LAMACCHIA – AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN LaMACCHIA
John LaMacchia has embarked on a new chapter of his storied career. He is a member of the illustrious Brooklyn prog metal ensemble, Candiria, The band is famous for their utter destruction of musical genres. They effortlessly weave music that incorporates jazz, prog, hardcore punk, metal and grindcore in order to create a totally novel sound.
John is currently putting forth his first ever solo project called LAMACCHIA. The music is moody and layered with sonic nuances that create imaginative soundscapes. The aural palette reminds one of Massive Attack, Dove and Radiohead. In order to achieve his ultimate objective, LaMacchia has assembled an amazing list of uber talented musicians including Kellii Scott (Failure) on drums, Michael MacIvor (Candiria) on bass and Mario Quintero (Spotlights). He also utilizes vocalists Sabrina Ellie, Candice Freshko and Andrea Horne (Vaureen).
LaMacchia recently dropped two edgy singles entitled “Bled Out”.and “Angels Delight” from his forthcoming album, Thunderheads (Aqualamb Records). Both songs develop strong male-female vocal interplay that establishes a unique cinematic aura. “Bled Out”, featuring Sabrina Ellie, is a deep dive through crunchy guitars and free falling bass. The refined blending of their distinct voices delivers a profound ethereal feel. “Angels Delight” is darker in tone. The song conveys a melancholy cadence with Freshko’s voice disbursing waves of somber textures. Both showcase LaMacchia’s brilliance.
John LaMacchia was kind enough to answer a few questions form AMP.
AMP: What inspired you to be a musician?
JOHN: My parents played a big roll in getting me to play an instrument. My father in particular pushed for me to take music lessons and play the guitar. I am eternally grateful for that.
AMP: Which skill have you gained that help you perform effectively?
JOHN: I guess the simple answer is playing with great drummers. I have been very fortunate to play with some of the best drummers in my music scene. Watching them play and discussing the complexities of drumming, time signature and rhythm in general is something I have been able to apply to my playing and writing style.
AMP: Your new project LAMACCHIA is sonically different from your band Candiria. What was the impetus for creating LAMACCHIA?
JOHN: If Candiria is mind and body then LAMACCHIA is heart and spirit and the heart and spirit must be exercised. It’s only natural that their would be a significant difference in the sound and style of my own music. Playing extremely complex and highly physical music for many years left me with a great desire to reconnect with music based on feel.
AMP: Can you describe your writing process when you write new music?
Usually a song starts with me playing an acoustic guitar and I come up with something that inspires me. I will then record the idea on my iPhone and begin listening back and considering different melodies and layers.
AMP: Why did you select the musicians and collaborators you use on the new album?
JOHN: I like working with people I am close with. I enjoy the process of making music and I want to enjoy that process with people I have a good connection with. For example, Michael MacIvor and I have been working together for over thirty years. We understand each other musically. We know each other’s strong points and have a good idea of what to expect from one another. Also, we both share a similar taste in music overall. So it’s a good fit. Why fix what is not broken.
AMP: How did you get hooked up with Aqualamb Records and why is it a good fit?
JOHN: I knew one of the owners of the company, Eric Palmeri through the local music scene. We became friends and over time Eric expressed interest in working with me. I also expressed interest in working with Aqualamb. In addition, I really enjoy their design aesthetic. I also never made a book and was very interested in the possibility of putting one out with them. A lot of record labels are catching on to the idea of releasing books but Aqualamb has been doing it for many years.
AMP: What’s the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
JOHN: The only thing that comes to mind was the lessons Candiria learned from touring with Neurosis in the late 90’s. Here was a band that was putting on a show that consisted of not just music but also a 16mm film projection performance as well each night. It was a spectacle to say the least and an arduous daily task for the band and crew to pull off which they did every single night. Before touring with Neurosis, let’s just say we weren’t the most professional band at the time. But watching this group of musicians, artists and their crew do their thing each day. How professional and dedicated they were greatly changed our perspective on things and gave us a better understanding of why you need to show up on time to each gig and have your shit together.
AMP: Are there any plans for a tour once the full length is released?
JOHN: We will be doing some tour dates this summer. As of now August 4th to August 7th are booked for an East Coast run.
AMP: Anything else you would like to add?
JOHN: Yes please find me on social media and follow! @lamacchiamusic and please pre order my album at www.Aqualamb.org
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