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: Lorenzo Stecconi of Lento, Zu, Producer for Ufomammut, Tons, The Wisdoom and more

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

In a very simple way to explain, it is to transcribe intuitions and thoughts into music. That meticulous process to distill the core of the spark and to throw away the bad parts. I like to define what I do as a soundtrack for taking a walk inside your inner self, and to think that I’m accompanying someone across that path with my music.

Describe your first musical memory.

My grandfather with a violin in the old family house after some holiday lunch when I was a little kid. I still remember that diffused light coming through the window in the room while he was playing.

Describe your best musical memory to date.

Seeing Current 93 live for my first time around 15 years ago. During the set I was slowly transported in a sort of ecstatic trance, it was some kind of epiphany for me, opening hundreds of musical possibilities in my mind.

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

I guess it happens very often if not every day to everyone searching for any kind of answers, in a way or another. You can move really close to the truth, but not that much to touch it. Is it enough to do your best and only navigate close to it?

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

Personally, to a higher state of self consciousness. Idealistically, to transcend matter and to embrace the spiritual world. In a more earthly way, to lead the end-user of art in a land where he dares to enter.

How do you define success?

During this era of narcissism, success is probably one of the most powerful enemies you can encounter, be prepared to be surrounded by the demons of fame and lust. It is scary how mankind have been completely subjugated by the idea of it. I believe the only success one must be proud of is when he’s capable of helping someone, in any best way you can imagine.

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

List is long, unfortunately. But each one little test, as we talked before, is a reminder from the universe to tell you something you should work on: as Jung said, you must embrace your shadow in order to understand your demons. So when I’ll stop wishing to not see something, I’ll probably be a better man.

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

I dream of a very big ensemble of musicians playing together on a highland, at dawn.

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

I believe that the most important factor in art is a strong message. When there’s a lack of it, it’s just basic entertainment.

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

Connection with people, nature and to be surprised from what my unconscious wants to tell me.

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Lorenzo Stecconi, Ambula ab Intra (2023)