One to Watch
One Man Machine
By Sheri McKeeOne Man Machine (a.k.a. Bernard Pearce) has been playing music in New Orleans since 1994, and describes the scene as thriving and evolving. His music is an eclectic balance of groove driven hip-hop reflecting the love for his city.
WYAT: How would you describe the NOLA music scene?
OMM: The New Orleans music scene is so exciting because it’s so incredibly diverse ... you’ve got some amazing elder statesmen like Coco Robichaux … that guy is just a badass … also Walter Wolfman Washington is amazing and they are here and working in the city … also you’ve got guys like King Louie, and Quintron, and Ballzack, and all the out musicians like Rob Cambre and tons and tons of great creative musicians who not only live and breathe this city, but contribute to New Orleans -- and not just dry hump the fantasy of New Orleans.
WYAT: How would you describe your sound, and who has influenced you the most musically?
OMM: My sound is wild and crazy, freaked out like a junkie needing a fix. My music is on the edge; it’s messy. I’m most influenced by things, not people. People who don’t make music think that musicians are influenced by other musicians and maybe some musicians are … I’m more influenced by sounds like trains and traffic, bird songs and insect noise, like frogs after rain. I love Sun Ra and Fugazi, John Coltrane and Iggy Pop, and I guess if I like Iggy Pop then I have got to love David Bowie because he produced so much Iggy Pop. I also love Barry White. He is so smooth and such a genius; he is the most amazing man ever … what a man … f*cking Barry White … But I’m not really influenced by other musicians. I’m more influenced by 12- year-old Jameson, which is the greatest whiskey made. 12-year-old Jameson whiskey is the biggest influence on my music.
WYAT: What do you find is the hardest thing about being considered an “indie” artist and getting your name out to the public? What are some obstacles indie artists face in the New Orleans scene?
OMM: Well, it’s not a problem. “Indie” is short for “independent.” I’m just a musician -- an independent artist. New Orleans has room for everyone, and if you can’t find it here, then just go to NYC or San Francisco. New Orleans is very accommodating to music of all genres, metal, opera -- it’s a great city, this city of New Orleans…no obstacles here.
WYAT: How has the Internet helped indie artists get their music out into the public? Do you feel as though tools like MySpace, Facebook, etc., have helped your career?
OMM: I’m booking a tour right now, and it would have taken me three times as long to book the tour without MySpace. Back in the day about 10 years ago I would be on the phone all day every day trying to book shows and track down leads. Now booking a show is as easy as getting on MySpace … he rest is up to the clubs and if they like what they hear.
WYAT: What is your inspiration behind your music? What drives you to create?
OMM: That’s a good question. I really don’t know. It feels good to make music, and the way I write and perform. I get so much good out of it; I feel complete when I am creating. It’s a compulsion, and it can be meditative too. Performing for people is really fun. I love to give people a good show.
WYAT: What is the meaning and message behind some of your songs?
OMM: “French Doors” is about saying goodbye … forever … telling my children that I’ll die one day. “Promised Land” is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King.
WYAT: Have you heard that some artists want an organized musician’s union so they can set standards and the club owners can’t dictate cost? What are some of your feelings on the matter? Some artists will simply play for a FREE bar tab while others are trying to make a living ... your thoughts?
OMM: New Orleans already has a musician’s union; club owners have it tough. I have owned and operated several music venues and it’s a tough biz. I think that New Orleans club owners are very fair. The fact of the matter is that most musicians will never make a living playing music. It’s hard and you have to be into music for something more than money. The hard reality is that most musicians out there are mediocre just like me … I am a mediocre musician making music because I love to do it, and I thank GOD that people come out to see me play. I thank GOD that I can even book one show, and I always thank the audience for putting up with my sh*t. It’s a privilege to play music, and play the music I want to play. It’s really an honor to play music for people. I’d pay to have that honor. For me I don’t give a f*ck about the money. Of course I need it, but that isn’t why I play music. I obviously need a manager, since I have a hard time taking money from people when it comes to my music. I just end up giving my CDs away or putting way too many people on the guest list at shows, so I guess I’m on the “free bar tab” end of the argument.
WYAT: Why have you chosen to stay in New Orleans, and what do you see in the future for the local artists?
OMM: I love New Orleans, but I don’t see myself living here forever, though. I’m a Louisiana native, and I am thankful I grew up and live here now, but I’d love to live in Maui for a while and Paris for a couple of years. New Orleans is great -- it’s a great city, but I consider myself a citizen of the universe and I want to see this planet. I want to travel the whole world! When I’m done seeing the whole world then maybe I’ll come back to New Orleans. I don’t have a crystal ball …We should ask the guys in Jackson Square with the Tarot cards about the future … I just take it one day at a time …