The Obelisk Questionnaire: Yanni Papadopoulos of Stinking Lizaveta & Wail
Posted in Questionnaire on January 26th, 2022 by JJ KoczanThe 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: Yanni Papadopoulos of Stinking Lizaveta & Wail
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How do you define what you do and how did you come to do it?
I am a Rock guitarist. It’s taken me a lifetime to come to terms with that identity. I had no intention of ending up with this dubious title, but it is accurate. Although I dabble in other idioms such as jazz, funk, and classical, rock is what I am most comfortable in, and what I can pass on to others. I am also a rock musician, with a recording and touring career. Stinking Lizaveta is the name of my band.
Describe your first musical memory.
When I was a child I was in love with my mother’s old 45s. She had some Elvis singles that just sounded otherworldly. The music inspired me to write a tune that went “Damn it, wham it, I just can’t stand it. Damn it, wham it and sweet roses”. I think I was five.
Describe your best musical memory to date.
The most epic musical experience I have had with Stinking Lizaveta was playing at Check Point Charlie’s in New Orleans on Halloween. We played our set once, then the bar owner told us to do it again. Maybe we even did it a third time, then saw the sun rise. This gig continued annually for many years until Katrina broke the chain.
When was a time when a firmly held belief was tested?
When I first started a band, I naively thought that if we played shows and put out records, our reputation would grow steadily over the years. I thought of the scene as a meritocracy, where good musicianship and creativity would inevitably be rewarded.
Sometimes I think I was terribly wrong, but sometimes I think I might have been right.
Where do you feel artistic progression leads?
The artist has the perilous task of filling the void they perceive in their community. This gives them the odious task of being the bad conscious of their scene.
How do you define success?
I like the idea of success being the opportunity to practice your art on your own terms.
What is something you have seen that you wish you hadn’t?
Sexism.
Describe something you haven’t created yet that you’d like to create.
A rock opera of Blade Runner.
What do you believe is the most essential function of art?
Art puts Humanity on display. It is that thing that makes us more than animals, more than dirt.
Something non-musical that you’re looking forward to?
I really enjoy watching The Avatar animated series over and over again with my two daughters.
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