses and Motley in ’87. As I look at my life now, I think Zeppelin is my favorite band. The Doors, The Cult, Sabbath and maybe Sisters of Mercy.

Describe your best musical memory to date.

Again I’ll name many because I wouldn’t say exactly one. Over the years, recording the first EP for my GS&TDD band and the three Small Stone Records albums, especially. Such magical days. Especially playing with Phil Dürr, Mike Kelleher and Eric Hoegemyer. Shows I did with fun crowds, meeting people who enjoyed the music always means so much. It’s really rewarding and satisfying to see that music go from demo cassette decades ago to the albums to being all over the world.

In recent days my favorite and best is recording our new Galvanic Gypsies band with Crystal, I’m playing guitar and she’s ruling on vocals. It’s such a thrilling and exciting process, watching her sing and writing together. Being in the eye of the hurricane, hearing her vocals soaring on the holy Marshall doom riffage. Catching the lightning crackle of the chemistry and the pure excitement of our music. We call it our gypsy groove coven.

It has so many awesome influences from Duran Duran to Zeppelin. We recorded our first song for the album on Summer Solstice, on the way to the studio two ravens flew over us. In about 10 minutes it sounded unreal. It’s a new era of awesomeness that has dawned upon my life and I’m so grateful.

When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?

Honestly no there aren’t any, if I truly believe and hold onto something it’s never shaken. It shakes the problems around it and I hold on to it and keep onward. Through Paganism the Gods shine upon my path. Life is just a dream and the song belongs to the dancer. Beauty and magic show us all the way.

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

Progression always means to grow, learn and evolve so artistic progression would lead to higher understanding, abilities and perception of art. Art is elemental so it swirls around us and brings a brighter, wonderful journey. I think the progression of your writing, playing would lead to a soul expression of greater purity and a clear song writing flow. Your heart and spirit give with clarity as you grow to a higher level. The bigger the heart the more you are capable of generating.

How do you define success?

If you mean in a personal sense its being in the zone of what makes you happy. You’re successful of moving yourself into a place of happiness or joy. Success is best defined by the individual based on what gives their life meaning. It’s good to determine what’s successful within the boundaries of certain thing, then achieve that. Perception determines reality, you’re the captain and choose where to guide your ship. Success is achieving a good state within whatever holds meaning. The greatest success is to find peace of mind, joy and serenity in your life.

What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?

Too many examples over the years but all of them are teachers so the knowledge gives you power and wisdom. Disregard the bad after you learn from it and seize upon the good, bright things you see only. Don’t give the bad things that pass you by any lasting meaning to hang over the good things you see and take in. Walk on, the greatest adventure lies ahead.

Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.

Many more records, books, shows, artistic creations. I never run out of ideas. I could easily make records, write books, paint pictures all year long. Creativity is a gift and it needs to run wild in freedom.

What do you believe is the most essential function of art?

To give inspiration, healing, form a gift to others for soul expression. To bring emotional comfort and provide thrills, fun entertainment.

Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?

I have been keeping home like most people during the pandemic and haven’t been doing much. I really look forward to walking on the beach again one day and jumping in the ocean. Maybe I’ll see you there. Carry on friend, catch up with you again soon.

https://www.facebook.com/gidian.smith.90
https://galvanicgypsies.bandcamp.com/

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