The Obelisk Questionnaire: Olli-Pekka Laine of Octoploid, Amorphis, Barren Earth, and More
Posted in Questionnaire on July 2nd, 2024 by JJ Koczan
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: Olli-Pekka Laine of Octoploid, Amorphis, Barren Earth, and More
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How do you define what you do, and how did you come to do it?
With Octoploid, I mainly try to express myself during this period of my life. I also try to do a bit of experimentation. Why I did it is that I’ve had it in my mind for a long time already, and now I had the time, resources, and skills to do it.
Describe your first musical memory.
It must be a Finnish tango singer from the ’50s called Olavi Virta, whom my mother used to listen to. He is hands down the best singer from Finland of all time.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
Lenny Kravitz at Hamburg’s Grosse Freiheit in 1995 was a pretty rad show.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
In 1997, when I read Peter Singer’s book “Animal Liberation.”
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
It depends on the artist. For some, it could be, for example, technical perfection. For me, it is total honesty and authenticity.
How do you define success?
Being able to do what you want in your life. Looking forward to that, ha ha!
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
We lived in a seedy neighborhood when I was a kid, and I saw a lot of violence. Also, in the ’90s, we visited a slaughterhouse and saw animals having their throats slit and being thrown into boiling water.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
I would like to come up with a non-metal album with psychedelic prog rock and southern rock influences. But it should happen naturally, not forced.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Art provides an opportunity for self-expression. On the other hand, its function is to entertain and alleviate boredom.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
Someday, I’d just like to chill on the beach, hike in nature, and avoid music in all its forms. Even for a couple of weeks, huh!
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