OBEY X marks ten years of keeping things wyrd in Halifax. To honour this milestone, we’ve invited some close friends of the festival to reflect on what their experiences with us over the years have meant. This one comes care Rachel Weldon. Rachel is a righteous promoter from Ottawa who runs Debaser. An inspiration both in policy and programming, every artist who performs with Rachel glows radiantly about her and her hard work.
O: Any valuable lessons you’ve taken away from OBEY?
R: Not so much lessons as cherished memories and exciting discoveries
O: What are some of your fondest memories of OBEY past?
R: The intense visceral sensations from Sarah Davachi’s set. A curious and captivating improvised set by Zs. Playing a mix of National Drone Day live streams through an amp pointed out toward the ocean. When Mykki Blanco left it all on stage. (This was all just from Obey IX!)
O: Any words of wisdom for people unacquainted with OBEY?
R: Don’t fear the unknown! Trust the programmers. Do / see / hear everything you can at Obey.
O: If OBEY were an acronym, what might it stand for?
R: Open Borders, Enter Yonder!
O: Why should people care about OBEY?
R: The programming is thoughtful and exciting, and the people are wonderful!
