Interviews: Stone Machine Electric

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Psychedelic Stoner Rock band Stone Machine Electric from the USA. Check out this interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or just come out with that?

We were initially going to call ourselves Stone Machine until we did a search and found that the name was already being used. So we just added “Electric” to the end instead of trying to come up with a different name.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

At the time we formed this area was overrun with “Pantera babies.” I enjoy playing heavy riffs, but didn’t want to play that style of heavy. I felt this area could stand having something different. Since I was surrounded by the other types of metal bands and cover bands, I didn’t know that bands of this genre existed here. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that some did exist, giving us other bands to do shows with. And we made some great friends.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Erick is a newcomer to the area, so we didn’t know him beforehand. But Mark and I have known each other for decades. Long before even the thought of SME existed. And we had played together previously as well. I can’t remember when he and I first met exactly, but it would have been in the late ‘80s.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Dub: For myself, it’s Led Zeppelin. I dig many bands and genres, but when I have to choose one, it’s them hands down. I really dig how they can take from and play many different styles and create something new and different while still sounding like themselves.

Erick: Hard to say just one but I'll go with Yob

Mark: I'm a big Frank Zappa fan, so I'll go with that. He's done so many different things, and there is so much material.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Dub: This is a tricky question. Many answers citing various people, places, events, and such can be given. But the real answer is the universe.

Erick: Going to shows always gives me the itch to play and write.

Mark: I just have a drive to create music and art. Current events or just things that catch my attention typically drive the direction it goes.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at Andy's in Denton, Texas. We played on a bill with Mond Funeral and Momovudu. Great night! Unfortunately, Andy's recently closed. Hare to venues shut down, especially ones that have been there for over a decade.

7. Where would you like to act?

Dub: I assume what’s meant is play/perform as I’m not an actor. Though that could be interesting at times. Haha, any place where the people really enjoy the experience. The place itself doesn’t matter as much. But to name a place, I would say Europe in general. Based on a tour I was associated with there, as well as hearing about others’ experiences, the people there really appreciate the arts. Every city we were in was a great show filled with great enthusiasm.

Erick: Desertfest

Mark: Anywhere we're wanted! But I've always been interested in Roadburn, that would be awesome!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Dub: That’s a tough question, as we’ve been fortunate to be able to play with some great bands. Some known, some unknown. It would be cool to play with Wo Fat again and have a jam session at the end, even though we’ve already done that. Basically, any band we gel with on stage and off, regardless of genre. Maybe some of those K-pop groups. I’m kidding about that, of course. haha

Erick: Red Fang

Mark: I'd love to play a show with Earth, Elder, or Sunn O)))

9. Whom not?

Dub: I’ll keep this one short. The first two that popped into my head are Ted Nugent and Kid Rock.

Erick: Pantera, ha!

Mark: I agree with Dub and Erick!

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Dub: I wouldn’t call it stage fright, but I do get the jitters. It’s more a rush of adrenaline that levels out. It usually hits the hardest when I’m rushing to get the gear set up due to not having much time to do so. That carries over into the first minutes of the first song until it levels out and I find the universe again. When I don’t need to rush, it’s not as common. So, I really don’t have any tips about beating stage fright. Maybe just relax and let things flow. Don’t think about it. 

Erick: Play like you're in your garage and give it all out there. If you make mistakes, take them as a lesson and get better next time. Mark. Not stage fright so much as the fear of forgetting what I'm supposed to be playing. Just gotta practice and get that muscle memory locked in.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Dub: Many bands have inspired me, but the ones who inspired me the most would be KISS, Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers, and Gov’t Mule. Probably not bands you were expecting. haha

Mark: Other than Zappa, my main influences as of late are Earth, Sunn O))), Negativland, and Butthole Surfers. Love a mix of heavy, minimal, and weird.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Dub: It’s probably weird that this is weird, but my autograph. SME wasn’t even playing the tour. I was working the merch table for some friends who were touring Europe. Multiple people asked for my autograph. This was back in 2016, I think. I didn’t realize that so many people over there knew who we were. It was cool. 

Mark: Can't say I've had that experience, yet...

13. What do you think of your fans?

Dub: Man, they’re great. It’s always great to see them and visit. They make this all worthwhile.

Erick: Thanks for supporting us and all of the underground scene!

Mark: Grateful we have them and they dig what we are doing!

14. What do you think of our site?

It's a great-looking site, and it looks like a great place to discover lots of underground metal of all types. Love that you cover all the metal that comes out from the underground!

15. Something to add?

Thanks for taking the time to reach out to us, and especially for covering our signing with Argonauta Records! We can't wait to update everyone on the next steps and release date for our next album, Faces!