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: Jaani Peuhu of Ianai

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

I make art.

It includes producing albums, songwriting for my albums and for other artists as well, being a singer/frontman, a touring musician as a keyboardist, and a bass player.

I also love the visual side, and in IANAI, I have had more opportunities to go deeper with the visual side than in any other project.

Describe your first musical memory.

It could be the guitar I made from some box and my mom’s painting supplies or the space sounds from my dad’s Roland JX-3P synth.

My first c-cassette was Paul Young: No Parlez. I still listen to that beautifully mellow album sometimes.

Describe your best musical memory to date.

I have never actually learned to be happy with the albums I have made or my live performances. The best feelings are those short moments on stage when you feel connected or understood by somebody in the audience and especially when I see tears in their eyes. That moment, you truly feel that you are doing something that touches the soul.

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

I am testing my beliefs all the time and tuning and changing them while learning more about life. One thing I have learned is that I don’t know anything, so my beliefs are like sketches these days, and I know that the painting will never be finished.

Where do you feel artistic progression leads?

Into new adventures. I love to explore new musical genres and let destiny do its job with my career. I am open to anything.

How do you define success?

When your art has had the chance to be seen and felt by many. However, it is most definitely not measured by money, fame or good reviews.

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

This first thing I can think of right now is the violence I have seen against animals, nature and humans, but then I know we all share this feeling. As an artist, I find it heartbreaking to often see talent go to waste because of attitude and ego problems.

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

A Symphony. I have started with it twice already, but the time wasn’t right yet. I am also working with an IANAI book, and I would love to create my own tarot deck one day.

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

Being an outlet for emotions that could be hurtful when creative people bottle them up. Also, it can also serve as a powerful support and comfort for the ones in need of it.
While there are great pieces of art made, it still does not mean anything to me if it does not resonate with me on any deeper level.

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

My next match with my new football (soccer) teams!

https://www.instagram.com/ianai_official/
https://www.facebook.com/ianaiofficial/
https://ianai.bandcamp.com/

www.svartrecords.com
www.facebook.com/svartrecords
www.instagram.com/svartrecords

Ianai, Sunir (2022)