Interview: Getting to Know Obelisk
Emerging from the underground with a sound that is as raw as it is resonant, enigmatic metalcore artist Obelisk is set to release his captivating debut album, ‘Brushed By Darkness’, on Friday 12th December. In this interview we learn a little more about the artist.
1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.
Sup! Thanks for having me! I’m Obelisk, a Scottish Metalcore artist from Edinburgh. I write and perform everything on my tracks. I got started because I was frustrated that people wouldn’t pay attention to my projects, so it was birthed out of frustration.
2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?
I’d say is Metalcore, with an electronic punk twinge to it. With a Scottish accent.
3. What’s currently keeping you busy? A new album/EP/single release? A new video? Playing live, or planning ahead?
First album is dropping on the 12th of December! So gearing up and preparing for that release!
4. What is about this current period that is particularly exciting for you?
Chatting to my amazing fans. I’ve had a slight blow up getting to 20k followers in 4 months, so chatting to those guys has been amazing.
5. Tell me about the work that has gone into making it a reality and what it means to you.
An insane amount of work. So I currently have a full time caring job, whilst putting this album together. So between writing the demos, and tracking every single instrument and vocal line myself whilst working full time was rough. I’d be out from 7am to midnight just to make sure things we’re moving in the right direction. Definitely negatively affected my health, but it’s all worth it… hopefully…
6. Making music and being creative can be a very positive experience and can be very good for the mind. In what way has making music had a positive impact on your mental health?
I’ve really started to find it as a place where I can express myself. I’ve really started to sit and finally get things off my mind and chest that have been embedded for years, and others that are new. I really feel like I can work through my emotions and thoughts by writing them out and it’s been a game changer!
7. It can also be incredibly challenging, more so in the modern times. What have been some challenging aspects of making music and how have you overcome them?
Finances have been the most difficult, especially doing things by myself. If it wasn’t for the very very reasonable studio rates I got I wouldn’t have been able to do this in this time frame. Not at all.
8. How do you handle the online aspects of being in a band? Having to put out content constantly, promoting across several different social media platforms, and having your success measured in likes and follows?
Starting to do well with it! Gained over 20k followers in a few months and I feel like I’m starting to get it. It’s difficult, and feels like a whole other full time job. But at the end of the day it’s free! And it can connect you to some lovely people!
9. How do you make this part of things enjoyable, and fulfilling, for yourself?
By engaging with the fans, that is the best part of it!
10. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support you?
Just keep listening! Commenting, liking, and reposting!
