"Synths are complex apparatuses, similar to labyrinths; it often takes a significant amount of time to truly decipher them - even I, 'Pachyman', have yet to grasp the intricacies of synths."
As summer approaches, Pachyman's latest album, "Another Place," offers a fresh and eclectic soundtrack for the warmer months. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Pachy Garcia, known professionally as Pachyman, has been creating his unique blend of dub reggae for several years. Now based in Los Angeles, he has aimed to venture beyond the genre's constraints on his new record.
"I needed to break out of the formalist dub reggae purist mindset to find a more personal sound, to create my own niche," Garcia shared.
While maintained its roots in dub, the new album incorporates elements from multiple genres, including post-punk, chillwave, and jazz, all skillfully constructed in Garcia's analogue gear-filled studio, 333 House.
MusicRadar spoke with Pachy to discuss the making of "Another Place," his assortment of unique gear, and his journey to finding his distinctive sound.
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"I kind of started where I left off with my previous record, 'Switched On.' But I went further into a different zone," Garcia explained. "On some of the songs, I wanted to showcase a little bit more of my influences and evolve the project."
Tracks on the album begin with a simple foundation of drums and bass, with keyboard and guitar layered on top, according to Garcia. He also revealed that, following his last album, he wrote more frequently on keyboards, focusing on figuring out the bass melody later in the process.
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When asked about the gear in 333 House, Garcia shared that his studio is relatively modest, yet boasts several treasured pieces, including vintage ribbon microphones from the 1950s and 60s, a Hammond M3 organ, and a 1970s Fender Musicmaster bass, which he adores for its idiosyncratic sound.
A friend also built a Soundcraft Series 1 Mk1 console for Garcia, which resembles the one used by Lee Scratch Perry in his Black Ark studio and now serves as the heart of 333 House.
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Garcia elaborated on his approach to recording: "I used to do a lot of tape recordings, but I've always worked in Ableton Live. I figured out a way to use digital that sounds the way I like it but still has that whole tape texture."
However, he noted that the tape process was slowing down his production process and added unwanted steps, like rewinding tapes. Despite this, he plans to return to working with tape in the future.
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The album, "Another Place," presents a fusion of musical styles that allows Pachyman to explore different zones, segueing into post-punk, jazz fusion interludes, and Latin-influenced reggae tracks.
While some might question the decision to deviate from traditional dub reggae, Pachy remains focused on being true to himself: "You have to be true to yourself and go with your gut feeling. Some people are purists, but then you're going to grab some new ears, too."
"Another Place" is available now, and for more information on Pachyman's tour and live dates, visit his official website.
The album, "Another Place," showcases Pachyman's venture beyond the constraints of traditional dub reggae, incorporating elements of post-punk, chillwave, and jazz into his unique sound. As Garcia shared, the recording process for the album involved a blend of his beloved analogue gear and digital technology.
