Pachyman
Please introduce yourself: what do you do? where are you from? where are you now?
Pachy García aka Pachyman, originally from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico and now residing in Los Angeles, California. I'm a musician, multi instrumentalist and most recently a producer.
As a solo pilot in your DIY dub studio, you do it all. Seriously - drums, keys, guitar, bass, effects. Everything. How long have you been making dub music?
I’ve been playing in reggae bands since I was in high school but I started producing my own dub tracks in 2019. I started as a guitar player in high school but I left it early on. I started getting interested in piano when I discovered reggae and not long after I picked up the bass. I started playing drums when I moved to Los Angeles in 2012.
Of course, being from the Caribbean, the effect of reggae is undeniable. What attracted you to dub though? Who would you consider your strongest influences in dub music?
I was introduced to dub by the Augustus Pablo records that were produced by King Tubby. I was immediately drawn to the raw old sound and the experimental aspect that the engineer brought to the mixes. I then discovered Scientist and that was also very influential. Both King Tubby and Scientist are equally influential for me, they both have their own style that I’ve learned a lot from.
You really brought the sunshine to many throughout the pandemic year, virtually broadcasting live performances from your studio, brightening up some dark quarantine times with big, positive vibes. Were you surprised at all the incredible feedback responses?
I was definitely surprised that people were paying attention to the music. I kept doing it and I thought people were just bored of being on their phones all the time but I started receiving messages of people saying, “I look forward to your saturday videos all week!” and that really kept me going.
Pandemic or not, this is a big year for you. You released a new album, "The Return of Pachyman" (on ATO Records) and won the 2021 Discovery Award at this year’s Latin Alternative Music Conference. You're scheduled to hit the road to tour with the Grammy nominated Black Pumas in the Fall. Have you taken a moment to celebrate these successes?
It's been a whirlwind of amazing things happening. And sometimes I get overwhelmed, but I try to treat myself to a nice meal or some drinks from time to time. I mostly try to keep the momentum going and celebrate by doing more work.
Aside from dub reggae, you are also deep into synth punk. Your other project, Prettiest Eyes, is a psychedelic pop punk trio. In terms of performing live, how different has it been for you? From San Juan to LA, what comparisons stand out the most?
It's definitely a culture shock. Puerto Rico is very community driven so playing shows seems like a celebration and the show lineups tend to be all across the board while in LA they seem to maintain a cohesive musical style or cater to a particular scene. People also dance more in Puerto Rico.
The Pachyman sound is designed to be a healing sound, serving humanity for the highest good. What inspired you to dedicate your music to this universal intention?
I guess it happened during the pandemic. Lots of people were going through such tough times that I wanted to continue posting videos that were positive, light hearted and fun to take people's mind out of the harsh realities for a couple of minutes. I feel like the artists that inspired me to explore this sound also concentrated their efforts in achieving a righteous and healing sound.
What advice would you give to a young person from the diaspora who wants to do what you do?
Do it if you wanna do it and don't let anyone pressure you in or out of it. It's a huge cultural change. We’re a minority and we don't have the same opportunities as everyone else but don't get disheartened. Perseverance and work will be key. Achieving your goals will take longer than you think but if you believe in what you're doing, you will persevere. We Puerto Ricans are lucky to be able to come back and forth so always remember you can always go back if you don't feel like doing whatever you set yourself out to do. Be happy and proud you tried.